What exactly is a Chantilly Cake?

A Chantilly Cake is a delicate, airy white or vanilla cake layered with a rich mascarpone whipped cream frosting and fresh summer fruits. It is most commonly filled and topped with a juicy mixture of fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries.

What is the difference between Chantilly frosting and regular whipped cream?

Traditional whipped cream is simply heavy cream whipped with sugar and vanilla. Chantilly frosting, however, folds in soft mascarpone cheese (and occasionally a little cream cheese). This addition creates a much richer, thicker, and creamier texture that is stable enough to hold up between heavy cake layers.

Can I substitute regular cream cheese for mascarpone?

Yes, if you cannot find mascarpone, you can substitute it with an equal amount of regular cream cheese. Keep in mind that American cream cheese is firmer and tangier, so your frosting won't be quite as delicately sweet and smooth. Alternatively, using a blend of half cream cheese and half well-drained ricotta works nicely.

Does a Chantilly Cake need to be refrigerated?

Yes, because the frosting contains fresh dairy (mascarpone, cream cheese, and heavy whipping cream) and fresh berries, this cake must be kept in the refrigerator. It is best to take it out about 20-30 minutes before serving so the cake crumb can soften slightly before slicing.

The Ultimate Chantilly Cake Recipe (Easy Bakery Copycat)2026

The Ultimate Berry Chantilly Cake Recipe

Print Recipe

Author: Maya
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 28 minutes
Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins (includes cooling)
Yield: 12 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Cake Layers:

2 ½ cups cake flour (or AP flour + cornstarch sub)
1 tbsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
6 large egg whites, room temperature
¾ cup whole milk, room temperature

Simple Syrup:

1 cup water
1 cup granulated sugar

Mascarpone Frosting:

8 oz mascarpone cheese, softened
8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 cups heavy whipping cream, cold
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

Fruit Filling & Topping:

1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
1 cup fresh blueberries
1 cup fresh raspberries

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line and grease two 8-inch round cake pans.
Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt together. Set aside.
Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg whites and vanilla; mix well.
Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture. Mix until just combined.
Divide batter into pans. Bake 25-28 minutes. Let cool completely, then slice each in half horizontally.
Boil 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar to make the simple syrup. Let cool.
Whip heavy cream and vanilla to stiff peaks. In a separate bowl, beat mascarpone, cream cheese, and powdered sugar until smooth. Fold whipped cream into the cheese mixture.
To assemble: Brush bottom cake layer with simple syrup. Spread a layer of frosting and top with mixed berries. Repeat for all layers.
Frost the outside of the cake. Decorate the top with remaining fresh berries.
Chill until ready to serve. Enjoy!

Find it online: https://www.endrecipes.com/chantilly-cake/