Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper.
- Sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until pale and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes). Add vanilla extract and mix briefly.
- Heat the milk and butter together gently until the butter melts. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk mixture to the egg mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined; do not over mix.
- Stir in the vegetable oil gently until fully incorporated, creating a smooth batter.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove cakes from oven and allow to cool in pans for 10 minutes. Then turn out onto cooling racks and cool completely.
- Prepare the Chantilly cream In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Gently fold in the mascara cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the cake Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of Chantilly cream and optional fresh berries on top. Repeat with remaining layers. Finish by frosting the top and sides with Chantilly cream. Decorate with additional berries if desired. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
For best results, ensure all utensils and bowls are cold when making Chantilly cream. If you don’t have parchment, carefully grease and flour the pans. Use room temperature eggs they whip up better and help the cake rise.