Are you craving a decadent dessert that doesn't compromise on health? Look no further! This Whole Food Berry Chantilly Cake is the perfect balance of indulgence and wholesome goodness. Light, fluffy, and bursting with fresh berry flavor, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a special occasion or a simple weeknight treat. It's a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this show-stopping, yet surprisingly simple, homemade cooking masterpiece!
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ½ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup almond milk (or other milk alternative)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup fresh berries (mixed berries, raspberries, or blueberries work beautifully)
For the Chantilly Cream:
- 1 cup heavy cream (full-fat recommended for best results)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 1 cup fresh berries (same as used in the cake)
- Optional: Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
Making the Cake:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan. This ensures the cake releases easily and prevents sticking.
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Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat pastry flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Thoroughly combining the dry ingredients is crucial for a light and even texture.
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Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the applesauce, maple syrup, almond milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
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Combine: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
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Fold in Berries: Gently fold in the ½ cup of fresh berries.
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Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Chantilly Cream:
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Chill: Ensure your bowl and beaters are thoroughly chilled. This helps the cream whip up properly.
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Whip: In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form.
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Sweeten & Flavor: Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat, as this can result in a grainy texture.
Assembling the Cake:
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Layer: Once the cake is completely cool, spread the Chantilly cream evenly over the top.
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Garnish: Arrange the remaining 1 cup of fresh berries on top of the cream. Add fresh mint leaves for an elegant touch, if desired.
Tips & Variations:
- Flour: For a lighter cake, you can substitute half of the whole wheat pastry flour with all-purpose flour.
- Sweetener: Adjust the amount of maple syrup to your preference. Honey or agave nectar can also be used as substitutes.
- Berries: Feel free to experiment with different types of berries or use a combination of your favorites. Frozen berries can be used, but make sure they are thawed and drained before adding them to the batter.
- Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake batter for a warm, spiced flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used, but a general estimate per serving is:
- Calories: 350-400
- Protein: 5-7g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 45-55g
- Fiber: 3-5g
This Whole Food Berry Chantilly Cake recipe offers a healthy and delicious dessert option perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings without the guilt. Enjoy this delightful treat as a quick dinner idea or special occasion dessert! It's a fantastic example of delicious dishes that are both easy and healthy. This recipe consistently ranks among the best recipes for its ease and delicious results.