1cupBlackberries, (cut in half), additional for garnish
1cupRaspberries, , additional for garnish
1cupBlueberries, , additional for garnish
1cupStrawberries, (cut into quarters), additional for garnish
Chantilly Cream Frosting
2 1/2cups(600g)Heavy Cream, (cold)
3 1/2cups(438g)Powdered Sugar
1tbspVanilla Bean Paste
1/4tspAlmond Extract
16oz(454g)Mascarpone, (cold)
8oz(226g)Cream Cheese, (room temperature
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray 4 8-inch round cake pans with nonstick baking spray or line with parchment paper. (you can use 3 pans for thicker cake layers)
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, nutmeg, and kosher salt. 3 3/4 cups Cake Flour1 tbsp + 1/4 tsp Baking Powder1/4 tsp Nutmeg1 tsp Kosher Salt
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter, vegetable oil, and granulated sugar on medium speed until fluffy, about 3 minutes, until pale and fluffy. 3/4 cup Salted Butter1/2 cup Vegetable Oil 2 2/3 cups Sugar
Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula. Reduce mixer speed to low and begin adding eggs, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated prior to adding the next. Then add all of the egg whites and mix until combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. It'll take about 1 minute for the egg whites to become fully incorporated into the butter mixture so be patient. Add in vanilla bean paste (or extract) and almond extract and mix to combine, about 15 seconds. 4 large Eggs2 Egg Whites2 tbsp Vanilla Bean Paste 3/4 tsp Almond Extract
Add half of the dry ingredients to the bowl, then add the whole milk, heavy cream, and sour cream and mix until just combined, about 15 seconds. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and add the remainder of the flour mixture. Continue to mix until just combined and smooth, about 15 seconds. 3/4 cup Whole Milk1/2 cups Heavy Cream1/2 cup Sour Cream
Divide the cake batter among the prepared pans. Bake until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean, 28 to 30 minutes. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes. Remove from pans, and let cool completely on a wire rack.
Cut the berries in half (cut the strawberries into quarters) and place into a large bowl. Set aside. 1 cup Blackberries1 cup Raspberries1 cup Blueberries1 cup Strawberries
Now make the mascarpone chantilly cream. Add heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla bean paste, and almond extract to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Mix on low speed for about 1 minute, gradually increasing to medium-high speed. Mix for 2-3 minutes, until the cream begins to thicken (soft peaks), then add mascarpone and cream cheese. Continue to mix until stiff peaks are reached, about 1-2 minutes, until smooth and creamy. 2 1/2 cups Heavy Cream3 1/2 cups Powdered Sugar1 tbsp Vanilla Bean Paste 1/4 tsp Almond Extract16 oz Mascarpone8 oz Cream Cheese
Place the first cake layer on a cake stand. Brush with the raspberry jam (if it's too thick, microwave for 10 seconds to loosen it up a bit), then spread an even layer of frosting onto the cake. Sprinkle with 1/3 of the berries. Top with the next cake layer and repeat until all layers are added. Spread a thin layer of frosting on top and sides of the cake. Place into the refrigerator to set for 30 minutes. Remove from the refrigerator and use an offset spatula to add the remainder of the frosting. Garnish with berries on top. 1/2 cup Raspberry Jam or Preserves
Notes
Room temperature ingredients are a must. Cold eggs or butter can break with the batter and lead to uneven mixing. You'll want to use room temperature eggs, butter, heavy cream, and sour cream for the cake.
Whip the mascarpone cream just until smooth. Over-mixing can cause it to break or turn grainy.
Chill the cake before frosting. A cold cake is easier to frost, especially with a soft whipped cream based frosting.
Assemble with care. Add a thin layer of frosting between each cake layer to keep the berries in place and prevent sliding.
Assemble and Decorate right before serving - Berries can release juices over time, so keep it looking fresh by adding fruit at the end.