There are lots of layers to love in this Chantilly Cake. With its classic flavor and gorgeous colorful appearance, this southern US staple belongs on every dessert tray. We use Lifeway Kefir in this Chantilly Cake, for a light and springy sponge cake and then cover the cake in sweet, delicious frosting. It’s a rich and creamy treat, stacked with juicy berries, and loaded with Lifeway’s signature probiotics. Made with the classic flavors of mascarpone cheese, vanilla, and fresh berries.
Cultured Dairy: The Nutrition Benefits You Actually Need to Know
With increasing research linking the correlation between probiotics, gut health, and immunity, it’s no secret that the integrity of our gut is vital to our health. Although additional factors such as stress, antibiotic usage, and individual health conditions can contribute to the condition of our gut, a focus on healthy food choices is one of the easiest ways to support the microbiome.
Several studies have shown a strong association between the gut-brain-microbiota. Probiotics introduced to the gut have been found to support immunity, improve allergies, and improve digestion.
Studies have shown that reduced diversity of healthy gut bacteria during early years is associated with an increase in food allergies during school-age years. In addition, kefir made from whole fat milk helps absorb key nutrients such as Vitamins A, D, E, and K. Vitamin K is important because it helps your bones absorb calcium. It’s important to know that kefir contains a special trio: vitamin D, K, and calcium – all three crucial elements to support bone health. Lifeway Farmer Cheese is also a great source of all these nutrients, just in a different format for all the cheese lovers out there.
Prebiotics + Probiotics = A Healthier You
Prebiotics are non-living, non-digestible carbohydrates naturally found in a variety of fiber-rich plant foods. Your body actually can’t digest prebiotics, so they’re what probiotics feed off of to remain actively working in your digestive system. They help the digestive system by promoting the growth of good bacteria. Prebiotics and probiotics work together in balance to make sure our digestive system stays on track and regular. Research has found that consuming a variety of prebiotic and probiotic food sources may improve your body’s natural functions, including both your immune and digestive systems.
Prep Time: 60 mins Servings: 8-10Ingredients
- Cake:
- ¾ cup unsalted butter or vegan alternative butter (sticks, not spread)
- 1 ½ cups organic cane sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temp
- 2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
- 2 ⅓ organic all-purpose baking flour (or gluten-free alternative)
- 2 ½ tsp. baking powder
- ½ tsp. fine sea salt
- ¾ cup Plain Lowfat Kefir
- Frosting:
- 16 ounces mascarpone cheese
- 16 ounces cream cheese
- 3 cups organic confectioner’s sugar
- 2 cups Organic Plain Whole Milk Kefir
- 2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
- ⅔ cup seedless strawberry jam
- 2 cups each of fresh blueberries, sliced strawberries, and fresh raspberries, plus additional for garnish and/or serving if desired.
Directions
- Step 1: Cake Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line the bottoms of 2 greased 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper and grease the parchment paper as well.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the butter, sugar, and cream until light and fluffy (about 7 minutes). Add the vanilla and then add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- In a separate mixing bowl, add the flour, baking soda, and salt and stir together to fully incorporate. Add this to the cream mixture in step 2. Next, add Lifeway Low-Fat Kefir and beat well (use a hand mixer if needed). Once combined (but not overmixed), pour into the prepared pans; make sure the batter is distributed evenly amongst the pans.
- Bake the cakes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 25-30 minutes, or until a fork or flat edge knife comes out clean.
- Remove cakes from the oven, let cool in a dry cool place on the counter for 15 minutes, then carefully lift the parchment out of the pans and dry the cakes for an additional hour on wire racks, or until completely cool to the touch. Move onto the frosting while these cool.
- Frosting:
- In a small bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese and cream cheese until thoroughly blended. Next, add the confectioner’s sugar until smooth and stiff.
- In a separate bowl, beat Lifeway Organic Whole Milk Vanilla Kefir and the remaining 2 tsp. vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Add this to the mascarpone mixture and beat on low speed with a hand mixer until fully combined. It should be fluffy at this point. Refrigerate until ready to use (if still waiting on cakes to cool) which will help them set up further.
- Final Step, Assemble the Layers:
- Cut the cakes horizontally, carefully, with a long, flat serrated knife if you have one (like a bread knife). Spread ⅓ cup of the seedless strawberry jam onto the cut sides. Top with 1 cup of the prepared frosting and spread evenly. Add ½ cup of the fresh berries on top of the frosting. Top with another cake layer, gently pressing down. Repeat this step with the next layer.
- Once you have your 4 layers, it’s time to frost the whole cake (sides and top). Start with frosting the sides of the cake with an icing knife if you have one. Add just enough frosting to cover (about ½ cup), but it should be a thin layer of frosting on the sides of the cake. Some berries on the inside can be slightly slowing.
- To frost the top, smooth the remaining amount of frosting on the top and add the rest of your berries on top however you like. They’re usually arranged in the center of the top of the cake, going outward almost in a spiral, but there are no rules here. Add the rest of them however you want!
- Once the cake is finished, slice and serve, or place in the fridge until serving. Serve with more fresh berries if desired. Refrigerate any leftovers you have, up to 4 days.
