Whole Foods Chantilly Cake Recipe: A Decadent Delight

Whole Foods Market is known for its high-quality ingredients and delectable baked goods. While they don't publicly share their exact recipes, we can create a delicious Chantilly cake inspired by their exquisite offerings. This recipe focuses on achieving a similar luxurious texture and flavor profile using readily available ingredients.

Understanding the Chantilly Cake

Before diving into the recipe, let's understand what makes a Chantilly cake so special. It's characterized by its light and airy texture, thanks to whipped cream (chantilly cream) incorporated into the cake batter or frosting. This creates a less dense, more delicate cake compared to traditional butter cakes. The flavor profile is typically subtle, allowing the richness of the cream to shine. We'll aim for a similar elegant simplicity in our homemade version.

Ingredients for the Whole Foods Inspired Chantilly Cake

This recipe yields a 9-inch, two-layer cake. Adjust quantities as needed for different sized pans.

For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk

For the Chantilly Cream:

• 2 cups heavy cream, well-chilled
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions: Baking the Whole Foods Inspired Cake

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

2. Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is crucial for a tender crumb.

4. Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.

5. Alternate Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined – avoid overmixing.

6. Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Making the Chantilly Cream

1. Whip the Cream: In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form.

2. Sweeten & Flavor: Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip.

Assembling the Chantilly Cake

1. Level the Cakes: Once the cakes are completely cool, use a serrated knife to level the tops if necessary, ensuring even layers.

2. Frost & Stack: Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of Chantilly cream over the top. Carefully place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining cream.

3. Decorate (Optional): You can decorate your cake with fresh berries, chocolate shavings, or a dusting of powdered sugar. Let your creativity shine!

Tips for Success

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for optimal creaming.
• Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
• Chill the Cream: Using well-chilled cream is essential for achieving stiff peaks when whipping.

This recipe offers a delicious and elegant take on a Whole Foods Chantilly Cake. While it may not be the exact recipe, it captures the essence of its light, airy texture and delightful flavor. Enjoy creating this decadent treat!