Beautiful Berry Cake with Whipped Cream

Name: Beautiful Berry Cake with Whipped Cream
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 slices
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 3 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup buttermilk; 2 cups mixed fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries); 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 2 tablespoons powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Family Baking Recipes

When I first made this Beautiful Berry Cake with Whipped Cream, I was blown away by how vibrant and delicious it turned out. The marriage of fluffy vanilla cake with fresh, juicy berries and airy whipped cream creates a delightful experience for the senses. I love how simple yet impressive this dessert is, making it a favorite for gatherings and family celebrations. This cake not only satisfies a sweet tooth but also brings a spectrum of colors to the table, making every slice a visual treat.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-04T16:53:28.552Z

I remember the first time I served this Beautiful Berry Cake at a summer barbecue. The vibrant colors of the berries paired beautifully with the whipped cream, and everyone was instantly drawn to it. I used a mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, which not only add flavor but also visual appeal. The key is to use fresh, ripe berries to achieve the best taste.

What I found truly rewarding was how quickly it came together. Once I baked the cake and let it cool, I whipped the cream right before serving to keep it light and fluffy. This little detail ensures it doesn't sag or separate, maintaining the cake's beautiful presentation right until the last slice.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
The perfect blend of sweet and tart from the fresh berries
Luxuriously creamy whipped cream that complements every bite
A show-stopping dessert that is surprisingly easy to make

Understanding the Ingredients

The foundational ingredient for this Beautiful Berry Cake is all-purpose flour, which contributes to the cake's light and fluffy texture. It's essential to properly measure the flour by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off to avoid dense cake. The combination of unsalted butter and granulated sugar creates a rich base, with the butter adding moisture and flavor, while the sugar helps to aerate the mixture, ensuring that our cake rises beautifully.

A key player in achieving the perfect crumb is buttermilk. It not only adds a slight tang to balance the sweetness of the cake but also reacts with the baking soda to create a tender texture. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, a simple substitute can be made by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice; let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using.

Mastering the Whipped Cream

Preparing the whipped cream is straightforward, yet attention to detail is crucial for achieving the right consistency. Start with very cold heavy whipping cream, as this will help in developing stiff peaks more efficiently. I recommend chilling the mixing bowl and beaters in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes before whipping the cream. This extra step helps the cream whip up quicker and holds its shape longer when served on the cake.

When adding powdered sugar, do so gradually; this helps prevent clumping and ensures a smooth, glossy finish. If you're looking for a less sweet version, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar or even substitute it with a sugar-free alternative. Just keep in mind that the sweetness will still play a role in the overall balance of flavors when paired with the tartness of the berries.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Beautiful Berry Cake

For the Cake

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk

For the Topping

2 cups mixed fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

How to Make Beautiful Berry Cake

Prepare the Cake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.

Combine and Bake

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Prepare the Whipped Cream

In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Once the cakes are completely cool, place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of whipped cream on top, followed by half of the mixed berries. Place the second cake layer on top and repeat the process. Top the entire cake with the remaining whipped cream and berries.

Enjoy!

Pro Tips

To keep the whipped cream from melting, serve the cake immediately after assembling it. You can also refrigerate it for a little while, but serve it the same day for the best texture.

Serving and Storage Tips

This Beautiful Berry Cake is best served fresh on the day it is made, particularly because whipped cream has a tendency to lose its texture over time. If you need to prepare in advance, consider baking the cake layers a day ahead, wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap after they've cooled, and storing them at room temperature. You can then whip the cream and assemble the cake just before serving to ensure the topping remains fluffy.

Leftover cake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. However, keep in mind that once the cream and berries are added, the cake may become soggy over time. To avoid this, you can store the assembled cake in the fridge for about 24 hours at most and serve it within that timeframe for optimal freshness.

Variations and Customization

This cake is incredibly versatile, and you can easily swap out the berries for other seasonal fruits. For example, peaches, cherries, or even diced apples can bring a different flavor profile while still maintaining the cake's delightful texture. If you're feeling adventurous, you can infuse the whipped cream with a bit of lemon zest or almond extract to elevate the flavor further.

For those who prefer a bit of chocolate, layering the cake with chocolate ganache between the layers or drizzling it on top as a finishing touch can create a rich variation. Alternatively, you could incorporate cocoa powder into the cake batter for a chocolate version—just reduce the flour by ¼ cup and add ¼ cup of cocoa powder for balanced flavor.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen berries, but fresh berries will give you the best flavor and texture.

→ How long can I store the cake?

You can store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, the whipped cream may start to lose its texture.

→ Can I make the cake in advance?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance and assemble it just before serving.

→ Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?

You can substitute buttermilk with almond milk and use dairy-free whipped cream to make this cake dairy-free.