Vanilla Berries Cake
Easies vanilla cake recipe!
This vanilla cake with mascarpone cream and fresh berries is incredibly soft, light, and creamy. The sponge is moist and airy, and the cream is silky and rich, a perfect balance of vanilla and freshness.
Total Time
Prep time: 35 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Chilling time: 3–5 hours
Total: About 5–6 hours (including chilling)
Ingredients
For the Sponge
(You can bake it in three 6-inch pans or two 8-inch pan)
- 8 large eggs
- 1 ⅓ cups (320 g) sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
- ⅔ cup (160 ml) milk
- ⅓ cup (80 ml) sour cream (20–25%)
- 3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour
- 3 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
For the Mascarpone Cream
- 10.5 oz (300 g) mascarpone cheese, room temperature
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) heavy cream (33–35%), cold
- ¾ cup (90 g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Filling and Decoration
- 2 cups (300–350 g) fresh berries – strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries
- Milk or simple syrup (2 tsp sugar + 1 cup water) – for soaking the cake layers
Optional:
- White chocolate ganache for decoration (optional)
(or double the cream amount and decorate with it, adding berries on top).
- Preheat the oven to 320°F (160°C). Line the bottoms of two 6-inch (15 cm) pans with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, and salt for 7–10 minutes, until pale and fluffy.
- Add the oil and vanilla extract; mix on low speed until combined.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together milk and sour cream, and warm slightly to room temperature.
5. Sift flour with baking powder. Add to the egg mixture alternately with the milk–sour cream mixture
6. Divide the batter evenly between the two pans.
7. Bake for 40–45 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Cool in the pan for about 20-30 minutes, then transfer to a rack. Once cooled completely, wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 2–4 hours — it will be easier to slice.
Make the Cream
- In a large mixing bowl, combine mascarpone, powdered sugar, and cold heavy cream.
- Beat with a mixer on medium speed until the mixture thickens and forms soft peaks (do not overbeat).
- Add vanilla extract and mix briefly to combine.
→ The cream should be smooth, fluffy, and stable.
Assemble the Cake
- Slice each sponge into 2–3 layers (depending on thickness).
2. Lightly soak each layer with milk or simple syrup
3. Spread a generous layer of cream and add fresh berries between the layers
4. Cover the top and sides of the cake with cream
5. Wrap the cake in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3–5 hours to set.
6. Decorate with berries or white chocolate ganache if desired.
Tips for Best Results
- Sour cream in the batter makes the sponge extra tender.
- Baking at a lower temperature (320°F) keeps the cake light and prevents dryness.
- The mascarpone cream is stable without gelatin, smooth and fluffy.
- For a taller or more decorated cake, double the cream amount and use it for both filling and finishing.
