What is a Gentilly cake made of?

A Gentilly cake typically includes layers of almond-flavored sponge cake , light whipped mascarpone frosting , and fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. The frosting is often a blend of cream cheese, mascarpone, and whipped cream, creating a texture that’s light, airy, and slightly tangy.

What’s the difference between Chantilly and Gentilly cake?

The main difference lies in the cake base and flavor profile . Gentilly cake uses an almond or white sponge cake with a tangier whipped frosting. Chantilly cake often uses yellow cake or butter cake and tends to be slightly sweeter, with a heavier focus on mascarpone or whipped cream only.

Does Gentilly cake need to be refrigerated?

Yes! Because it contains whipped cream, cream cheese, and fresh fruit, Gentilly cake must be refrigerated . It stays fresh in the fridge for 2–3 days and should be kept covered.

Can I make Gentilly cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake layers 1–2 days ahead and refrigerate them. Assemble the cake the day you plan to serve it for the best texture, and add berries just before serving to keep them fresh.

Where can I buy a Gentilly cake?

Popular places to buy Gentilly cake include: Rouses Markets (Louisiana/Gulf Coast) Whole Foods Market (as "Berry Chantilly Cake") Local Southern or French bakeries

Can I freeze Gentilly cake?

You can freeze the cake layers (before frosting or adding fruit) for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing the assembled cake, as whipped frosting and berries do not freeze and thaw well.

What berries work best in a Gentilly cake?

The classic combo includes strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries . You can also add blackberries or substitute with seasonal fruit like sliced peaches, but always use fresh fruit , not frozen.

Can I make Gentilly cake gluten-free or dairy-free?

Absolutely! Use a gluten-free flour blend for the sponge, and substitute the dairy with vegan cream cheese, coconut cream, and plant-based milk . Just note the texture may be slightly different, so keep it chilled before serving.

Gentilly Cake Recipe: Light, Fresh & Elegant Dessert 🍓

Description

This homemade Gentilly Cake is a light, Southern-inspired dessert made with almond sponge cake, whipped mascarpone frosting, and layers of fresh berries. It’s perfect for birthdays, brunches, or any day that deserves a little extra sweetness.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
¾ cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 ¾ cups sugar
4 large eggs
1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp almond extract
1 ¼ cups buttermilk

For the Frosting:

1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream (cold)
8 oz cream cheese
8 oz mascarpone cheese
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional: ½ tsp almond extract

For the Filling/Topping:

1 cup sliced strawberries
½ cup blueberries
½ cup raspberries

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans.
Make the batter: Cream butter and sugar until light. Add eggs one at a time. Mix in extracts. Alternate flour and buttermilk.
Bake for 28–32 minutes. Let cool completely.
Prepare frosting: Whip cream cheese and mascarpone. Fold in whipped heavy cream and sugar.
Assemble: Layer cake with frosting and berries. Cover top with more frosting and decorate with fresh fruit.
Chill for 1–2 hours before slicing for clean layers.

Notes

Use fresh (not frozen) berries to avoid soggy texture
Chill bowl before whipping cream for best results
Add lemon zest to frosting for a citrusy twist

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Southern / French-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 420 kcal
Sugar: 28g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 85mg