Ingredients

For the Vanilla Sponge (2 or 3 layers)

• 2 ½ cups (310 g) all-purpose flour

• 2 ½ tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 cup (230 g) unsalted butter, softened

• 2 cups (400 g) sugar

• 4 large eggs, room temperature

• 1 tbsp vanilla extract

• 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk

• ⅓ cup (80 ml) heavy cream

For the Vanilla Mascarpone Cream

• 2 cups (480 ml) heavy cream, cold

• 8 oz (225 g) mascarpone cheese (or cream cheese for a tangier taste)

• ¾ cup (90 g) powdered sugar

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Berry Topping

• 2–3 cups mixed fresh berries: raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, red currants, strawberries

• Powdered sugar for dusting

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Instructions

1️⃣ Bake the Sponge Layers

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two or three 8-inch (20 cm) pans.

2. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.

3. In another large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (3–4 min). Add eggs one at a time, mixing well, then add vanilla.

4. Alternate adding dry ingredients with milk + cream until batter is smooth.

5. Divide batter into pans. Bake 28–32 min or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.

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2️⃣ Make the Mascarpone Cream

1. Beat cold heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form.

2. In another bowl, whisk mascarpone with vanilla until smooth.

3. Gently fold whipped cream into mascarpone until fully combined and fluffy.

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3️⃣ Assemble the Cake

1. Place one sponge layer on a cake stand, spread a thick layer of mascarpone cream.

2. Add the second sponge, more cream, and top with the third layer if using.

3. Lightly frost the outer sides for the “naked” cake look (optional: leave edges rustic).

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4️⃣ Decorate

• Pile berries generously on top — raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, red currants, strawberries.

• Dust with powdered sugar for a fresh, elegant finish.

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✨ Tips

• For extra berry flavor, brush sponge layers with berry syrup or jam before adding cream.

• Keep berries dry and chilled until ready to decorate.

• Chill the assembled cake for 1 hour before slicing for cleaner cuts.