Cake Preparation:

• Preheat the oven to 335°F (170°C). Grease and line three 8″ cake pans with parchment paper.

• In a stand mixer, combine sifted cake flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix until well combined.

• Add softened butter and mix on medium speed until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

• In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, buttermilk, oil, vanilla extract, and almond extract.

• Add a third of the wet ingredients to the dry mixture and mix. Add the remaining wet ingredients and mix until fully incorporated. Whisk for 2 minutes at medium-high speed to achieve a light batter.

• Divide the batter between the prepared pans and bake for 28-30 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Let cakes cool in the pans for 20 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Berry Simple Syrup:

• In a saucepan, combine water, sugar, and berry jam. Heat over low until the sugar dissolves, then cool completely.

Chantilly Cream Frosting:

• Whisk mascarpone cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract in a large bowl until smooth.

• Whip chilled heavy cream until soft peaks form.

• Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture in two additions, keeping the texture light and fluffy.

Assembly:

• Trim the crusts off each cake layer to expose the crumb.

• Brush each layer with berry syrup, being careful not to oversoak.

• Spread a thin layer of Chantilly frosting over the first cake layer, then top with chopped berries.

• Add more frosting, pressing gently to fill gaps between the berries. Repeat the process with the second layer.

• For the final layer, trim the crust and soak with syrup before flipping it upside down onto the stack.

• Apply a crumb coat to seal the layers, refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to set.

• After chilling, apply the remaining frosting generously over the entire cake.

Decorate:

• Use remaining frosting and fresh berries to decorate the top of the cake.

Chill and Serve:

• Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the frosting to firm up. Slice and enjoy!