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    Home » Recipes » Desserts

    Published: Oct 23, 2021 · Modified: Apr 1, 2022 by Mélanie · This post may contain affiliate links · 28 Comments

    Delicious & Easy Chestnut Cake

    ↓ Jump to Recipe
    Print Recipe

    Chestnut cake, or Ardéchois, is a light and moist cake. Made with chestnut spread and a few other pantry ingredients, this is an amazing treat to enjoy with your coffee or tea. Make this recipe this Fall if you are a chestnut lover as it will not disappoint.

    This delicious cake has an airy texture and has a buttery nutty taste. I love a good cake to go with my mug of coffee like my almond cake, yogurt cake, or my chocolate zucchini cake.

    Two small white plates with a slice of chestnut cake each. One has a spoon with some cake in it.
    Super moist cake for your coffee!
    Jump to:
    • 🔪 How To Bake A Chestnut Cake
    • 📋 Different Ways To Serve It & Variations
    • 🥧 More Delicious Fall Recipes
    • 📖 Chestnut cake

    Where Is It From?

    Although, there are a few different versions around the world: Japanese, Hungarian or Italian, this one is a French version and I have been baking it for about at least 20 years*.

    *Oh, I started baking young… Just in case you started crunching numbers to guess my age. Don't!

    The French Chestnut Cake is originally from France and is also called Ardéchois. The name comes from the region it originates from l'Ardéche in Southern France.

    It uses chestnut spread, ou crème de marron, which translates in chestnut cream in French, there is no cream in it, just pureed chestnuts. Also, it calls for regular all-purpose flour and no chestnut flour.

    Top view of the chestnut cake with 3 slices already cut and one slice is flipped. A tea towel on the side with a red leaf and the empty chestnut container.
    Grab a slice!

    🔪 How To Bake A Chestnut Cake

    The steps to obtain this soft cake are quite simple and if you wish to involve the kids in the kitchen, this is a great recipe to do it.

    Gather your ingredients:

    • Chestnut spread
    • Butter
    • Eggs
    • Milk
    • Flour
    • Baking powder
    • Sugar (optional)

    Note: As a European, I find that the sweetness from the chestnut spread is sufficient, if you prefer the sweetness to be more present, go ahead and put some sugar in it.

    top view of the ingredients: chestnut puree, flour, eggs, milk, butter and baking powder. All labelled.
    Chestnut spread and simple ingredients

    The steps:

    • First, pre-heat your oven.
    • Then, melt the butter.
    • In a bowl, pour the melted butter, the eggs (whole, no need to separate the egg yolks from the egg whites), chestnut spread, and the milk. Stir well until smooth.
    • Then, add the baking powder and progressively, the flour to the batter.
    • Lastly, grease an oven-proof mold, pour the batter in it, and it is now cooking time: 30 minutes in the oven or until your knife comes out dry when you insert it in the middle of the cake.

    Now, enjoy warm or allow to cool completely.

    top view of a white bowl with wet ingredients mixed in it and another bowl with flour.
    Wet ingredients and flour
    top view of a white bowl with a batter in it.
    The batter

    📋 Different Ways To Serve It & Variations

    • My favourite way is simple with some icing sugar dust on top.
    • Chestnut cream cake style: add some chestnut spread on top of your cake.
    • Whipping cream: you can't go wrong by serving some whipping cream with a slice of cake
    • Ice cream or some icing if you wish

    Extra airy: if you are looking for a cake lighter than air, only put the egg yolks in the bowl with the other wet ingredients. And, in another bowl, beat the egg whites to a soft peak. Then, once you have added the flour to the wet ingredient bowl, you can fold in the beaten egg whites.

    Chocolate: You can melt half a cup of chocolate chips with your butter and you will have a chocolate chestnut cake.

    Top view of the chestnut cake and 2 small plates with a slice each in it with a spoon
    A little bit of powdered sugar is the perfect way to serve it!

    💭 FAQ For The Recipe

    How Long Can I Store The Cake?

    I would say 4-5 days in an air-tight container at room temperature. Truth be told, I never had to store it that long!

    Where Do You Find Chestnut Spread?

    I might not have seen it in every single supermarket I go to but it is quite common in the aisle of jams and chocolate spread.  Alternatively, you can purchase it on Amazon, I like the Clement Faugier but the Bonne Maman is also a great option.
    In Toronto, Canada, I have seen it in Metro, some Superstore or Loblaw, and Adonis.

    Can I make my own chestnut purée?

    Yes, I always use store-bought purée but you can make your own. I have not tried this recipe myself, but the Spruce Eats is a safe bet: Chestnut purée recipe.

    This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Two small white plates with a slice of chestnut cake each. One has a spoon with some cake in it.
    The perfect treat with your coffee

    🥧 More Delicious Fall Recipes

    • An apple galettes with whipped cream on top, the first one has a spoon on a white plate.
      Mini Apple Galettes With Honey Whipped Cream
    • side view of a slice of apple crumble tart with a scoop of ice cream
      Apple Crumble Tart
    • puff pastry pear tart on the edge of a pink plate with icing sugar on top
      Mini French Puff Pastry Pear Tarts
    • close up of a slice of spice cake
      Homemade Honey Spice Loaf Cake

    Love this recipe? Please leave a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating on the recipe card below & and a comment about your experience. Follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram, thanks!

    close up on a moist cake in a spoon
    Print Recipe
    5 from 16 votes

    📖 Chestnut cake

    Chestnut cake is an amazing Fall recipe that will surprise your guests. It is easy and uses canned chestnut puree.
    Prep Time15 minutes mins
    Cook Time30 minutes mins
    Total Time40 minutes mins
    Course: Dessert, Snack
    Cuisine: French
    Servings: 12 squares
    Calories: 79kcal
    Author: Mélanie

    Equipment

    • Portions: 1 cake of 9 x 9

    Ingredients

    • 2 large eggs
    • ½ cup butter
    • 1 cup chestnut spread
    • 20 cl milk ¾ of a cup or 7oz
    • 1 cup flour
    • 1 teaspoon baking powder
    • ½ cup granulated sugar optional

    Instructions

    • Pre-heat the oven to 385F.
    • In a small bowl, melt the butter in the microwave (20 seconds increments).
    • In a large bowl, pour the wet ingredients: eggs, melted butter, chestnut spread and milk (and sugar if you choose to add some). Mix well until smooth.
    • Add progressively the flour and the baking powder, mix until smooth.
    • Pour the batter in an oven mold,previously greased if necessary.
    • Bake for 30 minutes or when the tip of your knife comes out dry when you pick your cake in the middle.

    Video

    https://youtu.be/OgaHOT6EpZk

    Notes

    Note:
    • if you like sweeter cake, you can add granulated sugar. 
    • Store in an air-tight container for a 3-4 days. 
    • Use store-bought chestnut purée or homemade. 
     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 79kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 29mg | Sodium: 57mg | Potassium: 95mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 62IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 41mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @petitporcini or tag #PetitPorcini!

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    Comments

    1. Gloria says

      November 04, 2021 at 1:47 pm

      5 stars
      Nothing beats a good and easy dessert recipe. This is perfect for any night of the week, or to take to a dinner party.

      Reply
    2. Natalie says

      November 08, 2021 at 4:15 am

      5 stars
      Such a beautiful fall-inspired cake. I love the simplicity yet it's so delicious. I will definitely bake it for the weekend.

      Reply
    3. Sharon says

      November 11, 2021 at 11:40 am

      I had to google what 20 cl of milk means. I got 7.04 oz. Did you all just use a cup of milk?

      Reply
      • Mélanie says

        November 11, 2021 at 11:45 am

        Hi Sharon, it is actually less than a cup. I would say 3/4 of cup. I'll update the recipe card to give measurement options :) thank you for checking and happy baking!

        Reply
        • JK says

          February 25, 2025 at 11:03 pm

          Does this cake freeze well?

          Reply
          • Mélanie says

            February 26, 2025 at 3:23 pm

            I never froze it but I would imagine that once cooled down and properly wrapped and stored to keep it moist texture would be okay. Allow to thaw at room temperature. Let me know how it goes!

            Reply
      • Ivonne says

        September 23, 2023 at 6:36 am

        5 stars
        Sharon,

        20 cl equals 200 mil.

        Reply
    4. Mandy says

      September 27, 2022 at 2:54 pm

      Hey! wondering what type of flour is used in this recipe. Is it AP flour? Thanks for sharing this delicious creation!

      Reply
      • Mélanie says

        September 27, 2022 at 3:21 pm

        Hello Mandy! Yes it is all purpose flour. Happy baking!

        Reply
    5. Juliette says

      October 12, 2022 at 3:06 am

      5 stars
      I just made this with White Wings Plain Gluten Free flour (Australian brand) and it was delicious!!! I used a springform pan. And it was definitely sweet enough for me.

      Reply
      • Mélanie says

        October 12, 2022 at 8:57 am

        Thank you Juliette for your feedback! I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    6. Tina says

      November 11, 2022 at 9:01 am

      5 stars
      Great recipe, I'm definitely going to try it.
      Although id be careful decorating food recipes with horse chestnuts as those as inedible. Probably best to make a note so no one thinks they are!

      Reply
      • Mélanie says

        November 11, 2022 at 9:03 am

        Hi Tina, let me know when you tried it! Thanks for the suggestion, it is on the side and not on the cake so I think it is fine but I might add a note. Thanks :)

        Reply
    7. Teresa says

      December 22, 2022 at 7:22 pm

      5 stars
      Try the extra-airy version, too - this recipe gets elevated!!
      We had to order more containers of the purée because we’re going to be making this a lot. Thanks so much.

      Reply
      • Mélanie says

        December 23, 2022 at 2:49 pm

        Thank you so much for your comment! It makes me so happy you enjoyed the recipe!

        Reply
    8. Tasza says

      January 13, 2023 at 12:46 am

      Could I use chestnut flour in place of regular? I would like to make this gluten free.

      Reply
      • Mélanie says

        January 13, 2023 at 8:09 am

        I have never tried, sorry, I'm not sure if the result would be the same.

        Reply
    9. Verna says

      March 06, 2023 at 11:01 am

      5 stars
      Easy peasy recipe

      Reply
      • Mélanie says

        March 06, 2023 at 11:03 am

        Thank you Verna, I'm glad you found it easy, I aim for this kind of comments :)

        Reply
    10. Mary says

      September 25, 2023 at 2:14 am

      How do I make chestnut puree? I have a lot of chestnuts

      Reply
      • Mélanie says

        September 25, 2023 at 8:44 am

        Hi Mary, I have never made any myself, I always get the store bought. I found this recipe online: https://www.thespruceeats.com/sweetened-chestnut-puree-recipe-p2-1136178. Enjoy!

        Reply
        • Marian says

          March 11, 2025 at 6:25 pm

          Can I use puree and add sugar and vanilla?

          Reply
          • Mélanie says

            March 11, 2025 at 7:03 pm

            Hi Marian, do you mean unsweetened chestnut puree? and then add sugar. I would say that should do the trick but I have not tested the recipe this way but I think this should do the trick. Let me know how it went!

            Reply
    11. Linda D says

      November 08, 2023 at 11:21 am

      Hi. I have a big jar of chestnut spread that was a gift. I’m confused though. Chestnut spread vs chestnut puree. They are not the same thing. I want to use up in baking (although I could just eat it with a spoon 🤪 ). Spread has sugar and vanilla; purée is just chestnuts. This recipe calls for the spread, correct? So prob won’t need too much sugar. Any other recipes using chestnut spread? Thanks so much. Lots of Good stuff here.

      Reply
      • Mélanie says

        November 08, 2023 at 6:18 pm

        Hi Linda, Correct this one uses chestnut spread. Chestnut puree would be just chestnut pureed unsweetened. This recipe calls for chestnut spread which is sweet and optional sugar depending on taste.
        I hope this helps :)

        Reply
    12. Nancy Smith says

      November 17, 2023 at 11:03 am

      5 stars
      Just made it with chestnut spread available at Costco. It is absolutely delicious and doesn’t need additional sugar.

      Reply
    13. Marj says

      December 07, 2023 at 10:56 pm

      5 stars
      Thank you for this simple recipe. Absolutely delicious!

      Reply
      • Mélanie says

        December 08, 2023 at 11:39 am

        Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a comment. I'm glad you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    5 from 16 votes (7 ratings without comment)

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    Bonjour! I’m Mélanie!

    I hope you are hungry, I’m here to inspire you to create tasty weeknight meals & easy desserts!

    I’m French, and you will quickly notice it!

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    Stack of 3 squares chestnut cake
    Stack of 3 squares chestnut cake
    Top view of the chestnut cake and 2 small plates with a slice each in it with a spoon
    Two small white plates with a slice of chestnut cake each. One has a spoon with some cake in it.
    Two small white plates with a slice of chestnut cake each. One has a spoon with some cake in it.
    Top view of the chestnut cake with 3 slices already cut and one slice is flipped. A tea towel on the side with a red leaf and the empty chestnut container.
    close up on a moist cake in a spoon

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