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A layer cake is the cake people remember. You cut the first slice, lift it out, and everyone sees the layers: sponge, cream, fruit, chocolate.
These 22 layer cake recipes are the ones I’ve baked for birthdays, holidays, Easter and family gatherings over the years, from classic red velvet and Black Forest to Bulgarian garash and Russian medovik.
Every recipe on this list is a true layered cake, not a bundt or a single-layer cheesecake. Some are tall and dramatic, some are simple enough for a weeknight birthday, and a few are low-carb and sugar-free.
Most can be made a day ahead, which is the real secret to a stress-free celebration. And a homemade layer cake can cost a fraction of what a bakery charges for the same size.
Classic Layer Cakes
1
Red Velvet Cheesecake Cake
Two layers of moist red velvet cake with a creamy cheesecake layer in between, finished with cream cheese frosting. Beautiful when you slice it, and perfect for any celebration.
Moist yellow cake layers filled with homemade Bavarian cream and fresh blueberries, topped with whipped cream. A naked layered cake that needs no decorating skills.
Moist, light chocolate layers filled with coconut whipped cream and finished with a chocolate ganache drip. A dairy-free and egg-free chocolate layer cake that nobody guesses.
Two layers of almond cookie dough filled with cream cheese whipped cream and decorated with berries, macarons and flowers. Shape it into any letter or number.
Bake the layers a day ahead. Cooled, wrapped cake layers are easier to cut, fill and stack. This is how I make holiday layer cakes: bake one day, assemble the next.
Level the layers. Trim any dome with a long serrated knife so the cake stacks evenly.
Do a crumb coat. Spread a thin layer of frosting, chill for 20–30 minutes, then add the final coat.
Chill before slicing. Cream- and mousse-filled cakes need time to set. For clean slices, use a warm, wiped knife.
Plan for leftovers. Follow each recipe’s storage instructions; most cakes with perishable fillings must be refrigerated.
Layer Cake FAQ
What is a layer cake?
A layer cake has two or more layers stacked with filling such as frosting, whipped cream, custard, curd or mousse. Crepe cakes and honey cakes like medovik count too.
Can I make a layer cake ahead of time?
Yes. Bake cake layers one or two days ahead and keep them wrapped, or assemble the cake the day before. Some cream-filled cakes benefit from a night in the refrigerator; follow the specific recipe’s instructions.
How do I store a layer cake?
Keep cakes with whipped cream, cream cheese, custard or mousse covered in the refrigerator. Follow individual recipe advice about time at room temperature before serving.
Which layer cake is easiest for beginners?
Try the Blueberries and Bavarian Cream Cake or Vanilla Bean Layer Cake. A naked-style finish avoids the need for perfectly smooth sides.
Are there low-carb layer cake recipes?
Yes: Keto Chocolate Cake, Keto Sponge Cake and Low-Carb Keto Carrot Cake are lower-carb options. Check individual recipes for their full ingredients and nutrition.
I share simple, mostly low-carb and Keto recipes, that don't take a lot of time to make and use mostly seasonal, easy to find ingredients. I'm a supporter of healthy eating, but you'll also find some indulgent treats too.
