13 Layer Cakes Everyone Will Beg You to Bake
These stunning layer cakes have a way of turning any gathering into a memorable occasion, whether it’s a birthday celebration, a festive holiday dinner, or simply a special treat for your family and friends.
From rich chocolate to blueberry lemon and caramel, we found you the best layer cake recipes imaginable. With these showstopping desserts in your recipe box, you’ll quickly become the go-to baker in your circle.
1. Blueberry Lemon Layer Cake
Tangy sour cream keeps this lemon-flavored cake incredibly tender, while fresh blueberries go perfectly with the citrus flavor. The homemade cream cheese frosting is heavenly.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Lemon Layer Cake
2. Homemade Yellow Cake
There’s something magical about this classic pairing that never goes out of style. Extra egg yolks give the vanilla layers their signature golden hue and rich taste, while thick chocolate buttercream turns this into the birthday cake everyone secretly craves.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Yellow Cake
3. Italian Cream Layer Cake
This Southern cake proves that vanilla doesn’t have to be boring when you load it with toasted pecans and coconut. A brush of vanilla syrup on the warm layers locks in moisture, while the coconut-crusted exterior adds a delightful crunch to every slice.
Get the Recipe: Italian Cream Layer Cake
4. Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake
Skip the biscuits and try this elevated twist on a classic summer favorite. Layers of cake soak up a strawberry syrup, while a mascarpone frosting ties everything together for a dessert that feels truly indulgent.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake
5. Caramel Cake
Skip the jarred stuff and make homemade caramel frosting that pairs perfectly with this buttery cake. Yes, it takes some stirring and watching, but one bite of this old-fashioned cake will convince you it’s worth every minute.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Cake
6. Carrot Cake
This homemade carrot cake will get compliments from everyone. It’s perfectly spiced and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Cake
7. Marble Cake
Two classic batters get swirled together for a cake that looks different with every slice you cut. The trick is not overthinking the marbling technique; just a few gentle swirls with a spatula create that beautiful pattern.
Get the Recipe: Marble Cake
8. Rainbow Layer Cake
Six colorful layers stack up to create this fun rainbow layer cake. Make this vanilla cake to brighten up any celebration.
Get the Recipe: Rainbow Layer Cake
9. Caramel Apple Layer Cake
Real apple flavor comes from both fresh-grated apples and cider baked right into the layers. The homemade caramel buttercream and caramel sauce on top make this cake taste just like a caramel apple, yum!
Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Layer Cake
10. Coconut Cake
Coconut lovers, this is your cake, with coconut milk, extract, and shredded coconut working together for tropical flavor. The fluffy coconut buttercream frosting will have your guests devouring every last bite.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Cake
11. White Chocolate Raspberry Cake
White chocolate melts right into these vanilla layers while raspberries provide the perfect tartness. This cake is always a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: White Chocolate Raspberry Cake
12. Triple Chocolate Layer Cake
When you need a chocolate fix, this triple-layer cake delivers with its fudgy texture, buttercream frosting, and a glossy ganache drip. Hot espresso in the batter intensifies the chocolate without any coffee taste, making this the ultimate indulgence.
Get the Recipe: Triple Chocolate Layer Cake
13. Spiced Walnut Cake
Toasted walnuts and warming spices make this cake taste like fall in every forkful. Brown butter cream cheese frosting brings a nutty flavor that’s delicious.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Walnut Cake
