Layer Cake Recipes

There’s just something special about a good layer cake.

It’s the kind of dessert that automatically makes any day feel like a party. Slicing into all those beautiful layers of cake and frosting is SERIOUSLY satisfying.

But they can also feel a little intimidating to make, right? All those steps can seem like a lot.

The great news is that a truly show-stopping layer cake is easier to make than you think. You absolutely do NOT need to be a professional baker to create something amazing.

I put together a list of some of the best layer cake recipes out there to inspire you.

You’ll find everything from simple classics to fun, new flavor ideas. There’s a perfect cake here for any occasion—or for just because.

1. Lemon Layer Cake

Lemon Layer Cake

Lemon Layer Cake is a bright, delicious treat with two soft layers of lemon cake and a light, fluffy lemon buttercream frosting.

Perfect for any occasion, it’s packed with zesty lemon flavor that’s sweet without being overwhelming.

This lemon cake recipe delivers sunshine in every slice.

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2. Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake

Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake

Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake brings the sweet taste of spring and summer into one fluffy, juicy cake.

Layers of airy cake are filled with fresh strawberries and rich chantilly cream for a refreshing bite.

It’s a joyful, vibrant dessert that’s as colorful as the season itself.

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3. Mocha Layer Cake with Coffee Frosting

Mocha Layer Cake with Coffee Frosting

Mocha Layer Cake with Coffee Frosting delivers bold coffee flavor in every layer and every bite.

The chocolate cake is rich and moist, with coffee simplicity and a creamy coffee frosting on top.

A perfect pick for coffee lovers craving something decadent and full of flavor.

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4. Strawberry Layer Cake

Strawberry Layer Cake

Strawberry Layer Cake is a fruity favorite with two moist layers full of fresh strawberries and sweet strawberry frosting.

It’s light, juicy, and made for warm days, birthdays, or just because you’re in the mood for something sweet.

A simple homemade cake that tastes like summer in every slice.

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5. Matterhorn Cake – Chocolate Layer Cake

Matterhorn Cake - Chocolate Layer Cake

Matterhorn Cake is a chocolate layer cake with a delicate almond and vanilla flavor and a smooth cream cheese buttercream.

The rich frosting balances the deep chocolate, creating a luxurious yet light dessert.

A standout cake with artful layers and comforting flavor.

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6. Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake with Lemon Buttercream Frosting

Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake with Lemon Buttercream Frosting

Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake with Lemon Buttercream Frosting is a springtime delight with tender lemon sponge and juicy fresh blueberries.

Each layer is topped with a creamy lemon buttercream that’s bright, sweet, and totally irresistible.

It’s a fresh, fruity cake that tastes like sunshine and summer mornings.

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7. Lemon and Raspberry Jam Naked Layer Cake with Chantilly Cream

Lemon and Raspberry Jam Naked Layer Cake with Chantilly Cream

Lemon and Raspberry Jam Naked Layer Cake with Chantilly Cream is a perfect blend of tart and sweet in every bite.

Moist lemon cake meets tangy raspberry jam and airy whipped cream for a simple, elegant treat.

This spring and summer favorite is soft, flavorful, and unforgettable.

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8. Mint Chocolate Chip Layer Cake

Mint Chocolate Chip Layer Cake

Mint Chocolate Chip Layer Cake brings the favorites of ice cream and cake together in one rich, green-tinted treat.

Three layers of chocolate cake are covered in cool, minty buttercream and dotted with chocolate chips.

A fun, flavorful cake that tastes like a sweet vacation in every bite.

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9. Cherry Cola Layer Cake

Cherry Cola Layer Cake

Cherry Cola Layer Cake is a fun twist on a classic with a rich chocolate cherry cola cake, a fizzy cherry cola filling, and a dreamy maraschino cherry frosting.

Every bite is full of sweet, tangy cherry flavor with a hint of cola sparkle that makes it unforgettable.

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10. American Layer Cake (1894)

American Layer Cake (1894)

American Layer Cake (1894) is a simple, moist, and dense layer cake that’s perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or any special moment.

Its old-fashioned charm and easy-to-make recipe make it a timeless favorite.

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11. Strawberry Layer Cake

Strawberry Layer Cake

Strawberry Layer Cake is a fresh and vibrant dessert made from scratch with real strawberries and sweet cream cheese frosting.

The juicy berries and creamy filling make every slice feel special.

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12. Lemon Blackberry Cake – Moist Layer Cake Recipe

Lemon Blackberry Cake - Moist Layer Cake Recipe

Lemon Blackberry Cake is a moist, easy-to-make layer cake with bright lemon zest and sweet blackberry filling.

Topped with a simple blackberry frosting and a swirl of lemon curd, it’s a summer favorite.

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13. Banana Pudding Cake

Banana Pudding Cake

Banana Pudding Cake brings the classic banana pudding flavor into a layered, elegant dessert with a rich, creamy filling.

It’s sweet, comforting, and perfect for anyone who loves banana pudding in cake form.

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14. Chocolate Layer Cake

Chocolate Layer Cake

Chocolate Layer Cake is an easy, tender, and fudgy cake with a light crumb and a rich chocolate buttercream finish.

Every layer is moist and deeply chocolatey, making it a go-to for birthdays and celebrations.

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15. Pumpkin Layer Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Pumpkin Layer Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Pumpkin Layer Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is a cozy fall dessert that tastes like pumpkin pie in cake form.

The soft pumpkin layers are perfectly balanced by the tangy, spiced cream cheese frosting.

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16. Lavender Cake

Lavender Cake

Lavender Cake is a delicate, moist layer cake with a hint of floral lavender and a smooth vanilla tea flavor.

It’s elegant, light, and a gentle treat for spring afternoons or afternoon tea.

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17. Marble Cake

Marble Cake

Marble Cake is a classic favorite with soft, airy layers and swirls of rich chocolate.

Perfect for birthdays or tea time, this easy two-layer cake is baked with a dreamy chocolate buttercream.

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18. Blackberry Cake

Blackberry Cake

Blackberry Cake brings together zesty lemon layers with sweet fresh blackberries and smooth mascarpone buttercream.

This light, fruity naked cake is a refreshing treat that’s perfect for spring get-togethers.

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19. Pistachio Cake

Pistachio Cake

Pistachio Cake is a light, nutty 3-layer dessert that’s quick to bake and full of flavor.

Topped with cream cheese frosting, it’s a must-try for spring brunch or holiday celebrations.

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20. Snickerdoodle Cake

Snickerdoodle Cake

Snickerdoodle Cake delivers a cozy, cinnamon-sugar kick with three soft layers and creamy frosting.

It’s like your favorite cookie turned into a showstopping cake for any occasion.

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21. Million Dollar Cake

Million Dollar Cake

Million Dollar Cake is a tropical-inspired treat with coconut, pineapple, and light layers.

Sweet, refreshing, and easy to make—ideal for sunny days and celebrations alike.

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22. Millionaire’s Cake

Millionaire's Cake

Millionaire’s Cake is a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s simple to assemble and full of rich flavor.

With layers of sweet cream and a buttery base, it’s perfect for potlucks and summer gatherings.

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23. Rainbow Cake

Rainbow Cake

Rainbow Cake is a vibrant, six-layered dessert that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat.

Bright, moist, and utterly beautiful, it’s the center of any happy celebration.

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24. Chocolate sponge cake

Chocolate sponge cake

Chocolate sponge cake layers are soft, moist, and packed with rich chocolate taste.

Use them as a base for your next fancy dessert—stacked with frosting, ganache, or cream cheese.

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25. German Chocolate Cake

German Chocolate Cake

German Chocolate Cake delivers rich, moist layers with a sweet coconut pecan filling that’s both crunchy and delicious.

The classic combination of chocolate cake and tropical filling makes this dessert a showstopper at any gathering.

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26. Coconut Cake

Coconut Cake

Coconut Cake is soft, moist, and full of coconut flavor, with a tangy cream cheese frosting that adds just the right balance.

Each bite feels light and satisfying, making it a favorite for birthdays and special moments.

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27. Lemon Blueberry Mascarpone Cake with Frosting Recipe

Lemon Blueberry Mascarpone Cake with Frosting Recipe

Lemon Blueberry Mascarpone Cake brings together zesty lemon, sweet blueberries, and a creamy mascarpone frosting that’s smooth and dreamy.

The layers of lemon curd and blueberry compote add bursts of flavor that make every slice irresistible.

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28. Passionfruit Cake with White Chocolate Swiss Meringue Buttercream

Passionfruit Cake with White Chocolate Swiss Meringue Buttercream

Passionfruit Cake is fluffy and light, with a bright, tangy passionfruit filling that shines through every bite.

The white chocolate Swiss meringue buttercream gives it a silky finish that complements the tropical flavor perfectly.

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29. Strawberry Shortcake Cake

Strawberry Shortcake Cake

Strawberry Shortcake Cake is easy to make and packed with fun textures—golden Oreos, pink strawberry frosting, and freeze-dried fruit.

It’s sweet, fresh, and perfect for sharing on any occasion.

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30. German Chocolate Cake

German Chocolate Cake

German Chocolate Cake features two moist chocolate layers with a thick coconut pecan frosting that’s rich and sweet.

It’s the classic version people love, with chocolate frosting on top and in between every layer.

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31. Baumkuchen (German Tree Cake)

Baumkuchen (German Tree Cake)

Baumkuchen, or German Tree Cake, has delicate, paper-thin layers that are moist and slightly nutty from almond flavor.

The elegant appearance and rich dark chocolate topping make it worth the effort, even if it’s a bit of a challenge.

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