Layer cakes are the epitome of indulgence, often reserved for special occasions and celebrations.

However, these stunning multi-tiered delights don’t have to be intimidating.

In this article, we’ll unveil ten layered cake recipes that boast impressive visuals but are surprisingly simple to make, perfect for bakers of all skill levels.

Get ready to elevate your baking game with these easy recipes that will have your friends and family in awe!

1. Chocolate Ganache Layer Cake

Rich, velvety chocolate ganache envelops moist chocolate cake layers, creating a dessert that’s both luxurious and comforting.

This decadent cake is perfect for chocolate lovers and is surprisingly easy to assemble.

With just a few ingredients, you can whip up this showstopper and impress your guests at any gathering.

Serve it with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra touch of indulgence.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups all-purpose flour

– 2 cups granulated sugar

– 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

– 1 1/2 tsp baking powder

– 1 1/2 tsp baking soda

– 1 tsp salt

– 2 large eggs

– 1 cup whole milk

– 1/2 cup vegetable oil

– 2 tsp vanilla extract

– 1 cup boiling water

– 1 cup heavy cream

– 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped

Process:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

2. In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.

4. Stir in boiling water (batter will be thin). Pour into prepared pans.

5. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes, then remove from pans.

6. For ganache, heat cream until simmering, remove from heat, and stir in chocolate until smooth.

7. Once cakes are cool, layer them with ganache in between and cover the top and sides with the remaining ganache.

2. Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake

Brighten up your dessert table with this refreshing lemon blueberry layer cake, bursting with zesty flavors.

The combination of tangy lemon and sweet blueberries creates a perfect harmony that’s both delightful and invigorating.

Frosted with a light lemon buttercream, this cake is as beautiful as it is delicious, making it a fantastic choice for spring and summer celebrations.

It’s a cake that brings sunshine to any occasion and is sure to please your guests.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups all-purpose flour

– 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

– 1 cup buttermilk

– 3 large eggs

– 1 tsp vanilla extract

– Zest of 2 lemons

– 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

– 1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries

– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)

– 4 cups powdered sugar

– 2 tbsp lemon juice (for frosting)

Process:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare three 8-inch round cake pans with baking spray.

2. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy, then add eggs one at a time. Mix in vanilla, lemon zest, and lemon juice.

3. Alternate adding flour and buttermilk, mixing until just combined. Gently fold in blueberries.

4. Divide batter into prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes. Cool completely.

5. For frosting, beat butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth.

6. Frost layers with lemon buttercream, finishing with a decorative swirl on top and extra blueberries.

3. Red Velvet Layer Cake

This classic red velvet layer cake is a true showstopper, featuring its striking red color and smooth cream cheese frosting.

The combination of cocoa and buttermilk gives it a unique flavor profile that pairs perfectly with the tangy frosting.

Despite its impressive appearance, this cake is straightforward to make, making it a favorite for both novice and experienced bakers alike.

Perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion, this cake will steal the spotlight at any celebration.

Ingredients:

– 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

– 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

– 1 tsp baking soda

– 1 tsp salt

– 1 tsp cocoa powder

– 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil

– 1 cup buttermilk

– 2 large eggs

– 2 tbsp red food coloring

– 1 tsp vanilla extract

– 1 tsp white vinegar

– 8 oz cream cheese, softened (for frosting)

– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)

– 4 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)

– 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)

Process:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two 9-inch round cake pans.

2. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.

3. In another bowl, mix oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla, and vinegar.

4. Combine wet and dry ingredients, mixing until smooth. Pour into prepared pans.

5. Bake for 25-30 minutes and cool completely.

6. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth, gradually adding powdered sugar and vanilla until fluffy. Frost layers evenly.

4. Funfetti Layer Cake

Bring joy to your celebrations with a funfetti layer cake that’s as colorful as it is delicious!

This whimsical cake is filled with colorful sprinkles, making it a perfect treat for birthdays, anniversaries, or any festive occasion.

The soft vanilla cake layers paired with a creamy frosting create a delightful taste sensation that appeals to both kids and adults.

This cake is not just a treat for the taste buds; it’s also a feast for the eyes, showcasing a vibrant array of colors in every slice!

Ingredients:

– 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

– 2 cups granulated sugar

– 1 tbsp baking powder

– 1/2 tsp salt

– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

– 1 cup whole milk

– 4 large eggs

– 2 tsp vanilla extract

– 1 cup rainbow sprinkles (plus more for decoration)

– 1 cup unsalted butter (for frosting)

– 4 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)

– 2 tbsp heavy cream (for frosting)

– 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)

Process:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease three 8-inch cake pans.

2. In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, cream butter and add milk, eggs, and vanilla.

3. Mix wet and dry ingredients until just combined, then fold in sprinkles.

4. Divide batter into pans and bake for 25-30 minutes. Cool completely.

5. For frosting, beat butter until creamy, add powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla until smooth. Frost layers generously and top with extra sprinkles.

5. Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake

Celebrate the season with a delightful strawberry shortcake layer cake, featuring layers of fluffy vanilla cake, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream.

This cake is a lighter option, perfect for warm weather gatherings, and showcases the beauty of fresh ingredients.

The balance of sweetness from the strawberries and the lightness of the whipped cream make this cake a refreshing treat.

It’s a simple yet elegant dessert that’s sure to impress your guests and become a summer favorite.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups all-purpose flour

– 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

– 1 cup whole milk

– 3 large eggs

– 2 tsp baking powder

– 1 tsp vanilla extract

– 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced

– 2 cups heavy cream (for whipped cream)

– 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for whipped cream)

Process:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare three 8-inch round cake pans.

2. In a bowl, cream butter and sugar, then add eggs one at a time. Mix in milk and vanilla.

3. Combine flour and baking powder, then fold into wet ingredients.

4. Divide batter into prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes. Cool completely.

5. Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Layer cakes with whipped cream and strawberries, topping with more cream and berries.

6. Mocha Layer Cake

Indulge in the rich flavors of a mocha layer cake, perfect for coffee lovers who crave a sweet twist.

This cake combines the robust taste of coffee with chocolate, creating a harmonious blend that’s both energizing and satisfying.

With a luxurious mocha frosting that envelops each layer, this cake is a delightful treat for any occasion.

It’s easy to create and will leave your guests asking for seconds!

Ingredients:

– 2 cups all-purpose flour

– 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar

– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

– 1 tsp baking powder

– 1 tsp baking soda

– 1 tsp salt

– 1 cup brewed coffee, cooled

– 1/2 cup vegetable oil

– 2 large eggs

– 1 tsp vanilla extract

– 1 cup unsalted butter (for frosting)

– 4 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)

– 2 tbsp brewed coffee (for frosting)

– 1/4 cup cocoa powder (for frosting)

Process:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two 9-inch round cake pans.

2. In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. In another bowl, combine coffee, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Mix into dry ingredients until just combined.

4. Pour batter into prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes. Cool completely.

5. For frosting, beat butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar, coffee, and cocoa until smooth and fluffy. Frost layers generously.

7. Coconut Cream Layer Cake

Transport your taste buds to paradise with a luscious coconut cream layer cake that’s both tropical and decadent.

With layers of moist coconut cake and fluffy coconut frosting, this cake is a dream for coconut lovers.

The addition of toasted coconut flakes adds a delightful crunch and enhances the flavor.

Easy to prepare, this cake is perfect for summer gatherings, birthdays, or simply when you want to treat yourself to something special.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups all-purpose flour

– 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

– 1 cup coconut milk

– 4 large eggs

– 1 tbsp baking powder

– 1 tsp vanilla extract

– 1 cup shredded coconut (plus more for decoration)

– 1 cup unsalted butter (for frosting)

– 4 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)

– 1/4 cup coconut milk (for frosting)

Process:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare three 8-inch round cake pans.

2. In a bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in coconut milk and vanilla.

3. Combine flour and baking powder, then fold into wet ingredients. Stir in shredded coconut.

4. Divide batter into prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes. Cool completely.

5. For frosting, beat butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar and coconut milk until smooth. Frost layers and top with toasted coconut flakes.

8. Spiced Pumpkin Layer Cake

Embrace the flavors of fall with a spiced pumpkin layer cake that’s perfect for autumn celebrations.

This cake combines the warmth of spices with the richness of pumpkin, making it a cozy dessert choice.

Frosted with cream cheese frosting, it’s a delightful mix of sweet and savory, beautifully layered for an impressive presentation.

It’s easy to make and captures the essence of the season in every bite.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups all-purpose flour

– 2 cups granulated sugar

– 1 tsp baking powder

– 1 tsp baking soda

– 1 tsp ground cinnamon

– 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

– 1/2 tsp ground ginger

– 1/2 tsp salt

– 1 cup pumpkin puree

– 1 cup vegetable oil

– 4 large eggs

– 1 cup unsalted butter (for frosting)

– 4 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)

– 8 oz cream cheese, softened (for frosting)

Process:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two 9-inch round cake pans.

2. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt.

3. In another bowl, combine pumpkin puree, oil, and eggs. Mix into dry ingredients until just combined.

4. Divide batter into prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes. Cool completely.

5. For frosting, beat butter and cream cheese until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar until fluffy. Frost layers generously.

9. Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake

Satisfy your sweet tooth with a rich and indulgent peanut butter chocolate layer cake that’s a dream come true for dessert lovers.

The combination of chocolate cake with creamy peanut butter frosting creates a delightful balance that’s both decadent and comforting.

This cake is surprisingly easy to make, yet it looks impressive enough for any special occasion.

Serve it with a drizzle of chocolate ganache for an extra layer of indulgence!

Ingredients:

– 2 cups all-purpose flour

– 2 cups granulated sugar

– 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

– 1 cup buttermilk

– 4 large eggs

– 1 tsp baking powder

– 1 tsp baking soda

– 1 cup creamy peanut butter (for frosting)

– 1 cup unsalted butter (for frosting)

– 4 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)

– 2 tbsp heavy cream (for frosting)

Process:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two 9-inch round cake pans.

2. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and baking soda.

3. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar, then add eggs, buttermilk, mixing until combined.

4. Combine wet and dry ingredients, then divide batter into prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes. Cool completely.

5. For frosting, beat peanut butter and butter until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar and heavy cream until fluffy. Frost layers generously.

10. Carrot Layer Cake

Delight in a moist and flavorful carrot layer cake, packed with shredded carrots and warm spices.

This cake is not only scrumptious but also a healthier option for dessert lovers, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.

Frosted with cream cheese frosting, it’s a delightful mix of sweetness and spice.

This beautiful cake is easy to prepare and perfect for serving at springtime gatherings or any festive celebration.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups all-purpose flour

– 2 cups granulated sugar

– 1 tsp baking powder

– 1 tsp baking soda

– 1 tsp ground cinnamon

– 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

– 1/2 tsp salt

– 1 cup vegetable oil

– 4 large eggs

– 2 cups shredded carrots

– 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained

– 1 cup unsalted butter (for frosting)

– 4 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)

– 8 oz cream cheese, softened (for frosting)

Process:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two 9-inch round cake pans.

2. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt.

3. In another bowl, combine oil, eggs, carrots, and pineapple. Mix into dry ingredients until just combined.

4. Divide batter into prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes. Cool completely.

5. For frosting, beat butter and cream cheese until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar until fluffy. Frost layers generously.

To Sum Up

Layer cakes are not only a feast for the eyes but also a delicious way to celebrate any occasion.

With these ten decadent recipes, you can impress your friends and family with stunning desserts that are easier to make than they appear.

So grab your baking supplies and let your creativity shine as you whip up these delightful treats!