Our 40 Most Spectacular Layer Cakes

Posted by Jessica Witt on April 11, 2016

There's nothing quite like a beautifully constructed layer cake, filled with everything from icing to crispy wafer cookies. Make a statement at your next dinner party or celebration with these awe-inspiring cake recipes.

1 of 40

Mocha Chocolate Icebox Cake

The Barefoot Contessa brings ease to decadent dishes like this fancy cake. The secret is good-quality ingredients (and a little love, too). Get this recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/mocha-chocolate-icebox-cake/15366/" target="_blank">Ina Garten's Mocha Chocolate Icebox Cake</a>
2 of 40

Raspberry Mascarpone Black Forest Cake

Decadent doesn't even begin to describe this ganache-covered chocolate cake stuffed with mascarpone filling and raspberry sauce, topped with fresh raspberries. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/raspberry-mascarpone-black-forest-cake/15205/" target="_blank">Raspberry Mascarpone Black Forest Cake</a>
3 of 40

Cookies and Cream Cake

This cookies and cream cake topped with crumbled cookies is sure to satisfy your cookie, cake, and chocolate cravings. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/cookies-and-cream-cake/10918/" target="_blank">Cookies and Cream Cake </a>
4 of 40

Chocolate Blackout Cake

This 6-layer cake requires a lot of frosting, and is sure to please every chocolate lover in the room. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chocolate-blackout-cake/10902/" target="_blank">Anna Olson's Chocolate Blackout Cake</a>
5 of 40

Lemon Pie Cake

Light and airy angel food cake is layered with lemon curd and topped with meringue for the ultimate lemon dessert. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/lemon-pie-cake/15239/" target="_blank">Ricardo's Lemon Pie Cake</a>
6 of 40

Chocolate Berry Cake with Italian Buttercream

This delicious chocolate cake doesn't skimp on the buttercream. Iced in an ombré petal style, it's also a treat for the eyes. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chocolate-berry-cake-with-italian-buttercream-/16620/" target="_blank">Anna Olson's Chocolate Berry Cake with Italian Buttercream</a>
7 of 40

Coconut Cake

 If you’re a fan of The Barefoot Contessa, you’ve seen Ina Garten serve up some pretty spectacular dishes. But this towering coconut-encrusted creation, well...it takes the cake! Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/coconut-cake/16327/">Ina Garten's Coconut Cake</a>
8 of 40

Hummingbird Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

This cake is packed with all the good stuff, from pecans to pineapple to bananas, and smothered in the even better stuff: cream cheese icing. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/hummingbird-cake-with-cream-cheese-frosting/18021/" target="_blank">Hummingbird Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting</a>
9 of 40

Opera Torte

A classic torte created in Paris, made of thin layers of sponge cake with a coffee buttercream and chocolate ganache. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/opera-torte/12541" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Anna Olson's Opera Torte</a>
10 of 40

Ladyfingers and Mascarpone Cake

This classic Italian dessert combines creamy mascarpone, espresso, brandy and a hint of cocoa, and is topped with chocolate curls for a decadent presentation. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/ladyfingers-and-mascarpone-cake/8677/" target="_blank">Ladyfingers and Mascarpone Cake</a>
11 of 40

Southern Lane Cake

This cake from the southern U.S. is a grand dessert, standing almost 10-inches tall. Three layers of vanilla cake are filled with a gooey caramel with pecans, coconut and candied peel, and then finished with a meringue frosting. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/southern-lane-cake/12837/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Anna Olson's Southern Lane Cake</a>
12 of 40

Beatty's Chocolate Cake

You can't go wrong with Ina Garten's classic chocolate cake covered in sweet, creamy chocolate frosting. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/beattys-chocolate-cake/15424/" target="_blank">Ina Garten's Chocolate Cake</a>
13 of 40

Strawberries and Cream Sponge Cake

A light sponge cake layered with a rich whipped cream and jam-covered strawberries gives this dessert a stunning look. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/strawberries-and-cream-sponge-cake/12679/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Anna Olson's Strawberries and Cream Sponge Cake</a>
14 of 40

Vanilla Birthday Cake with Chocolate Frosting

Classics are classics for a reason. This simple vanilla cake with chocolate frosting is perfect for someone who likes something a little more traditional. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/vanilla-birthday-cake-with-chocolate-frosting/15707/" target="_blank">Nancy Fuller's Vanilla Birthday Cake with Chocolate Frosting</a>
15 of 40

Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Moist and creamy, this carrot cake is a light, refreshing dessert for almost any occasion. For even more variety, check out <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/baking/photos/crave-worthy-carrot-cake-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">our most crave-worthy carrot cake recipes in every form</a>. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/carrot-cake-with-cream-cheese-frosting/12733/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Anna Olson's Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting</a>
16 of 40

Ice Cream Celebration Cake

This cake made from store-bought ice cream sandwiches is a fun frozen no-bake alternative to the traditional birthday cake. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/ice-cream-celebration-cake/14574/" target="_blank">Ice Cream Celebration Cake</a>
17 of 40

Coffee Crisp Cake

Layers of vanilla cake, creamy coffee icing and crispy wafer cookies add lots of texture to this cake, and the chocolate glaze is the finishing touch to making this dessert unbelievably delicious. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/great-canadian-cookbook/blog/how-to-make-a-coffee-crisp-cake/" target="_blank">Coffee Crisp Cake</a>
18 of 40

Chocolate Celebration Cake

Piled high with layers of sponge cake, chocolate rice crisps and nougat, this cake is certainly worthy of a celebration! Get the recipe fpr <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chocolate-celebration-cake/14923/" target="_blank">Jamie Oliver's Chocolate Celebration Cake</a>
19 of 40

Elegant Gingerbread Layer Cake with Raspberries and Lemon Buttercream Frosting

Layers of spiced gingerbread, sweet and tart lemon <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/the-big-bake/blog/anna-olsons-cake-decorating-ideas-for-swiss-italian-and-french-buttercream/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">buttercream frosting</a>, and juicy raspberries create this elegant dessert that’s bound to impress any guest! Top with a layer of frosting and a circle of fresh raspberries. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/elegant-gingerbread-layer-cake-with-raspberries-and-lemon-buttercream-frosting/12841/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Anna Olson's Elegant Gingerbread Layer Cake with Raspberries and Lemon Buttercream Frosting</a>
20 of 40

Spring Celebration Carrot Cake

This moist and delicious carrot cake is made with layers of cream cheese icing and chopped fresh pineapple for a fruity twist. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/spring-celebration-carrot-cake/18016/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Spring Celebration Carrot Cake</a>
21 of 40

8-Layer Peanut Butter Cake

A towering vanilla sponge cake with creamy layers of chocolate frosting and finished with chopped peanut butter cups. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/8-layer-peanut-butter-cake/10769/" target="_blank">Lynn Crawford's 8-Layer Peanut Butter Cake</a>
22 of 40

Red Velvet Cake

This decadent red velvet chocolate cake from Anna Olson is coated in a silky cream cheese frosting that's also inserted in the middle for a tasty surprise. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/red-velvet-cake/12416/" target="_blank">Anna Olson's Red Velvet Cake</a>
23 of 40

Classic Devil's Food Cake

This delicious cake meets the criteria of a classic devil's food cake, with its dark, rich chocolatey flavour and delicate moist texture. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/classic-devils-food-cake/12415/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Anna Olson's Classic Devil's Food Cake</a>
24 of 40

Multi-Layered Peach Cake

 This delicious cake will surprise your taste buds with its layers of peaches, cheesecake, graham cracker crust, vanilla cake and a rich brandy caramel sauce. Watch how quickly it disappears! Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/multi-layered-peach-cake/12123/" target="_blank">Multi-Layered Peach Cake </a>
25 of 40

Rich Chocolate Mousse Cake

A decadent patisserie-style glazed mousse torte to enjoy for any occasion. One bite of this heavenly treat and you won't be able to stop! Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/rich-chocolate-mousse-cake/12417/" target="_blank">Anna Olson's Rich Chocolate Mousse Cake</a>
26 of 40

Carrot Cake with Ginger Mascarpone Frosting

This vibrant cakes is bursting with the flavour of fresh carrots and pineapple, smothered in cream cheese frosting and decorated with sunny, fresh pineapple studs. It’s the perfect cap for a meal of fresh seasonal delights. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/carrot-and-pineapple-cake/15427/" target="_blank">Ina Garten’s Carrot Cake with Ginger Mascarpone Frosting</a>
27 of 40

Classic Vanilla Cake with Caramel Pastry Cream

You can never go wrong with vanilla. However, it is the caramel pastry cream that is really the icing on this cake (pun intended)! The plain base makes it the perfect canvas for colourful fondant or fresh flowers. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/classic-vanilla-birthday-cake-with-caramel-pastry-cream/12496/" target="_blank">Anna Olson's Classic Vanilla Cake with Caramel Pastry Cream</a>
28 of 40

Italian Cream Cake with Blueberries

This beautifully constructed cake is stacked with layers of moist vanilla cake, cream cheese icing and perfectly placed blueberries for a springtime dessert. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/billies-italian-cream-cake-with-blueberries/16239/" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman's Italian Cream Cake with Blueberries</a>
29 of 40

Piña Colada Tres Leches Cakes

Served in mason jars, put a tropical twist on the classic layer cake by infusing the flavours of this popular fruity cocktail. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/pina-colada-tres-leches-cakes/17805/" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman's Piña Colada Tres Leches Cakes</a>
30 of 40

Caramel Whipped Cream Chocolate Cake

This moist and fluffy chocolate cake is layered with a caramel whipped cream, creamy chocolate ganache and topped with dark chocolate curls. Set this towering cake in the middle of your dinner table for a sight your guests will never forget. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/caramel-whipped-cream-chocolate-cake/18083/" target="_blank">Ricardo's Caramel Whipped Cream Chocolate Cake</a>
31 of 40

Walnut Torte

Guests will go nuts for this rich, flavourful cake. There’s walnuts throughout this stellar dessert, from the flour to the thick layer of custard, to the whole walnut garnish! Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/fresh-with-anna-olson/recipe/walnut-torte/8960/" target="_blank">Anna Olson's Walnut Torte</a>
32 of 40

Dobos Torte

This intricate cake of Hungarian origin is made up of eight (yes, eight!) thin layers of sponge cake filled with chocolate buttercream and topped with a caramel fan. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/dobos-torte/16636/" target="_blank">Anna Olson's Dobos Torte</a>
33 of 40

Chocolate Genoise

This light and airy sponge-like cake has a luscious chocolate icing and takes only 45 minutes to make. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chocolate-genoise/9384/" target="_blank">Ricardo's Chocolate Genoise</a>
34 of 40

Chocolate and Espresso Layer Cake with Peanut Butter Icing

Rich, decadent and completely satisfying, these chocolate espresso cake is filled with a layer of peanut butter cream cheese icing, and topped with an even thicker layer to really put it over the top. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chocolate-and-espresso-layer-cake-with-peanut-butter-icing/16409/" target="_blank">Damaris Phillips' Chocolate and Espresso Layer Cake with Peanut Butter Icing</a>
35 of 40

Black Forest Torte

This combination of chocolate sponge cake, cherries and whipped cream may be a familiar one but in place of the often-dry chocolate Genoise sponge, a chocolate chiffon cake base offers the same airiness, but it is also moist and rich. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/anna-olsons-black-forest-torte/16635/" target="_blank">Anna Olson's Black Forest Torte</a>
36 of 40

Chocolate and Vanilla Checkered Flag Cake

When you cut the first slice, this chocolate and vanilla cake with a sweet vanilla frosting looks just like a flag at the finish line. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chocolate-and-vanilla-checkered-flag-cake/17773/" target="_blank">Nancy Fuller's Chocolate and Vanilla Checkered Flag Cake</a>
37 of 40

Giant Jos Louis Cake

Based on one of Canada's most popular treats, this giant red velvet cake sandwich is filled with a creamy marshmallow-y layer with a milk chocolate coating. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/giant-jos-louis/17912/" target="_blank">Giant Jos Louis Cake</a>
38 of 40

Layered Lemon Cakes

Layers of lemon pound cake, lemon cream and lemon curd, these light and fluffy mini cakes are a refreshing way to end your meal. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/layered-lemon-cakes/6732/" target="_blank">Anna Olson's Layered Lemon Cakes</a>
39 of 40

White Chocolate Berry Wedding Cake

Moist vanilla cake is layered with smooth, creamy white chocolate icing laced with fresh berries. If serving for a special occasion, top with fresh, vibrant flowers for the ultimate presentation. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/white-chocolate-berry-wedding-cake/8918/" target="_blank">Anna Olson's White Chocolate Berry Wedding Cake</a>
40 of 40

Banana Fudge Layer Cake

This simple cake is made up of 6 delectable layers, consisting of vanilla cake, mashed rip bananas, and decadent chocolate frosting. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/banana-fudge-layer-cake/10910/" target="_blank">Banana Fudge Layer Cake</a>
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