What seems like a simple shortcut can quickly turn into a disaster. Here are six steps you simply must do in order to create a beautiful layer cake.
6 Steps You Should Never, Ever Skip When Baking a Layer Cake
Updated on Jul. 13, 2022
The temptation to cut corners when baking a layer cake is high. We get it—you want a lot of impact (but it’s a lot of work). But what seems like a simple shortcut here and there can quickly turn into a disaster. Here are some steps that you simply must do in order to create a beautiful layer cake, like this fluffy coconut cake.
Stuck on what kind of layer cake to bake? Try one of these swoon-worthy layered cakes.
1. Grease the cake pan
It would definitely be a baking nightmare if each layer in your triple-layer chocolate cake didn’t gently lift out of the pan and you were forced to resort to agitated punches of a butter knife to remove them. Rubbing coconut oil brings a nice sweetness to the cake, as does a pat of butter, and allows the cake to come out with ease.
2. Fully combine butter and sugar
Whether you’re using a hand mixer, stand mixer or your own wrist, make sure that the butter and sugar are smooth—not lumpy—when combined. A rule of thumb is to stop mixing when you glimpse a light, fluffy texture.
Does your recipe call for softened butter? Here’s how to get it room temp fast.
3. Cool the cake completely
The clock is ticking and you’re anxious to check this baking item off your to-do list and exit the kitchen. But if you frost while the cake is still warm, that frosting will slip right off.
4. Cut the tops off
You don’t want a domed cake, do you? Well, it’s likely the tops of each layer will not be entirely flat when they come out of the oven. You have to make them flat. Shave any bumps with a bread knife until the surface is even. Once you do that, the cake layers will sit evenly on top one another.
5. Frost a crumb coating
A baker’s trick is to do a thin, “crumb coat” layer of frosting first. The reason is that you want to trap those loose crumbs in the first layer of frosting and not have them show on the outside. An offset spatula makes this process easy—here’s our Test Kitchen’s favorite.
6. Add a garnish
Even if a recipe for a layer cake doesn’t call for it, make the presentation sparkle. In an age where not snapping a photo of your food is unheard of, you won’t regret it. Orange slices, fresh berries, chocolate shavings, flavored sugar or fresh herbs (especially mint leaves) easily do the trick. If you don’t have those on hand, use Mary Berry’s trick—just a dusting of powdered sugar can go a long way.
Get inspired by these decked-out desserts.
Confetti Birthday Drip CakeThis is a moist and fluffy vanilla drip cake with lots of sprinkles and a whipped vanilla buttercream. It's almost impossible not to feel happy when you see the fun pop of rainbow confetti! —Courtney Rich, Highland, Utah
Layered Princess CakeThis magical princess cake will make any party feel special. Whether you're having a birthday party, princess party or baby shower, it's sure to please. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Confetti Birthday Cake with Chocolate ButtercreamThis is a moist confetti cake with lots of sprinkles and a whipped chocolate buttercream. It's perfect for birthday celebrations! —Courtney Rich, Highland, Utah. Looking for more ideas? We've pulled together some of our best graduation cake ideas for your celebration.
Vanilla CakeOur Test Kitchen created our best vanilla cake recipe yet. It's tender, moist and packed with rich vanilla flavor—a must for any special occasion.
Malted Chocolate & Stout Layer CakeIf you want a dessert that will take the cake at a St. Patrick's Day celebration, look no further! The rich chocolate cake is incredibly moist and has a nice malt flavor that's perfectly complemented by the Irish cream frosting. —Jennifer Wayland, Morris Plains, New Jersey
Unicorn CakeThis magical unicorn cake tastes as good as it looks. Baking in smaller pans creates impressive height, and a few simple decorating tricks turn it into a showstopping dessert. —Lauren Knoelke, Des Moines, Iowa
Also check out how to use a piping bag the right way.
Cherry Nut CakeMy grandmother made up this recipe for her children. Using Ozark-grown cherries and walnuts, she invented one they all liked. Granny always used cream from the dairy farm near her home, but the half-and half works well and is easier to find. —Diana Jennings, Lebanon, Missouri
Homemade Confetti CakeThis is a moist and fluffy vanilla cake with lots of sprinkles and a whipped vanilla buttercream. It's almost impossible not to feel happy when you see the fun pop of rainbow confetti! —Courtney Rich, Highland, UT
Butter Pecan CakeThis irresistible butter pecan cake features multiple layers, plenty of toasted buttery pecan crunch and a thick layer of buttercream frosting. In a word, it's delicious. Serve with a scoop of vanilla or maple ice cream to complement this decadent southern dessert.
Candy Land CakeMy friend asked me to make her son's 5th birthday cake, and when I asked her what he wanted on it, she said, "Oh, just put on gobs and gobs of candy." Instead of piling on candy haphazardly, I thought it should look like the Candy Land board game. The birthday boy, his friends and family members loved it! —Pen Perez, Berkeley, California
Yummy Chocolate CakeMy husband and I are trying to eat lighter but still crave sweets. This moist, healthy chocolate cake really helps with that. With the rich frosting, it makes a decadent treat! —LaDonna Reed, Ponca City, Oklahoma
Cranberry-Orange Cake with Lemon GlazeI used cranberries for decorations in a wedding, then challenged myself to find a way to use up the surplus. This pretty, super moist cake with cranberries in the batter and sometimes, sugared ones on top, was the result! —S. Jade Klope, Paducah, Kentucky
Red Velvet Pound CakeThis delicious red velvet pound cake is the perfect combination of flavors. Make sure the cake has cooled before icing it; for extra crunch sprinkle some roasted pecans on top. —Robin Smith, Old Fort, North Carolina
Black Walnut CakeMy mother's family members were all such excellent cooks who were known for their great hospitality. As a longtime family favorite, this old-fashioned cake was always expected to be on the menu at holiday dinners, special occasions and potlucks. —Elisabeth Garrison, Elmer, New Jersey
Minted Chocolate TorteOur family has enjoyed this remarkable layered cake for years. It's a favorite for many occasions. —Barbara Humiston, Tampa, Florida
Pineapple CakeThis pineapple cake combines tropical flavors with a rich, nutty filling for an irresistibly light yet satisfying dessert.
Red Velvet CakeOur red velvet cake recipe is traditionally southern with light, tender, ruby-red cakes held together with a rich vanilla frosting.
Spice CakeThis spice cake recipe has stood the test of time and it's one you'll probably hand down yourself.
Chocolate-Cherry Brownie CakeMy grandmother taught me the tricks to making this cake, and I've added my own special touches. The melted chocolate keeps the icing from being too dry and gives it a texture similar to chocolate ice cream. I have more requests for the icing than I do anything else! —Susan Hayes, Massapequa, New York
Berry Dream CakeI use cherry gelatin to give a boxed cake mix an eye-appealing marbled effect. It's so festive-looking. Top it with whatever fruit you like! —Margaret McNeil, Germantown, Tennessee
Malted Chocolate & Stout Layer CakeIf you want a dessert that will take the cake at a St. Patrick's Day celebration, look no further! The rich chocolate cake is incredibly moist and has a nice malt flavor that's perfectly complemented by the Irish cream frosting. —Jennifer Wayland, Morris Plains, New Jersey
White Texas Sheet CakeThis classic white Texas sheet cake is delicious, and surprisingly quick and easy to make. You won't even need to wait for the cake to cool completely before icing it!
Pina Colada Tube CakeWe named this a “pina colada” cake because it has coconut, pineapple and rum. It’s a soothing finish at the end of a big spread. —Debra Keil, Owasso, Oklahoma
Strawberry Jam CakeWhen I need a cake for a special occasion, this is my go-to recipe because everyone is crazy about it. Every year I make it for a Relay for Life cake raffle we have at work. It has raised a lot of money for a very good cause. —Tammy Urbina, Warner Robins, Georgia
Cranberry Pecan Upside-Down CakeAt our house, cranberries are a favorite. I made this dessert for the first time in the 1990s. It started out as a pineapple upside down cake—I just changed a few things around! It keeps and travels well, so it’s perfect for taking to church dinners. And we love to share it with our son and grandchildren. —Doris Heath, Franklin, North Carolina
Lane Cake>What’s the most sumptuous, indulgent cake you can bake for your guests? The answer is Lane Cake, a southern classic with a rich history and even richer filling. This Lane Cake recipe takes some planning and patience, but it’s all worth it in the end.
Layered Yellow Cake with Chocolate ButtercreamThis yellow cake will become your go-to recipe for birthdays, but the tender cake with flavorful chocolate buttercream is truly perfect for any occasion. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Mint Angel CakeOne sight of this lovely cake will have guests saving room for dessert! For an easy garnish, sprinkle with crushed mint candies.—Agnes Ward, Stratford, Ontario
Coconut Chiffon CakeToasted coconut adds visual appeal to this tall and impressive cake. With an airy texture and heavenly coconut-ginger flavor,it's a lovely end to meals throughout the year.
Lemon Ricotta CakeThis lemon ricotta cake recipe is a family gem that was passed down from my grandmother and mother. Garnished with shaved lemon zest, the moist four-layer cake is the perfect dessert when you want to impress. —Nanette Slaughter, Sammamish, Washington
Raspberry CakeIndulge in this easy-to-make raspberry cake bursting with fresh raspberry flavor and topped with a luscious whipped raspberry frosting.
Cherry Cola CakeCherry cola and marshmallows make a zippy chocolate dessert that is scrumptious topped with vanilla ice cream. — Cheri Mason, Harmony, North Carolina
Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese FrostingCinnamon, nutmeg, carrots and a creamy, tangy frosting make this classic carrot cake a winner.
Banana Split CakeThis banana split cake takes a twist on the beloved ice cream dessert with a timeless no-bake recipe. It’s so celebratory and eye-catching, no one will guess how easy it was to make.
Raspberry Fudge TorteThis special-occasion cake impresses all who see and taste it. People are surprised to hear that this torte starts with a simple cake mix—they're sure I bought it at a bakery. —Julie Hein, York, Pennsylvania
Rainbow Layer CakeFruity gelatin helps create the rainbow effect for this pretty cake. Lemon frosting is a nice and springy finishing touch. —Dawn Shackelford, Fort Worth, Texas
Flag CakeThis American flag cake recipe has fun touches like using vibrant red and blue gelatin for extra color, berries and a fluffy marshmallow buttercream to make a patriotic cake that will be an eye-catching centerpiece at any potluck.
Chocolate Fudge CakeChocolate fudge cake is the cure for any chocolate lover's sweet tooth and a staple in baking 101. Here's how to make it at home.
Peeps Sunflower CakeThe inspiration for this cake came from one of my favorite flowers, the sunflower. The yellow peeps make eye-catching flower petals, and I carefully placed chocolate chips in a circular pattern to resemble the seeds in the middle of a sunflower. This cake is easy, but looks quite impressive. —Bethany Eledge, Cleveland, Tennessee
Baby Shark CakeIt doesn't take much to add a fun theme to a birthday party. This delightfully decorated baby shark cake, plus a few colorful frills, will bring the theme to life. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Red, White & Blueberry Poke CakeA sweet treat in the summer, this patriotic poke cake with dazzling red and blue stripes is a fun one to make with the kids. —Elisabeth Schulz, Blossvale, New York
Marble CakeIn this striking marble cake, each layer is a swirl of chocolate and sour cream pound cake. The key is mixing one batter, adding melted chocolate to part of it, then "marbling" the two together to create the stunning effect.
Rainbow Cake with CloudsSome cakes stand on their own without icing. For this bright Rainbow Cake, use a little whipped cream to make fluffy clouds. —Janet Tigchelaar, Jerseyville, Ontario
Funfetti CakeWant to know how to make a Funfetti cake recipe from scratch? Our Test Kitchen provides you with a helpful guide sprinkled with tips for making this colorful cake.
Coconut-Lemon Ice Cream CakeThis lemon ice cream cake is a cool treat my family loves anytime, but we find it especially refreshing on a hot summer day. The cream of coconut and lemon juice make a delicious combo, and the streusel adds a nice crunch. You can substitute any crunchy sugar, lemon or coconut cookie in place of the shortbread, as long as each cookie is about 2 inches. —Janet Gill, Canton, Ohio
Vanilla Ice Cream CakeFor my kids' birthdays, I like to top this ice cream birthday cake with jimmies. —Becky Herges, Fargo, North Dakota
Autumn Tree CakeYou can decorate this special cake any way you like for Halloween or the colorful autumn months. —Marie Parker, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Rustic Honey CakeWhen my boys were young, they couldn’t drink milk but they could have yogurt. This was a cake they could eat. And it’s one dessert that doesn’t taste overly sweet, which is always a nice change of pace. —Linda Leuer, Hamel, Minnesota
Gingerbread Roll CakeMake a gorgeous, fragrant, festive gingerbread roll cake in less than an hour! This spiced take on a Yule log will wow any crowd at your holiday gathering.
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