This Vanilla Berry Layer Cake is a light and elegant dessert, perfect for summer celebrations, afternoon tea, or special occasions. With its airy vanilla sponge layers, lightly sweetened whipped cream, and an abundance of fresh berries, this cake is a showcase of simplicity and seasonal flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cake is everything a berry lover could want: soft, tender layers of sponge cake, clouds of whipped cream, and the vibrant, juicy burst of fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. It’s naturally sweet, not overly rich, and beautifully presentable. Despite its impressive look, it’s surprisingly easy to make and assemble, making it a go-to for both beginner and experienced bakers.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the sponge cake layers:

Eggs (room temperature)
Granulated sugar
All-purpose flour
Cornstarch
Baking powder
Salt
Vanilla extract

For the whipped cream filling and topping:

Heavy whipping cream
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract

For the berries:

Fresh strawberries (halved or sliced)
Fresh raspberries
Fresh blueberries
Optional: lemon zest for brightness

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line the bottoms of three 8-inch round cake pans.
Prepare sponge batter: In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugar together for 5–7 minutes until thick, pale, and tripled in volume.
Sift together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt, and gently fold into the egg mixture using a spatula, being careful not to deflate the batter.
Add vanilla extract and mix gently.
Divide the batter evenly into prepared pans and bake for 18–22 minutes or until the tops are golden and spring back when touched.
Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks and cool completely.
Prepare whipped cream: Beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form.
Assemble the cake: Place one sponge layer on a serving plate, spread with whipped cream, and top with berries. Repeat for the remaining layers.
Top the final layer with whipped cream and a generous amount of fresh berries. Chill before serving for best results.

Servings and timing

Servings: 10–12
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Cooling and assembly time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Variations

Lemon variation: Add lemon zest to the batter and filling for a refreshing citrus note.
Berry jam: Spread a thin layer of berry jam between cake layers before adding whipped cream.
Mascarpone cream: Mix mascarpone into the whipped cream for a richer flavor.
Gluten-free version: Use a gluten-free flour blend for the sponge cake.

Storage/reheating

This cake should be stored in the refrigerator due to the fresh cream and berries. Keep covered and consume within 2–3 days for best texture and flavor. Do not freeze after assembly, as the whipped cream and fresh berries may become soggy. If needed, sponge layers can be frozen individually before assembling.

FAQs

Can I use frozen berries?

Fresh is best for appearance and texture, but thawed and well-drained frozen berries can be used in a pinch.

How do I keep the whipped cream stable?

Beat to soft peaks and avoid over-whipping. You may also use a stabilizer like gelatin or cornstarch.

Can I bake the sponge cake ahead of time?

Yes, bake the layers a day in advance, wrap them tightly, and store at room temperature or refrigerate.

Why is my sponge cake flat?

Beating the eggs and sugar long enough is essential for volume; folding in the flour gently is also key.

What’s the best knife to use for slicing this cake?

Use a serrated knife to prevent squashing the delicate layers.

How do I prevent the berries from sinking?

Gently press some berries into the cream layer to help hold them in place.

Can I replace whipped cream with buttercream?

Yes, but the result will be richer and less light. Whipped cream keeps the cake fresh and airy.

Should the cake be served chilled?

Yes, serve chilled for a firmer texture and cleaner slices.

How do I get neat layers?

Level the sponge cakes with a knife or cake leveler before assembling.

Can I make this into a sheet cake?

Yes, bake the batter in a sheet pan and cut into sections to layer individually or as bars.

Conclusion

The Vanilla Berry Layer Cake is a delightful blend of light sponge, rich cream, and bright berries. It’s a dessert that celebrates freshness and elegance without fuss. Whether for a birthday, bridal shower, or just a weekend treat, this cake offers sophistication with a homemade touch—sure to impress every guest at the table.

Vanilla Berry Layer Cake

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A light and elegant vanilla layer cake filled with fresh mixed berries and whipped cream or buttercream frosting, perfect for spring and summer celebrations.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
Alternately add the flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
Divide batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
To make frosting: Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then vanilla and cream. Beat until fluffy.
Once cakes are cool, spread frosting between layers and on top. Add berries between layers and on top for decoration.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and rise.
Dry berries gently with paper towels before adding to the cake to avoid sogginess.
For a lighter option, substitute whipped cream for the buttercream frosting.
Best served the same day for freshest berry flavor.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 450
Sugar: 42g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 90mg