41 Layer Cake Recipes for Every Celebration

Layer cake recipes give something snacking cakes, cupcakes, sheet cakes, and loaf cakes could never: They give height. And that stature makes a layer cake feel grand. The multiple layers say, “I went the extra mile—mile high, that is—for you.” Whether it’s butter cake with chocolate buttercream, chocolate cake enrobed in ganache, or ice cream cake topped with mousse-like whipped cream, if it’s stacked, it’s special.

But this also means you might want to do the work in batches. We’ve got some tips for how best to store layers of cake, in case the icing and assembly must be tended to another day. (Some keep well at room temperature, but there are definitely exceptions.)

Now, on to our favorite layer cakes for birthdays, holidays—or, really, any day you might need a little lift.