Moist vanilla cake layers, rich and creamy buttercream frosting, and a crown of fresh, juicy berries — this berry-topped vanilla layer cake is the ultimate showstopper dessert for spring and summer celebrations. Whether you’re planning a birthday, bridal shower, or just a sweet weekend treat, this elegant layer cake is sure to impress!
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
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Perfect for celebrations – Gorgeous enough for weddings or birthdays.
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Fresh and fruity – Topped with seasonal berries and a touch of mint.
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Customizable – Easily adapt the flavors and decorations for any occasion.
🧁 Ingredients
For the Vanilla Cake:
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2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
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½ teaspoon salt
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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2 cups granulated sugar
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4 large eggs
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2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
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1 cup whole milk
For the Buttercream Frosting:
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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4 cups powdered sugar
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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4–6 tablespoons heavy cream (adjust for desired consistency)
For Decoration:
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Fresh mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
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Fresh mint leaves
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Powdered sugar, for dusting
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes). Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Alternate adding the flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour. Mix just until combined — don’t overmix!
5. Bake the Cakes
Divide the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
6. Prepare the Buttercream Frosting
Beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then beat in vanilla extract and enough heavy cream to reach a smooth, spreadable consistency.
7. Assemble the Layer Cake
Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top. Repeat with the second and third layers. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining buttercream.
8. Decorate
Top the cake generously with fresh berries. Garnish with mint leaves and a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
🍰 Serving Tips
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Slice with a sharp, serrated knife for clean layers.
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Serve slightly chilled on warm days to help the buttercream hold its shape.
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Pair with a cup of Earl Grey tea or sparkling wine for an upscale dessert experience.
🥄 Storage & Make-Ahead
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Make Ahead: Cake layers can be baked up to 2 days ahead and stored tightly wrapped at room temperature.
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Frosting: Can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature and re-whip before using.
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Leftovers: Store frosted cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
🍓 Variations
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Lemon-Vanilla Cake: Add 1 tablespoon lemon zest to the batter for a citrus twist.
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Berry Filling: Add a layer of berry compote or strawberry jam between the cake layers.
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Whipped Cream Frosting: For a lighter topping, use stabilized whipped cream instead of buttercream.
📊 Nutritional Info
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 12
Calories: Approx. 350 per slice
