Layer Cake Recipes | Spice Layer Cake & Classic White Layer Cake
Two classic layer cakes in one place: a warmly spiced Spice Layer Cake made with buttermilk, cinnamon, and cloves, plus a simple White Layer Cake that works beautifully in round pans or a 9×13 sheet.
Use the jump links to choose a recipe, then scroll for ingredients and step-by-step instructions. The FAQ includes quick guidance for baking as layers, frosting ideas, and an easy buttermilk substitute.
Recipes on this page
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Spice Layer Cake
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup shortening
- 2 1/4 cups sifted cake flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon cloves
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 3 eggs
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Instructions
- Grease a square pan.
- Soften shortening.
- Sift flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.
- Add brown sugar and buttermilk to the shortening.
- Alternate adding dry and wet ingredients; mix 2 minutes.
- Add eggs and mix 2 more minutes.
- Pour into pan and bake 30–35 minutes. Serves 12.
- Total cook time: 30–35 minutes
- Equipment: square pan (or round pans for layers)
- Servings: 12
White Layer Cake
Ingredients
- 1 package yellow or white cake mix
- 2 1/4 cups flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 1 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Preheat oven to 325°F.
Instructions
- Grease a 9×13-inch pan or two 8-inch round pans.
- Stir dry ingredients together.
- Add shortening and milk; beat 2 minutes.
- Add eggs and vanilla; beat 1 minute.
- Bake about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Total cook time: 30 minutes
- Equipment: 9×13-inch pan or two 8-inch round pans
- Servings: 12
Layer Cake FAQ
Can I bake these cakes as layers?
Yes. The White Layer Cake works well in two 8-inch round pans. The Spice Layer Cake can also be baked in round pans and split into layers.
What frosting pairs well with Spice Layer Cake?
Cream cheese frosting, vanilla buttercream, or a simple powdered sugar glaze all pair nicely with the warm spices.
Can I substitute milk for buttermilk?
Yes—add 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup milk and let stand 5 minutes to make sour milk.