layer cake

American  

noun

1. a cake made in layers, with a cream, jelly, or other filling between them.

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layer cake British  

noun

1. a cake made in layers with a filling

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Etymology

Origin of layer cake

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

"There is leverage on leverage on leverage. What we want to make sure is that everybody understands how that layer cake of leverage adds up."

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

The traditional layer cake, especially when it’s for someone else, can feel like a high-stakes performance.

From Salon • Feb. 3, 2026

There’s the London Fog layer cake at Deep Sea Sugar & Salt, so irresistible I once ate a towering slice with my hands at a bus stop.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 15, 2023

It’s a tender-crumbed yellow layer cake with sprinkles both in the batter and on top of the vanilla cream cheese frosting.

From New York Times • Jun. 10, 2023

After a big wedge of layer cake she pulled back from the table.

From "A Long Way from Chicago" by Richard Peck