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

See Examples For:

layer cake

In the financial economy, leverage is high with a layer cake of debt at the investor, fund, instrument and underlying investment level.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 9, 2026

From my dermatologist’s office came a picture of a layer cake and candles.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 2, 2026

I had been attempting to make Giada De Laurentiis’ recipe for a chocolate-raspberry layer cake — my first attempt at baking a cake, period.

From Salon ● Jun. 14, 2026

"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

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

From "A Long Way from Chicago" by Richard Peck