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

A layer cake of overlapping aquifers extends from New Jersey to Florida along the coast, providing a reliable source of water for drinking, irrigation and industrial uses.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 2, 2024

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

She also promised to bake a fancy layer cake for the twins’ birthday in July.

From "Out of Darkness" by Ashley Hope Pérez