Take your layer cakes to the next level with this trick. It's a secret the pros don't want you to know!
This Is the Secret to Making Bakery-Worthy Layer Cake At Home
Updated on Jul. 12, 2022
Layer cakes are a key piece of any home baker’s repertoire. You can stack ’em up for birthdays, weddings and holidays, and there are dozens of gorgeous recipes to choose from, featuring just about every flavor imaginable. It doesn’t hurt that layer cakes are straightforward recipes, too, making them accessible for bakers of all experience levels.
Now, what if we told you there was an easy trick to make your next layer cake out-of-this-world good? It’s a secret professional bakers and pastry chefs have used for years to make moist and flavorful bakes.
Here’s what you need to know!
The Secret to Bakery-Quality Cakes
This baking trick is so easy that it actually has “simple” in the name. That’s right—simple syrup is the magic ingredient that will take your layer cakes to another level of goodness.
You can make your own simple syrup by dissolving sugar into water, and then adding flavoring.
How does this transform a cake? Bakers gently brush simple syrup over each layer, allowing the liquid to soak into the sponge. This adds the perfect amount of extra moisture to the cake and gives a touch of added sweetness. It’s also a helpful remedy if you overbaked your cake, because the simple syrup puts moisture back in.
Some bakers will use flavored syrups to add another layer of goodness. For example, you could brush cherry simple syrup on a chocolate cake for a subtle burst of flavor—yum!
How to Use Simple Syrup on Cake
The simple syrup comes into play after everything is baked and you’re putting the dessert together.
- As you stack each layer of cake, coat it with the simple syrup. Most people use a pastry brush to do this, but you could also use a spray bottle. Use only a few tablespoons of liquid per layer—don’t go too heavy or your cake will get soggy.
- Allow the mixture to soak into the cake
- Top with homemade frosting.
There you have it! How easy was that baking trick?
25 Cakes for People Who Love Frosting
Nana's Chocolate Cupcakes with Mint FrostingEven though Nana is no longer with us, her treats bring me so much joy every time
I bake them. For a more indulgent version, double the frosting and pile it on high! —Chekota Hunter, Cassville, Missouri
Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese FrostingCinnamon, nutmeg, carrots and a creamy, tangy frosting make this classic carrot cake a winner.
Chocolate CakeWe can confidently say that this is the best chocolate cake recipe and, at Taste Recipes, we make (and eat!) a lot of cakes. With three moist, fluffy cake layers and a rich, decadent chocolate frosting, we think this will become your go-to chocolate dessert as well.
Vanilla FrostingLight, sweet and perfectly airy, this easy homemade vanilla frosting recipe makes a delicious topping for cakes, cupcakes, desserts and sweet breads.
Mamaw Emily’s Strawberry CakeMy husband loved his mamaw's strawberry cake recipe. He thought no one could duplicate it. I made it, and it’s just as scrumptious as he remembers. —Jennifer Bruce, Manitou, Kentucky
Pumpkin CupcakesThese pumpkin cupcakes are packed with fall flavor, from pumpkin puree to pie spice to cinnamon and ginger. A cinnamon cream-cheese frosting gives the cupcakes a superb taste and aroma.
Chocolate Bavarian TorteWhenever I take this eye-catching torte to a potluck, I get so many requests for the recipe. —Edith Holmstrom, Madison, Wisconsin
Maple Walnut CakeThis maple-flavored cake with candied walnuts honors beloved my grandpa, who made maple syrup when I was a child. It honors his memory and has proven to be a favorite with family and friends throughout the years. —Lori Fee, Middlesex, New York
Cherry Cola CakeCherry cola and marshmallows make a zippy chocolate dessert that is scrumptious topped with vanilla ice cream. — Cheri Mason, Harmony, North Carolina
Coffee-Chocolate CakeThis chocolate-coffee cake recipe makes a deliciously moist chocolate cake flavored with coffee. It's topped with an elegant buttercream frosting that makes every slice even more decadent.
Cannoli CakeA luscious, chocolate-studded cannoli filling separates the tender layers of this rich cannoli cake, which (surprise!) starts with a packaged mix. Serve it chilled, with Italian red wine, as desired.
Pink Lemonade Stand CakeIf you love a moist and creamy cake, this one’s for you. The lemon juice and lemonade give the layers a tangy, citrusy touch, and the cream cheese frosting with sprinkles makes it extra pretty. —Lauren Knoelke, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Marble CakeIn this striking marble cake, each layer is a swirl of chocolate and sour cream pound cake. The key is mixing one batter, adding melted chocolate to part of it, then "marbling" the two together to create the stunning effect.
Pineapple Carrot CakeThis pineapple carrot cake is sweet, tangy, fluffy and soft. It's perfect for snacking or when you want a dessert that isn't as sweet as other cakes or cookies.
Vanilla CakeOur Test Kitchen created our best vanilla cake recipe yet. It's tender, moist and packed with rich vanilla flavor—a must for any special occasion.
Rich Buttercream FrostingA few simple ingredients make a creamy frosting that finishes cakes, cupcakes and cookies. If you love making desserts, keep this buttercream frosting recipe handy. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen. Here are the different types of frosting that all the bakers need to know.
German Apple CakeBursting with pieces of juicy apple, warmly spiced with cinnamon and crowned with a sweet cloud of cream cheese frosting, this German apple cake is perfect for fall.
Chocolate Ganache CakeThis decadent chocolate ganache cake is what every chocolate lover dreams of!
Cupcake FrostingSimple vanilla frosting is a great topper for any cupcake. I frosted 300 cupcakes with this recipe for my wedding in lieu of a traditional cake. It made for a delicious bridal twist. — Annie Rundle, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Minted Chocolate TorteOur family has enjoyed this remarkable layered cake for years. It's a favorite for many occasions. —Barbara Humiston, Tampa, Florida
White Chocolate Coconut CakeThis eye-catching cake is my own creation. The white "snowball" look makes it the perfect choice for a holiday celebration. —Greta Kirby, Carthage, Tennessee
Amaretto Butter FrostingPut the crowning touch on cupcakes with this rich and buttery Amaretto topper. —Anette Stevens, Olds, Alberta
