Often overlooked by many home bakers, the world of layered desserts is vast and exciting. With a wide range of ingredients and techniques at their disposal, dessert enthusiasts can create almost endless possibilities, from classic cakes and puddings to exotic baklavas and rich brownies.
For those who are new to making layered desserts, don’t worry – we’re here to guide you through the process! In this article, we’ll be showcasing 40 of our favorite layered desserts that you simply must try.
Layered Strawberry Tart
Within its layers, this strawberry tart is a delight to behold. Its simplicity in preparation makes it an accessible treat for anyone looking to indulge in a sweet escape. The unique combination of flavors, including the crunch from pistachios and almonds used to make the crust, elevates the dessert to new heights. Meanwhile, the filling’s trio of chocolate, coconut, and strawberry creates a refreshing harmony that’s perfect for warm weather.
Buckeye Brownies
Creating sweet treats is always a delight, and buckeye brownies are no exception. These indulgent desserts feature a rich fudge brownie base, followed by a creamy peanut butter filling, and finished with a velvety chocolate layer on top. They’re a true culinary masterpiece that’s as delicious as it is effortless to prepare.
Walnut And Pistachio Baklava
Often considered a staple dessert globally, baklava boasts an array of variations with diverse fillings. However, the walnut and pistachio combination stands out as a timeless favorite, not only for its unique flavor profile but also for its ability to harmonize seamlessly with other ingredients.
Millionaire Shortbread
Diving into the world of desserts, we find an irresistible treat consisting of three harmonious layers: crumbly shortbread, gooey caramel, and rich chocolate. Its appeal is undeniable, as suggested by the enticing visuals that are sure to leave you wanting more.
Caramel Peanut Fantasy
Coconut Cake
Many would agree that a well-made coconut cake is indeed a masterpiece of culinary artistry. This particular recipe stands out due to its harmonious blend of flavors, which complement each other beautifully. The sponge itself is remarkably soft and flavorful, while the coconut cream cheese buttercream frosting is nothing short of sublime. The end result is a truly comprehensive dessert that exceeds expectations in every way.
Layered Ambrosia Salad
Fresh from the islands, this delectable layered ambrosia salad brings together pineapple, coconut, and bananas in perfect harmony. The combination of tropical flavors and textures is nothing short of decadent, making it impossible to resist. For those who adore the sweetness of summer fruits and the essence of the tropics, this recipe is a must-try.
Banana Pudding
Bringing a taste of southern charm to your dessert table has never been easier with this classic recipe. Made with the perfect combination of crunchy wafer cookies, creamy whipped cream, rich pudding, and ripe bananas, it’s a treat that will transport you straight to the heart of America’s south. And the best part? It requires minimal effort, making it accessible to anyone, anywhere in the world who wants to indulge in its sweet delights.
Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake
Zest for life is exactly what you’ll get from this incredible dessert creation, as it’s impossible to put into words just how amazing it truly is with its explosive flavors and stunning appearance. Whether you’re living in an area with scorching hot summers or not, this treat will undoubtedly become your new favorite indulgence – so be warned!
Seven-Layer Magic Bars
Looking at the ingredients list for this magic bars recipe, it’s clear why they’re called ‘magic’ – a combination of buttery crackers, chocolate chips, coconut, butterscotch chips, sweetened condensed milk, and chopped up nuts all come together to create a truly special dessert. This creative twist on classic treats is sure to be a hit with family and friends, and the best part? Everyone will love it, even those who don’t typically enjoy nuts.
Punch Bowl Cake
Creating a sweet treat that’s perfect for warm weather is easier than you think. This punch bowl cake recipe is designed to be low-fuss, so even those who don’t consider themselves bakers can give it a try. It may not be a traditional cake, but its flavors are sure to impress. The combination of yellow cake squares, instant vanilla pudding, walnuts, cherry pie filling, whipped cream, and tropical summer fruit like coconut, pineapple, and bananas is a match made in heaven.
Oreo Cheesecake Bars
Zeroing in on desserts that bring people together, we think it’s safe to say you and your loved ones will adore this scrumptious Oreo cheesecake bar recipe. Who can resist the allure of chocolate chip cookie dough, Oreos, cream cheese, and caramel all coming together in perfect harmony? With its ease of preparation, you’ll be hard-pressed not to make it again and again!
Mint Chip Lasagna
Getting creative with classic lasagnas has never been more exciting! It’s time we added a sweet twist to this beloved dish, without completely abandoning its traditional roots. This decadent mint chip lasagna is the perfect example of how to balance the savory and the sweet. The recipe includes rich chocolate pudding, a generous dollop of whipped cream, shaved chocolate for added texture, crunchy mint chips, a hint of fresh mint extract, and a tangy cream cheese layer.
To top it all off, a splash of green food coloring gives this dessert lasagna an irresistible pop of color!
Tiramisu Crêpe Cake
Zeroing in on the ultimate dessert, it’s only fitting to include the crowning jewel – a tiramisu crêpe cake that’s sure to impress! What makes this dessert so special is its intricate layering. Imagine 25 (or more) delicate crêpe layers stacked high with an equally impressive amount of creamy tiramisu filling nestled in between each one, resulting in a whopping total of 50 layers.
To take it over the top, a dollop of sweet whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder add the perfect finishing touches.
Dirt Pudding
Many people have fond memories associated with dirt pudding, a timeless summer treat that has been delighting kids and adults alike for years. Its unique combination of crushed Oreos, gummy worms, and creamy filling instantly transports us back to our carefree childhood days, often evoking strong emotions in those who taste it for the first time.
Strawberry Pavlova
Taking centre stage in Australian cuisine is the iconic Pavlova, a dessert that has captured the hearts of many with its irresistible combination of textures and flavours. The perfectly balanced ingredients, including crispy meringue at the base, generous dollops of whipped cream, and an assortment of juicy strawberries on top, make it a culinary masterpiece that’s easy to recreate in one’s own kitchen.
In fact, making your own meringue is a straightforward process that requires minimal effort, rendering store-bought versions unnecessary.
Strawberry Banana Granola Parfaits
Elevate your dessert game with a twist on the classic treat. Say hello to strawberry and banana granola parfaits, a healthier alternative that’s both quick and easy to prepare. Packed with all your favorite flavors, these parfaits are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without compromising on nutrition.
Banoffee Pie
Everyone who tries a banoffee pie for the first time falls in love with its unique taste. The combination of sweetness from the toffee and bananas, balanced by the creamy texture, creates a delightful flavor experience that’s hard to resist. This classic dessert is made up of three main ingredients: sliced bananas, gooey toffee, and a generous helping of whipped cream.
Despite its rich and decadent appearance, making a banoffee pie is surprisingly straightforward, and with practice, you’ll get it spot on every time! The recipe is simple yet foolproof, ensuring that your creation turns out amazing without fail. Give it a try!
Arkansas Possum Pie
Zest your taste buds with this Arkansas possum pie, which may not sound like the most appetizing dessert at first glance, but trust us when we say it’s an absolute game-changer. The combination of rich chocolate layers, a generous dollop of whipped cream, a crunchy pecan shortbread crust, and a tangy cream cheese filling is nothing short of perfection. It’s a culinary match made in heaven that will leave you weak in the knees and wanting more – so much so, you’d play dead for another slice!
Go To Recipe
Neapolitan Cupcakes
Honoring the spirit of experimentation in baking, this cupcake recipe offers a unique three-layer experience that’s as versatile as it is delicious. By incorporating vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry flavors, you’ll get to enjoy the classic combination reminiscent of ice cream, but with the added convenience of a self-contained treat. And if you’re feeling adventurous, don’t be afraid to play around with the flavor profile by experimenting with different frostings!
Atomic Cake
Taking center stage is a truly exceptional dessert that has captured the hearts of many with its sheer variety of textures and tastes. This show-stopping masterpiece features an impressive combination of layers, each one more tantalizing than the last. The white cake provides a delicate base, while the chocolate cake adds a rich, velvety depth. Meanwhile, the banana cake brings a sweet and comforting element to the table.
To round out this heavenly creation, vanilla pudding adds a creamy smoothness, whipped cream provides a light and airy contrast, bananas add natural sweetness, and strawberries burst with juicy flavor, all coming together in perfect harmony.
Pineapple Breeze Torte
Taking centre stage is this mouth-watering torte, a true showstopper of a dessert! The pineapple breeze torte boasts an impressive layered construction of ladyfingers, sweet pineapple chunks, and a generous dollop of whipped cream. This heavenly combination creates a truly indulgent treat that’s sure to impress. It may seem too good to be true, but the best part is that this divine dessert requires no oven baking at all!
Simply assemble the layers, chill in the fridge, and serve when ready – it really couldn’t be any easier!
Napoleon Cake
Keen on trying your hand at a classic French dessert, you might be surprised to learn that this Napoleon cake is likely not made by the famous military leader himself. Despite its namesake, the origins of this beloved treat are unclear, but one thing’s for sure – it’s absolutely delicious! The layers of vanilla pastry cream, crispy puff pastry crumbs, and fresh fruit make for a match made in heaven.
If you’re as smitten with Napoleon cake as we are, you’ll want to dive into our recipe and give it a try for yourself – the description just can’t do it justice!
Trisha Yearwood’s Chocolate Torte
Zestful as it sounds, this chocolate torte is indeed a showstopper and a winner that’s sure to impress anyone who lays eyes on it. If the picture isn’t already tempting you with its rich flavors, hopefully, this description will do the trick. This decadent dessert is comprised of 12 mouth-watering layers of moist vanilla cake, each one expertly glazed in a thick layer of velvety chocolate that adds an extra touch of luxury to every bite.
The sweet and indulgent filling perfectly complements the sponge-like texture of the cake, elevating this torte to new heights and making it one of our most sophisticated desserts yet.
Brownie Lasagna
When it comes to decadent desserts that are also incredibly easy to make, the brownie lasagna truly stands out. This treat consists of eight rich layers of brownie and cream cheese, which combine in perfect harmony to create a flavor experience like no other. The layered appearance is visually stunning, making it a show-stopper at any gathering or special occasion.
What’s more, this recipe can be elevated even further by adding an extra drizzle of chocolate sauce on top – or, for a lighter touch, whipped cream!
Peanut Butter Dessert Lasagna
Alternatively, if you’re craving something new and exciting, consider giving our peanut butter dessert lasagna a try – it’s an unconventional yet surprisingly tasty option that combines the richness of chocolate with the creaminess of peanut butter in layers, making it a unique dessert experience that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Death By Chocolate
Knowing what to expect from the name alone, Death by Chocolate lives up to its reputation as a rich, decadent treat. Layers of brownie, whipped cream, toffee bars, and pudding combine in a delightful explosion of chocolatey flavors. It’s a substantial amount of chocolate, but the quality is undeniable – it’s simply delicious.
Easy Tiramisu
Achieving a classic tiramisu experience without any fuss is perfectly possible with this straightforward recipe. To get started, gather the essential ingredients: dark rum, strong coffee, lady fingers, mascarpone cheese, vanilla extract, and whipping cream. These simple elements come together to create something truly remarkable.
Black Forest Chocolate Torte
Virtually all desserts have their unique twist, but when it comes to layered treats, tortes take center stage. The black forest chocolate torte is an exemplary representation of this dessert style. With its exquisite combination of flavors and textures, it’s a must-try for anyone who loves rich, decadent sweets. This indulgent treat boasts a generous helping of sweet cherries on top, which are perfectly complemented by the moist layers of chocolate cake that follow.
Earthquake Cake
Zest for adventure seekers and dessert lovers alike, this delectable treat will shake your world with its rich flavors and textures. To bring it to life, you’ll need the bold flavor of German chocolate cake, the tropical essence of coconut, a tangy cream cheese frosting, and a sprinkle of crunch from pecans – all perfectly balanced to create an unforgettable taste experience.
This decadent delight is one of our personal favorites, and its simplicity belies its deep and lasting impact on those who try it.
Strawberry Shortcake
Planning the perfect dessert for a warm summer day can be a challenge, but this strawberry shortcake recipe is sure to transport you to an English countryside garden. The combination of tender buttery biscuits, fresh whipped cream, and sweet strawberries creates a layered dessert that’s as elegant as it is delicious. It’s the perfect accompaniment to a refreshing cup of tea on a lazy afternoon.
Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Creating a sweet treat that’s perfect for hot summer days, the strawberry pretzel salad is a delightful concoction made with crushed pretzels, strawberry Jell-O, and a creamy whipped center. Unlike traditional salads, this dessert has all the elements of a tasty delight without being too heavy or overwhelming. This strawberry lover’s dream is sure to provide a refreshing pleasure with each bite.
Triple Berry Trifle
Many people are berry enthusiasts, just like us. We’re excited to share our love for this triple berry trifle, a perfect dessert for the warmest season of the year – summer. This recipe consists of layers of light and airy whipped cream, moist angel food cake, cheesecake flavored pudding mix, and an abundance of juicy berries!
The classic combination of blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries works beautifully together, but feel free to experiment with other varieties like blackberries or mulberries for a unique twist. Whether you’re hosting a garden party or simply want a sweet treat at home, this triple berry trifle is sure to impress.
Mississippi Mud Pie
Taking your taste buds on a wild ride, the Mississippi mud pie is an indulgent treat that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Composed of multiple layers, this decadent dessert features a crunchy base of graham crackers, rich chocolate pudding, fudgy brownie, and a generous dollop of creamy whipped cream – a true delight that could almost move you to tears with its sheer deliciousness. Go To Recipe
Pumpkin Cake With Whipped Cinnamon Frosting
Kick-starting the fall season with a delicious treat that’s sure to impress your guests, especially around Halloween. The pumpkin cake with whipped cinnamon frosting has layers of flavors that are quintessentially autumnal and perfect for the season. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want to indulge in some seasonal baking, this recipe is a must-try. It’s so good that everyone at your gathering will be begging for another slice!
Banana Pudding
Visually stunning and bursting with flavor, this banana pudding is a delightful treat. With its rich sweet banana taste, complemented by the crunch of vanilla wafers and the fluffy texture of meringue on top, it’s no wonder that this classic dessert has captured hearts everywhere. Whether you’re a fan of traditional comfort food or just looking for a simple yet satisfying indulgence, there’s nothing to dislike about this easy-to-make masterpiece.
Double Layer Pumpkin Cheesecake
Just as promised, we have a treat in store for all you pumpkin enthusiasts out there. Our double layer pumpkin cheesecake is the epitome of fall desserts – rich, indulgent, and tantalizingly delicious. What’s more, it’s remarkably easy to whip up, making it an ideal addition to your holiday gatherings or cozy nights in. So go ahead, give this heavenly dessert a try! Go To Recipe
Lemon Icebox Cake
Relying on a few simple ingredients, a lemon icebox cake is an ideal dessert for sizzling summer days. The citrusy flavor of the lemon is incredibly refreshing, and its pairing with cream cheese is a match made in heaven. One of the biggest advantages of this dessert is that it can be assembled in as little as 10 minutes, making it perfect for hot summer evenings when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
Layered Rainbow Jell-O
Knowing the popularity of Jell-O among people of all ages, it’s no surprise that this classic dessert remains a staple in many households and gatherings. Not only is it visually appealing with its vibrant colors, but it also offers a sweet and tangy taste experience that appeals to both kids and adults alike, making it a perfect treat for any occasion.
