45+ Best Layered Desserts That Are Easy Enough, and Always a Crowd-Pleaser

Love combining different flavors and textures? Then, this list of layered desserts round-up is for you; they are all utterly delicious in every bite.

After years of assembling trifles, icebox cakes, and parfaits for family celebrations, I noticed many readers wanted one place to find the most dependable layered desserts. From fruity, creamy tiramisus to luscious dessert lasagnas, icebox cakes, I have all the layered dessert recipes for you.

Katalin’s Professional Advice on Ideal Flavor and Texture Combinations for Layered Desserts

This guide gathers my favorite layered dessert recipes and teaches you the simple order of building taste, texture, and color so every spoonful feels like a celebration. Understanding these fundamentals will allow you to turn pantry basics into show-stopping finales for parties or weeknight dinners.

Foundational Principles

1. Pair richness with brightness: offset chocolate or caramel layers with sharp fruit curds such as lemon curd or sour cherry; the acidity lifts the sweetness.
2. Follow a three-texture rhythm: crisp (such as cookie crumbs or nut brittle), tender (like soaked sponge or brownie cubes), and airy (like mousse or whipped cream).
3. Use temperature contrast: for example, a cool mascarpone cream beside a warm salted-honey drizzle intensifies aroma and mouthfeel.

A classic tiramisu with its soft sponge and silky mascarpone cream, or mille feuille with its buttery, crisp puff pastry and contrasting pastry cream, exactly follows these principles.

When it comes to flavor, you can have a lot of fun. A great way to start is to choose your favorite fruit or flavor, add layers of cream, and build from there.

For something more decadent, combine chocolate with cream for a classic layered dessert mixture, or opt for peanut butter, caramel, coffee, or fruit purees or frostings. You can add texture with layers of sponge cake or cookies, such as Biscoff and Oreos, which can be served while still crunchy or left to soften over time as they absorb the cream fillings.

With these guidelines, your desserts will land on the table boasting confident flavor, dynamic texture, and just enough surprise to keep people reaching back for more.

Still don't know where to start? I've got you covered.

Best Layered Dessert Recipes

1. Classic tiramisu

It’s no surprise that tiramisu is so popular around the world. This layered dessert is made from ladyfingers soaked in fresh coffee and the silkiest mascarpone cream filling. The best thing is that it needs time in the fridge to absorb, infuse, and develop its iconic texture. This way, you can prepare it the day before you want to enjoy it, and then dust it with cocoa powder before serving. 

2. Napoleon cake

Now moving on to some very fancy layered desserts! You might confuse this puff pastry treat layered with creamy filling with the famous French mille feuille, but there is actually a difference! Russian Napoleon cake is a stunning tower of nine puff pastry layers with a mousseline cream filling, and the most amazing crunchy yet soft texture. If you’re looking for tall layered desserts, try this! 

3. Mille feuille

Here is one of the French classic layered desserts! The French term ‘Mille Feuille’ translates into English as ‘a thousand leaves’  because there are so many layers in the puff pastry due to the lamination process. Baked sheets of buttery puff pastry are layered with a vanilla crème pâtissière and decorated with whipped cream. It’s an iconic dessert for a reason!  

4. Strawberry Charlotte cake

Fluffy ladyfingers hide the layers of this surprisingly easy layered dessert. Inside, you’ll find a creamy filling and layers of fresh strawberries. It really does look like something you’d buy in a fancy French bakery, but it is much simpler to make than you might think! 

5. Strawberry lasagna

If you've never heard of a dessert lasagna before, it might sound strange! But trust me, if you love strawberry layered desserts, you’ll love it. At the base, there is a crunchy, buttery, golden Oreo crust. Then, we have not one, but two cheesecake layers, and finally, a whipped cream topping and fresh berries. It's basically a cream cake, and everyone loves it!

6. Strawberry ice box cake

It’s no wonder that layered icebox cakes are so popular in summer. All you need to do is fill a loaf pan with fresh strawberries, Graham Cracker cookies, and a rich vanilla whipped cream, and then let it chill. The vanilla cream filling soaks into the cookies, making them deliciously soft while still retaining some bite, and the fresh fruit adds a refreshing sweetness. It's a great alternative to ice cream, as it's just as refreshing but a bit more interesting.

7. Lemon sheet cake

A simple sheet cake recipe is every baker's dream! Moist sponge cake made with Greek yogurt and lemon zest to make it super soft and flavorful, topped with a layer of the silkiest cream cheese frosting. It’s tangy, zesty, moist, and soft. Surely, that’s everything you could want from a dessert!

8. Chocolate poke cake

Poke cake gets its name from the holes you poke into the sponge, to which you then pour liquid that soaks into the cake, making it unbelievably moist. As you cut slices, it all oozes out! Undoubtedly, that sounds good to me. This layered version is topped with a super-smooth and silky chocolate frosting, as well as an additional drizzle of chocolate sauce.

9. Chocolate sheet cake

I don’t think any chocolate lover could refuse a slice of this easy sheet cake layered dessert. The sponge is incredibly chocolatey but not too sweet, and it’s topped with a layer of chocolate fudge frosting that's so delicious. Simply put, it’s irresistible! 

10. Chocolate eclair cake

A classic chocolate eclair is a French pastry adored around the world. But what if you want a cake version to share that has all the layers of creamy texture, rich filling, pastry-like crunch, and glossy chocolate ganache? That’s where this unique layered dessert comes in.

The layers of softened Graham crackers give that bit of texture, and then there is the classic diplomat cream and chocolate ganache topping. But the best thing is that you can slice it up like a cake! However, this does mean you will have to share it. 

11. Boston cream poke cake

Who wouldn't love a piece of this layered dessert poke cake, based on the famous Boston cream pie? There is a super-moist vanilla cake with my classic vanilla pastry cream, and an incredibly thick and decadent layer of chocolate ganache on top. 

12. Tres leches cake

Have you heard of tres leches cake? The name translates to ‘three milks’ because of its preparation method. The vanilla sponge is soaked in a mixture of sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and milk. This makes it unbelievably moist and gives it a super creamy texture. Traditionally, it is topped with a layer of whipped cream frosting to quadruple down on the layers of creaminess! 

13. Cream puff cake

Love cream puffs? This is one of the best layered desserts for you to try next. Cream puff cake is a layered dessert made with homemade choux pastry, pastry cream, whipped cream, and a drizzle of rich chocolate ganache on top. Who could resist? 

14. Chocolate tiramisu

Here is a decadent layered dessert that takes the classic Italian tiramisu and adds a chocolate twist. Coffee-soaked ladyfingers are layered with a rich chocolate mascarpone cream and finished with a dusting of cocoa powder. The hardest part is leaving it in the fridge to soften up before serving! 

15. Blueberry Heaven on Earth cake

You might wonder how a cake can get named ‘heaven on earth cake’, but once you taste this layered dessert, you will understand! There’s moist sponge cake, sweet and juicy blueberry pie filling, two luscious cream fillings, and toasted almonds for some crunch. It’s Impressive in taste yet simply enough to whip up when you get the craving!

16. Lemon poke cake

I do love a moist poke cake! The homemade lemon filling is what separates this lemon poke cake from the crowd. There’s no store-bought jello or box mix here! The flavor is perfectly balanced and not too sweet, and the taste is all natural. 

17. Carrot sheet cake 

How adorable is this cake! If you’re looking for cute layered desserts, consider it done. This carrot sheet cake recipe features all the classic components of a carrot cake, with a super-moist carrot-based sponge base and a rich vanilla cream cheese frosting. What’s more, it is both nut-free and butter-free.

18. Strawberry poke cake

Who could say no to a slice of this strawberry layered dessert oozing with strawberry filling and smothered in frosting? Definitely not me, or anyone I know. The fact that this cake is made in a sheet pan makes it easy to transport, too. Why not make it a potluck dessert?

19. Peanut butter pie

If (like me) you love Oreos and love peanut butter, then this layered dessert contains the best of both worlds. And surely you will fall in love with it!

20. Tiramisu brownies

What could be more enticing than a layer of fudgy, dense chocolate brownie topped with a layer of tiramisu? It's a layered dessert of dreams! Bake the brownie base, then add the second layer and let it chill before dusting with cocoa powder and devouring. However, waiting before eating is definitely the hardest part!

21. Limoncello tiramisu

Spiking a tiramisu with Limoncello liquor will transport you to the Amalfi Coast with every bite. Lemon-infused cream filling tops up the refreshing and zesty flavor, and if you need a summer layered dessert, you should undoubtedly make this.

22. Baklava cheesecake

I do love a dessert mash-up, especially when it combines two of my all-time favorites. Surely, who could say no to this? A rich and tangy cheesecake is baked inside a crisp shell of layered phyllo pastry and drizzled with a honey and rosewater syrup. It's sweet, creamy, crunchy, tangy, and aromatic all in one bite.

23. Triple chocolate cake

Honestly, a classic triple chocolate layered dessert is often all you need for a good time. Moist chocolate sponge cake? Check. Creamy chocolate frosting? Check. Three layers of this in each and every slice will satisfy any chocoholic.

24. Creme brulee cake

The iconic French dessert gets an upgrade with a layer of delicous sponge cake! If you want the signature crack of the caramelized sugar topping but are desperate to bake a cake, here is a layered dessert recipe for you. The sponge is topped with a layer of pastry cream and then sprinkled with sugar and torched (or put under the broiler). It is always popular!

25. Strawberry tiramisu

What could make a tiramisu better? Adding juicy whole berries. Fresh strawberries work well in layered desserts because they are soft and sweet yet still firm enough to give extra texture to this strawberry layered dessert.

26. Raspberry mousse

Smooth and creamy, a raspberry mousse is one of those easy layered desserts in a glass that looks so pretty. Sitting on top of a homemade raspberry compote, it is a tasty way to enjoy layered desserts without sponge cake or cookies. Simply top it with fresh mint, cream, and more berries for what is surely a fresh and delicious treat.

27. German bee sting cake

Here is a dessert that always causes a stir! A traditional German bee sting cake is actually made from two layers of soft, airy, French brioche bread filled with French pastry cream. Assemble and finish with a honey-glaze and crunchy almonds.

28. No-bake cheesecake bites

Little no-bake cheesecake bites will save you if you need a quick, easy dessert that can be served like appetizers! Hand them around at a party so that everyone gets their own. But be warned, they will be popular!

29. Chocolate pie

Now, I'm not sure who needs to hear this, but you simply must make this pie. The Oreo crust is super crunchy and perfectly complements the layer of creamy chocolate filling. Piped whipped cream makes it look super professional, and it's easy if you practise!

30. Brownie pie

Now let's make a layered dessert in a pie crust! The buttery pie crust comes together so easily, and the texture contrasts so well against the fudgy chocolate brownie filling. Top with whipped chantilly frosting and enjoy!

31. Mini carrot cake

Moist and fluffy carrot cake, but make it mini! These cute little mini desserts are great for parties when you are serving a dessert spread. The sponge is layered with the signature cream cheese frosting that has just the right amount of tang.

32. Baklava

Have you ever tried baklava? It's the original layered dessert! Phyllo pastry is stretched super thin, so when you brush it with butter, it goes amazingly crisp when baked. Baklava has layers of phyllo dough pastry (also known as filo pastry) baked with chopped nuts and honey or syrup. It's both juicy and crisp at the same time, and everyone I bake it for, loves it!

33. Matcha tiramisu

If you are a fan of matcha, you must try this layered tiramisu dessert. Matcha is powdered green tea leaves, and it has an earthy taste that is amazing when used in desserts. I highly recommend you try my matcha tiramisu, which is a twist on the classic!

34. Fraisier cake

Here is another recipe that will make everyone think you went to Paris and bought it at a fancy patisserie. Fraisier cake has the most beautiful design, with whole strawberries layered into the sides of a creamy mousseline cake filling on top of a sponge base, and finished with a layer of strawberry compote.

35. Tiramisu cups

This is surely one of the best layered desserts for you if you love tiramisu but don't want to share. My easy mascarpone filling goes into dessert cups with coffee-soaked ladyfingers to create individual portions of the iconic European dessert.

36. Victoria sponge cake

A classic Victoria sponge cake (named after the British Queen) is a type of strawberry shortcake, and a baking classic. Which certainly makes it a layered dessert recipe worth trying! Two buttery sponge cakes are layered with strawberry jam and fluffy light whipped cream and topped with powdered sugar and fresh strawberries. It's a summertime classic made in England, and it will never go out of fashion!

37. Raspberry Tiramisu

Another twist on a classic Italian dessert. Adding fresh raspberries to tiramisu transforms it into a fruity layered dessert that is perfect for any occasion. The reason I love tiramisu so much is that it has an unbeatable texture and gets better and better the longer you leave it.

38. Strawberry cheesecake

A classic strawberry cheesecake is one of those layered desserts that everyone loves. A buttery Graham cracker crust holds a rich, sweet cream cheese filling stuffed with strawberry jam and garnished with whipped cream and juicy strawberries. It's like summer in every bite!

39. Lemon Lush

Here's a classic layered, lush dessert, but with a slight twist. Adding a buttery pecan crust gives this amazing nutty depth to the refreshing layers of cream cheese, lemon curd pudding, and whipped cream topping. Simply put, I highly recommend you try it!

40. White chocolate truffle cake

Anyone who loves white chocolate will fall in love with this truffle layer cake. It's rich and decadent, packed with white chocolate flavor but not too sweet. Garnish with whole white chocolate truffles to make it into a real statement dessert!

41. Mississippi Mud Pie

How indulgent is a Mississippi mud pie? Those four (yes, four) thick layers of chocolate chip cookie crust, dense flourless chocolate sponge, rich chocolate pudding, and fluffy, creamy whipped topping are simply to die for. Stack them as high as you dare.

42. Blueberry lemon icebox cake

Just look at those layers! Honestly, an ice box is such an ingenious dessert. All you need is a loaf pan and some simple ingredients, and you can make so many combinations. They are perfect in summer as BBQ desserts, as you can prep them ahead of time and then leave them to chill, and for the cookies or crackers to soften up. And they are so refreshing!

43. Chocolate lasagna

Everyone always goes crazy for a dessert lasagna, as it is one of the simplest layered desserts you can throw together in the kitchen. Rich and tangy cream cheese is spread over an Oreo cookie crust, and then chocolate pudding and a light whipped cream topping are layered on top. It's easy but has all the taste and crunchy/soft contrast you could ever want.

44. Bourbon peach icebox cake

Here is the ultimate in indulgence. While this icebox cake might only be for adults, I don't think anyone will mind hiding it from the kids! Juicy ripe summer peaches blend so well with bourbon, giving a fiery warmth and added depth to the dessert.

45. Chocolate icebox cake

Here's the ultimate no-bake layered dessert recipe. An easy chocolate icebox cake is a great summer dessert that both kids and grown-ups will love. It's made with crunchy chocolate Graham crackers, a rich and creamy mocha chocolate custard, and fluffy vanilla whipped cream. What's not to love?

46. Lotus Biscoff lasagna

Biscoff lovers will adore this layered dessert. It has all the flavor of Lotus Biscoff with creamy filling and crumbled cookies, too. What's more, you can make it in advance as it will soak up all the soft creaminess and taste even better the next day.