How to Fill a Layer Cake

In this baking tutorial post, I will share with you step by step how to fill a layer cake. I will share with you tips and tricks as well as my favorite cake supplies to help you become a cake filling master!

The cake pictured is my raspberry almond cake which is made with white almond cake layers, shortcut Swiss meringue buttercream frosting, and raspberry filling. Be sure to check out the recipe!

Step 1: Place the first cake layer on the cake board

Before you fill a layer cake, it is helpful to level the cake layers by removing the domes of the cake with a serrated knife to create an even, flat-topped cake. 

Add a small amount of buttercream to the round cake board and spread evenly with an offset spatula. This will hold the bottom cake layer in place. Then, place your first cake layer onto the board. Be sure the cake layer is centered on the board.

Step 2: Add a thin layer of frosting onto the cake layer

Spread a thin layer of buttercream frosting onto the cake layer using an offset spatula. Use a large cookie scoop to help you portion out the frosting. Adding a thin layer of buttercream helps create a bit of a barrier between the filling and the cake so the cake doesn’t get soggy and the filling stays in place.

Step 3: Pipe a border of buttercream around the edge of the cake layer

Fill a piping bag with the tip cut off with the buttercream frosting. Pipe a thick border of frosting around the outer edge of the cake. This buttercream border prevents the filling from leaking out of the sides of the cake as you are stacking and frosting the cake, and also helps to create more structure so the cake layers don’t slide off of each other.

Step 4: Spread the filling onto the cake layer

Add your desired amount of filling into the center of the cake layer inside of the buttercream border. Do not overfill the cake or the filling can leak out of the sides of the cake or the cake layers will slide as you stack the cake. For my three layer 7-inch round cakes, I typically use about 1/2 cup of filling in between the layers. Spread the filling evenly with an offset spatula.

Step 5: Add the next cake layer

Place the next layer on top of the filled cake layer. Be sure that the second cake is centered on top of the first layer so the sides are straight and even.

Step 6: Repeat the process

Repeat the same process as mentioned above with the second cake layer. Spread a thin layer of buttercream, pipe a buttercream border, and then add the filling to the second cake layer.

Step 7: Add the final layer of cake

Add the last cake layer on top of the filling with the bottom side facing up. This ensures that the top of the cake is flat and even. Be sure that the final cake layer is centered on top of the previously cake layers.

Step 8: Chill the cake

This step is optional, but if you are new to making filled layer cakes, it’s a great was to set yourself up for success. Before you start adding a crumb coat to the cake, chill the cake in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes. This quick chill will help firm up the buttercream borders that are holding in the filling, which will make applying the crumb coat a bit easier.

Step 9: Crumb coat and chill the cake

The next step is to apply a crumb coat. A crumb coat is a thin layer of frosting that traps crumbs so the final layer of frosting is free of crumbs and smooth.

Apply and smooth the buttercream with an offset spatula. Then, use a cake scraper to smooth the buttercream on the sides. Use an offset spatula to smooth the buttercream around the top edges of the cake by pulling it gently toward the center of the cake. 

After you finish the crumb coat, you will want to chill the cake in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes until the buttercream is set. This helps the buttercream firm up so when the cake is frosted, the crumb coat stays intact, keeping the crumbs trapped and the cake firmly stacked.

Step 10: Frost and decorate the cake

After the crumb coat has chilled, it is time to add the final layer of buttercream frosting! Add buttercream to the top of the cake and smooth it out using an offset spatula. Then, work your way down, applying a thick layer of buttercream to the sides of the cake.

Decorate the cake however you would like! Make the sides and top smooth or add some texture with an icing spatula or cake comb. Pipe a border of buttercream, make a drip cake with chocolate ganache, or keep things simple and rustic! Be sure to chill the cake when you are done frosting and decorating to firm everything up!

And that is it! You now know how to fill a layer cake! The process can take some practice, but in this case, the practice is DELICIOUS!

Video Tutorial

Here is a quick video tutorial on how to fill a layer cake based on the instructions above!

Filled Cake Recipes You Will Love

Now that you know how to easily fill a layer cake, try out these delicious filled cake recipes on my blog!

• Raspberry almond cake
• Chocolate raspberry cake
• Chocolate hazelnut cake
• Banana split cake
• Chocolate peanut butter cake