Bright, juicy, and irresistibly charming, this Summer Berry Layer Cake is the dessert that steals the show at every celebration. Featuring fluffy vanilla sponge packed with a colorful burst of seasonal berries, each bite is paired with luxuriously smooth buttercream kissed by a homemade berry coulis. Finished with a glorious tumble of fresh fruit, this cake doesn’t just taste like summer—it looks like it, too!

Summer Berry Layer Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple ingredients are the stars here, making this cake as easy to assemble as it is to devour. Each one brings a pop of flavor, a touch of color, or the perfect texture, so don’t skip or substitute—let every element shine bright!

Unsalted butter (300 g for cake, 200 g for buttercream): Essential for a soft, rich crumb and that melt-in-your-mouth frosting.
Caster sugar (300 g for cake, 100 g for coulis): Delivers sweetness without weighing things down and helps the cake stay airy.
Self-raising flour (350 g): Guarantees a perfectly fluffy sponge without the fuss of added leaveners.
Eggs (6 medium): Bind the batter together and give your cake its springy, light texture.
Mixed summer berries (400 g for cake, 300 g for coulis): Choose your favorites—blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries all bring vibrant color and juicy pops throughout.
Icing sugar (400 g): The key to dreamy, cloud-like buttercream that’s never gritty.
Fresh berries for decoration: A mix of strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries (and red currants, if desired) make each slice a visual and flavorful delight.
Extra fruit coulis: For drizzling and drama—this is what takes your Summer Berry Layer Cake from good to unforgettable!

How to Make Summer Berry Layer Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Pans and Preheat the Oven

Start by heating your oven to 180°C (or 160°C for fan ovens), making sure it’s ready to bake as soon as your batter is. Grease and line two deep 8-inch (20cm) cake tins with parchment—this little bit of prep ensures your cakes release perfectly every single time.

Step 2: Mix Up That Dreamy Sponge

In a large mixing bowl or a stand mixer, combine your butter, sugar, self-raising flour, and eggs. Beat the mixture on medium speed until it’s beautifully pale and smooth—no lumps and bumps allowed! The rich butter, airy sugar, and quality eggs work together for that classic, tender sponge everyone craves.

Step 3: Fold in the Berries

Time to bring in some summer! Gently fold in your mixed summer berries, being careful not to break them up. This guarantees juicy pockets of fruit in every bite of your Summer Berry Layer Cake, and helps avoid bleeding colors that could muddy your sponge.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Divide the berry-flecked batter evenly between your prepared tins. Slide them into your preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean, and the tops spring back to the touch. Let them cool in the tins for 20 to 30 minutes before carefully turning out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Patience pays off here!

Step 5: Create the Berry Coulis

While your cakes cool, whip up a quick berry coulis. Heat your chosen berries and sugar over medium heat, stirring and gently mashing until the fruit softens and bursts. Once the mixture is juicy and fragrant, blend it until smooth and pass it through a sieve to catch the seeds. Set aside and let the coulis chill completely—it’ll give your buttercream its signature color and zing.

Step 6: Make Berry-Infused Buttercream

Beat the room-temperature butter in a bowl until it’s soft and creamy. Gradually add the icing sugar, mixing until everything’s glossy and fluffy. Swirl in 3 to 4 tablespoons of your cooled berry coulis—the color will pop and the flavor will sing! Give it a little taste test; feel free to add an extra spoonful for even more berry punch.

Step 7: Assemble Your Summer Berry Layer Cake

Place one cake layer onto your favorite serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of berry buttercream right to the edges. Carefully set the second cake on top, then pile on more buttercream, using a spatula to swirl and swoop for lovely texture. This step transforms your cake into the showstopper it’s meant to be.

Step 8: Decorate Like a Pro

This is your moment to have fun with color and shape! Arrange plenty of fresh strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, and red currants on top of the cake. Just before serving, drizzle extra fruit coulis over everything for the most mouthwatering finish. Your Summer Berry Layer Cake is officially ready to impress.

How to Serve Summer Berry Layer Cake

Garnishes

A little garnish goes a long way! Adorn your Summer Berry Layer Cake with a medley of extra-fresh berries, a sprig or two of mint, or even some edible flowers for added charm. For serious berry fans, a final dusting of icing sugar or another swirl of berry coulis makes every slice look irresistible and taste even better.

Side Dishes

Summer and cake call for simple sides. Serve each slice of Summer Berry Layer Cake alongside a mound of softly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream—the coolness and creaminess are the perfect harmony for your lively berry layers. If you’d like something lighter, offer a glass of berry lemonade or a crisp sparkling wine to sip between bites.

Creative Ways to Present

Let your creativity shine by presenting this cake as a naked cake, allowing the vivid fruits and fluffy sponge to peek through the buttercream. Alternatively, slice it into mini bite-sized pieces for a dessert buffet, or stack individual cakelets in jars for delightful picnic portions. This Summer Berry Layer Cake shines in any setting, from backyard brunches to elegant dinner parties!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Summer Berry Layer Cake keeps happily at room temperature for a day, or in the fridge for up to three days—just tuck it under a cake dome or cover with plastic wrap to protect those vibrant berries. The flavors continue to meld, making it almost more delicious the next day!

Freezing

You can freeze the cake layers (unfrosted) wrapped well in plastic wrap for up to two months. If you have slices left over, freeze them individually for a quick treat. Just make sure your fresh berry decorations are added after defrosting—they tend to lose their sparkle in the freezer.

Reheating

For that just-baked softness, let cold cake slices come to room temperature before enjoying. There’s no need to actually reheat, as this cake is best served cool or at room temp—the buttercream and berries will be beautifully soft and flavorful.

FAQs

Can I use frozen berries for this cake?

Absolutely! If fresh berries aren’t in season, frozen mixed berries work beautifully in both the sponge and coulis. Just don’t thaw them first—add them straight into the batter to avoid excess moisture.

How do I prevent the berries from sinking to the bottom of the cake?

Toss your berries lightly in a little flour before folding them into the batter. This simple trick helps suspend them throughout the sponge for picture-perfect slices every time.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap the self-raising flour for your favorite gluten-free self-raising flour blend. The cake won’t lose its light texture, and everyone can enjoy a slice of Summer Berry Layer Cake.

What other fruits can I use if I don’t have all the berries listed?

This cake is wonderfully flexible—try cherries or sliced stone fruit like peaches or nectarines for a new twist. Any juicy, colorful summer fruit pairs perfectly here.

Can I assemble the cake in advance?

Definitely! You can bake the cakes and make the buttercream a day ahead. Assemble the day you plan to serve, then add your fresh berries just before presenting for maximum freshness and wow factor.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about baking a Summer Berry Layer Cake and sharing it with friends and family. Each forkful bursts with fruit, creamy coulis, and buttery layers. I hope you give it a try and let a slice of summer brighten your own kitchen—happy baking!

Summer Berry Layer Cake Recipe