Berries & Cream Cake

This berries and cream cake is the ultimate summer showstopper—light, fluffy layers of vanilla cake, fresh whipped cream, and juicy berries in every bite. It’s simple, stunning, and perfect for warm-weather gatherings or anytime you’re craving something fresh and beautiful.

Who do I make this for?

I make this for holiday gatherings or family celebrations!

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Recipe

Prep: 30-45 min | Bake: 25-30 min | Total: 2 hr (includes chilling)

Yields 12 servings

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Ingredients

Cake

• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature

• 2 cups sugar

• 4 eggs

• 2 3/4 cup all purpose flour

• 2 teaspoons baking soda

• 8 oz. sour cream

• 1/4 cup milk

• 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste or extract

Whip Cream

• 1 pint heavy whipping cream

• 1/3 cup powdered sugar

• 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste or extract

Fruit

• 1-2 pints strawberries

• 1 pint blueberries

• 1 pint blackberries

Instructions

Make the Cake Layers:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour three 8-inch (or 9-inch) round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.

3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla bean paste.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda.

5. In another bowl, stir together the sour cream and milk until smooth.

6. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and sour cream mixture to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.

7. Divide the batter evenly among the three prepared pans and smooth the tops.

8. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.

Make the Whipped Cream:

1. In a chilled mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft-to-medium peaks form. Keep refrigerated until ready to use.

Assemble the Cake:

1. Once cake layers are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a layer of whipped cream on top, then add a mix of fresh sliced strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries.

2. Repeat with the second layer: cake, whipped cream, and berries.

3. Top with the final cake layer, and spread whipped cream over the top (and sides, if you like).

4. Decorate the top with the remaining fresh berries—you can keep it rustic or arrange them in a beautiful pattern.

5. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving to help the layers set.

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