10 Easy and Impressive Cream Cake Recipes for Beginners

Cream cakes are the ultimate show-stopping dessert. That combination of light, airy sponge and rich, luscious cream is a classic for a reason. But if you’re new to baking, they can seem intimidating. Will the cake be fluffy? Will the whipped cream hold its shape?

The good news is that you don’t need to be a professional pastry chef to make a stunning cream cake. This list is all about recipes that are high on “wow” factor but low on complicated steps. These 10 ideas are perfect for a beginner looking to create something truly special.

1. Classic Strawberry Shortcake (Layer Cake Version)

This is the perfect starter cake. Instead of finicky biscuits, you bake a simple, tender vanilla sponge. Once cooled, slice it into two layers. Macerate (toss with a little sugar) fresh sliced strawberries for about 15 minutes until they get juicy. Whip up sweetened heavy cream until it holds soft peaks. Spread a generous layer of cream and strawberries on the bottom layer, add the top layer, and then cover the entire cake in more whipped cream and fresh berries.

2. Chocolate Eclair Cake (No-Bake)

If you’re nervous about the “cake” part, this no-bake wonder is for you. It layers graham crackers (which soften to a cake-like texture), a simple vanilla pudding or custard mixed with whipped cream, and a rich chocolate ganache topping. You simply layer, chill, and serve. It has all the flavor of a chocolate eclair with almost none of the work.

3. Simple Berry Chantilly Cake

This is a beautiful and incredibly easy cake. Use a simple vanilla or almond sponge (a good quality box mix is fine!). The star is the Chantilly cream, which is just whipped cream sweetened with powdered sugar and flavored with a hint of vanilla and almond extract. Layer the cake with this cream and a mix of fresh berries like raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries. It looks (and tastes) like it came from a high-end bakery.

4. Pineapple “Better Than” Cake

This potluck classic is famous for a reason—it’s unbelievably moist and easy. Start with a yellow cake mix. As soon as it comes out of the oven, poke holes all over the top with a wooden spoon handle. Pour a can of sweetened condensed milk and a can of crushed pineapple (with its juice) over the hot cake. Let it cool completely, then top it with whipped cream and a sprinkle of toasted coconut.

5. Italian Cream “Torte” (Easy Version)

A simplified take on a classic. Bake a simple sponge cake in a round pan. When it’s cool, slice it in half horizontally. Create a “mascarpone cream” by gently folding whipped cream into mascarpone cheese (a type of Italian cream cheese) with powdered sugar and vanilla. Spread a thick layer of this cream on the bottom half, then place the top half back on. Dust generously with powdered sugar and serve with berries.

6. Lemon Whipped Cream Cake

A bright, zesty, and light-as-air dessert. Bake a simple lemon-flavored sponge cake. For the filling, make an easy lemon curd (store-bought is also fine!) and fold it into whipped cream. This stabilizes the cream and gives it a beautiful pale yellow color and tangy flavor. Use this lemon cream to fill and frost the cake.

7. Peaches and Cream Cake

Perfect for summer! Use a vanilla sponge and slice it in half. For the filling, combine whipped cream with a can of diced peaches (drained well) or fresh, ripe peaches. The juice from the peaches will soak into the cake, making it extra moist. Top the whole cake with more whipped cream and fresh peach slices.

8. Cookies and Cream (Oreo) Cake

A guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Bake a simple chocolate or vanilla cake. For the “cream,” make standard sweetened whipped cream and fold in a generous amount of crushed Oreo cookies. Use this to fill and frost the entire cake. The cookie pieces will soften slightly into the cream, creating an irresistible texture.

9. Coconut Cream Cake

If you love coconut, this is your cake. Bake a simple vanilla or coconut-flavored sponge. Create a simple coconut pastry cream (using canned coconut milk) and let it chill. Layer the cake with this coconut cream and plain whipped cream. Finally, frost the entire outside of the cake with more whipped cream and press sweetened shredded coconut all over the sides and top.

10. Tiramisu-Inspired Layer Cake (No-Bake)

Another fantastic no-bake option. Instead of a sponge, use ladyfinger cookies. Dip them very quickly in cooled coffee or espresso and line the bottom of a dish. Top with a layer of the mascarpone cream (see #5) and a dusting of cocoa powder. Repeat the layers until the dish is full, ending with a thick layer of cream and a final dusting of cocoa. Let it chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours for the cookies to soften and the flavors to meld.