6 Luscious Layer Cakes

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Majestic layer cakes put an exclamation point on your table for holidays and special occasions and double as a stunning centerpiece. Our layer cakes lean less heavily on butter and sugar saving you and your family calories and fat without sacrificing taste.

1. Chocolate-Orange Layer Cake

We love the classic flavor combination in this light, moist Chocolate-Orange Layer Cake. Instead of a full frosting, simply spoon a warm chocolaty glaze over the two layers.

View Recipe: Chocolate-Orange Layer Cake

2. Vanilla Cake with Italian Meringue Frosting

Light and fluffy meringue frosting tops layers of moist vanilla cake making this a delicious and beautiful end to any meal. Associate Food Editor Julianna Grimes raves, "It's such an impressive-looking cake, and it tastes as good as (or better than) it looks."

View Recipe: Vanilla Cake with Italian Meringue Frosting

See More: How to Make Layer Cakes

3. Pecan Spice Cake with Maple Frosting

Work quickly to spread the warm maple frosting over the first layer, stack the second on top, and then spread the remaining frosting over the top and sides before it sets. If you prefer, you can substitute walnuts for the pecans in this luscious cake.

View Recipe: Pecan Spice Cake with Maple Frosting

4. Fresh Coconut Cake

Rather than knocking you out with fake coconut extract overtones, this cake offers balanced flavor and nutrition-two things you can feel good about when serving a slice to your lucky guests. Associate Food Editor Julianna Grimes comments, "This cake has tall, moist layers with the finest crumb. Plus, I'm a really big fan of fresh coconut."

View Recipe: Fresh Coconut Cake

See More: Ultimate Reader Recipe Contest Winners and Finalists―Desserts

5. Pumpkin Pie Cake

To lighten this stunning dessert, we cut out three-quarters of a cup of oil and combined whole eggs and egg substitute. The result: 11 fewer grams of fat. We used light cream cheese for the frosting, reducing fat by an additional 7 grams. Now with only 223 calories per slice, this centerpiece is a nutritional masterpiece.

View Recipe: Pumpkin Pie Cake

6. Double-Caramel Turtle Cake

This decadent cake, which plays off the popular Turtle candies, boasts chocolate layers and a nutty caramel glaze.

View Recipe: Double-Caramel Turtle Cake

Continue Reading: 5 More Luscious Layer Cake Recipes

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