If you’re searching for an elegant yet budget-friendly treat, this $20 Homemade Wedding Cake Recipe is going to be your new best friend. Imagine a light and airy genoise sponge paired with a zesty lemon simple syrup, wrapped in luscious ermine frosting and filled with vibrant raspberry jam—it’s a feast for both the eyes and the palate. This cake is surprisingly simple to make but stunning enough to wow guests at any celebration. The $20 Homemade Wedding Cake Recipe proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune to create a breathtaking, delicious tiered cake perfect for weddings or special occasions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows four close-up steps of mixing cake batter in a silver metal bowl with a whisk attachment on a mixer. In the top left, granulated sugar is being poured in, falling in small white grains onto pale yellow batter. The top right shows smooth, thick, creamy pale yellow batter whipped inside the bowl with the whisk attachment still spinning slightly. The bottom left focuses on sifted white flour being sprinkled finely over the thick batter, creating a soft powdery layer. The bottom right shows pale yellow batter partially mixed with flour, creating a textured creamy surface with white dry flour spots and a silver spoon resting inside the bowl. All images have a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every element of this cake plays an essential role in crafting its delightful flavor, texture, and appearance. From the soft genoise sponge to the refreshing lemon syrup, each ingredient contributes a touch of magic that brings the layers together into a harmonious whole.

9 large eggs: Provide airy volume and structure to the genoise sponge, making it wonderfully light yet sturdy.
3 cups granulated sugar: Sweeten the cake and lemon syrup, ensuring balanced flavors throughout.
3 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that builds a tender crumb and the classic cake texture you expect.
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder: A gentle lift to keep the sponge from getting dense.
Water and lemon zest and juice: Combine to create a bright, natural lemon simple syrup that permeates the layers with freshness.
Raspberry jam: Adds a burst of fruity sweetness that contrasts delightfully with the frosting.
Ermine frosting: A silkier, less sweet buttercream alternative that smooths over the cake with a creamy finish without overpowering the layers.

How to Make $20 Homemade Wedding Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Genoise Sponge Layers

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line your cake pans with parchment paper to ensure none of the delicate sponge sticks. Next, whip 9 large eggs with 1 ½ cups of sugar until the mixture is pale, thick, and has noticeably doubled in volume—this aeration is what gives the cake its tender, spongy texture. Gently fold in a blend of flour and baking powder in small additions to maintain the airiness. Divide this batter between pans—about 5 cups for each 10-inch pan—and bake until golden and springy. Cool the layers completely on wire racks before moving on.

Step 2: Bake the Smaller Layers

Using the remaining 9 eggs, 1 ½ cups sugar, and 1 ½ cups flour, repeat the same whipping and folding technique as before. Distribute the batter evenly between the 8-inch and 6-inch pans—that’s about 3 cups per 8-inch pan and 2 cups per 6-inch pan. These cakes bake in roughly the same time as the bigger layers. Once baked and cooled, you’ll have perfectly sized tiers for stacking an impressive wedding cake.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Simple Syrup

Combine sugar, water, and lemon zest in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the syrup simmers. Allow it to cool, then stir in fresh lemon juice for that bright, tangy hit. Strain out the zest and any pulp so you’re left with a clear syrup that will keep your cake moist and add a refreshing citrus note with every bite.

Step 4: Fill and Frost the Cake

Begin assembling by placing the largest cake layer on its board, then brushing the entire cake generously with lemon syrup to infuse moisture and flavor. Spread a thin, even layer of ermine frosting before piping a frosting dam around the edges to contain the raspberry jam filling. After adding the raspberries, stack the next cake layer and repeat the process. Coat the sides and tops with a thin crumb coat of frosting, smoothing it out so parts of the cake peek through for a modern, semi-naked finish that looks sophisticated and inviting.

Step 5: Assemble the Tiered Wedding Cake

Support is key when stacking multi-tier cakes. Insert straws vertically into the center of each tier, trimming them flush with the cake’s surface to provide sturdy internal support. Place the medium and then the smallest tier on top with their boards, carefully smoothing the remaining frosting to conceal seams and give the cake a flawless polished look. Chill the cake if you’re not serving it within six hours of assembly to keep everything firm and fresh.

How to Serve $20 Homemade Wedding Cake Recipe

A three-layer cake sits on a golden stand with a white marbled background. Each layer is covered with off-white frosting that is slightly thin, showing bits of cake through it. The bottom layer is the largest, the middle layer is smaller, and the top layer is the smallest. Pink and purple flowers decorate the cake: a large pink rose leans against the bottom layer, and clusters of small purple flowers plus one white flower sit on the side of the middle and top layers. The overall look is simple and elegant with soft colors. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh berries, edible flowers, or delicate lemon zest sprinkles elevate the presentation beautifully without any extra fuss. The bright colors of red raspberries or even mint leaves can add a natural pop alongside the creamy frosting, making this cake look as fresh as it tastes. For a final elegant touch, a light dusting of powdered sugar can mimic a soft snowfall on the tiers.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with simple accompaniments. Think of light tea blends, sparkling fruit-infused waters, or even a refreshing citrus sorbet served alongside a slice. These sides don’t compete with the cake’s flavors but instead help cleanse the palate and keep the celebration light and joyful.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider placing the cake on a rustic wooden stand for charm or a sleek glass pedestal for a modern vibe. Adding fairy lights or draped fabric around the cake table creates a dreamy atmosphere that enhances the experience visually. Little floral arrangements matching the garnishes can also tie the whole presentation together for that picture-perfect moment.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the celebration, wrap leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The ermine frosting keeps beautifully, and your cake will stay moist and fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Just remember to let slices come to room temperature before eating for the best mouthfeel.

Freezing

If you want to keep the cake longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn, then place them in a freezer-safe container. Your cake slices can stay delightful for up to 2 months frozen, waiting for a convenient time to enjoy another piece of this delicious $20 Homemade Wedding Cake Recipe.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy frozen cake, thaw slices overnight in the refrigerator. To enhance softness, warm briefly in a microwave at low power for 10-15 seconds, but don’t overheat or the frosting may lose its delicate texture. Warmed just right, each bite will taste like it was freshly baked.

FAQs

Is this $20 Homemade Wedding Cake Recipe suitable for beginners?

Absolutely! Although the cake looks impressive, the steps are straightforward with clear instructions that guide you through every part of the process. Just take your time whipping the eggs well and folding in the flour gently to maintain that airy texture.

Can I substitute the raspberry filling with another jam?

Definitely. Other fruit jams like strawberry, apricot, or blueberry work wonderfully well. Just pick a flavor that complements the lemon syrup and keeps a similar consistency to avoid sogginess.

What makes ermine frosting different from regular buttercream?

Ermine frosting is a cooked flour-and-milk-based buttercream that feels lighter and less sweet than traditional American buttercream. It’s silky, creamy, and perfect for balancing rich cake layers with its subtle flavor.

How long does it take to make this wedding cake?

Expect to spend about 3 to 4 hours from start to finish, including baking, cooling, making syrup and frosting, and assembling. The patience is well worth it for such a stunning and tasty result.

Can I make this cake vegan or gluten-free?

This version relies heavily on eggs and flour for its structure, so modifications would require significant ingredient swaps and testing. However, you can explore vegan or gluten-free genoise recipes and adapt the syrup and frosting accordingly for a similar style cake.

Final Thoughts

Making the $20 Homemade Wedding Cake Recipe is genuinely a rewarding experience that brings elegance, flavor, and a sense of accomplishment to your kitchen. Whether you’re planning a wedding, celebrating an anniversary, or just craving something special to share, this cake proves incredible style doesn’t have to come with a steep price tag. Give it a try—you’ll love how simple ingredients, a little patience, and a lot of love combine into a memorable treat that will have everyone asking for your secret.