Can I use buttercream instead of whipped cream for this Jellycat Birthday Cake?

Yes, you can substitute buttercream for whipped cream if you prefer a richer, more stable frosting. However, whipped cream gives the cake a light and airy texture, which closely resembles the plushie’s soft appearance.

Can I make this Jellycat Birthday Cake in an 8-inch pan?

Yes! To make this in an 8-inch pan, simply double the ingredient quantities. The baking time may need slight adjustments, so check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center.

Can I use a different type of jam for the filling?

Absolutely! You can use raspberry, blueberry, or even homemade berry preserves instead of strawberry jam. Just ensure it’s thick enough to prevent excess moisture from soaking into the cake layers.

How do I store the Jellycat Birthday Cake?

Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you need to keep it longer, wrap slices individually and freeze them for up to a month.

How do I achieve the best fluffy vanilla cake texture?

To ensure a soft and fluffy cake, beat the eggs and sugar for at least 6 minutes to incorporate air. Also, avoid overmixing the batter once you add the dry ingredients to maintain its light texture.

Ultimate Jellycat Birthday Cake & Delicious Treat

Name: Jellycat Birthday Cake
Prep time: 50 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 225g all-purpose flour; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 3 large eggs (room temperature); 225g granulated sugar; 85g unsalted butter; 190g milk (dairy or non-dairy); 2 tablespoons oil; 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract; 300g whipping cream or heavy cream (cold); 30g powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1-2 teaspoons cocoa powder; 4 tablespoons strawberry jam; 2-3 fresh strawberries (halved); 20g dark chocolate

If you love adorable desserts, this Jellycat Birthday Cake is a must-try! Inspired by the famous plushie, this cake is not just cute but also incredibly delicious. It features soft and fluffy vanilla cake layers, a sweet strawberry cake filling, and light, airy whipped cream. Whether it’s for a birthday, special occasion, or just for fun, this easy homemade cake recipe will be the star of any celebration.

Why This Is the Best Birthday Cake Recipe

Adorably unique. This Jellycat Cake looks just like the plushie, complete with its tiny legs and cute smile!
Fluffy and moist vanilla sponge cake. The hot milk cake method ensures the cake stays soft and light.
Sweet strawberry jam filling. A delicious balance of flavors that pairs perfectly with whipped cream.
Easy to make. No complicated techniques—just simple steps for a DIY Jellycat-inspired birthday cake.

Ingredients for the Ultimate Jellycat Cake

For the Soft Vanilla Cake Layers:

225g all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
3 large eggs (room temperature)
225g granulated sugar
85g unsalted butter
190g milk (dairy or non-dairy)
2 tablespoons oil
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Filling & Decoration:

300g whipping cream (cold) – for a light and airy cake
30g powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-2 teaspoons cocoa powder (for the chocolate whipped cream legs)
4 tablespoons strawberry jam (or homemade berry filling)
2-3 fresh strawberries (halved) – for that strawberry shortcake look
20g dark chocolate (for the face details)

Tools You’ll Need for This Plushie Cake

For the best results, have these tools ready:

Two 6” round cake pans – Keeps the cake plushie-sized.
Electric hand mixer – Essential for the batter and whipped cream.
Piping bags – For the face, cream, and legs.
Offset spatula – Helps smooth the fresh cream frosting.

How to Make a Jellycat Birthday Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Moist Vanilla Sponge Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two 6” cake pans with parchment paper.

In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Heat the butter, milk, oil, and vanilla extract in a saucepan until the butter melts. Do not boil.

In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugar with an electric mixer for 6 minutes until the mixture becomes pale and triples in volume. This ensures a soft and fluffy cake texture.

Gradually fold in the dry ingredients, followed by the warm milk mixture. Mix gently to keep the batter light.

Step 2: Bake the Cake Layers

Divide the batter between the cake pans and bake for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Let the cakes cool in the pans for 15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 3: Make the Whipped Cream & Chocolate Whipped Cream

In a mixing bowl, beat whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.

Set aside a small portion and mix in cocoa powder to make the chocolate whipped cream for the legs.

Transfer both creams into separate piping bags.

Step 4: Assemble & Decorate Your Jellycat Cake

Layer the Strawberry Shortcake Filling

Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Pipe whipped cream around the edges and spread strawberry jam in the center.

Gently place the second cake layer on top and smooth out more whipped cream over the top.

Decorate With Fresh Strawberries

Arrange halved strawberries on top of the cake for that signature cute birthday cake look.

Pipe the Jellycat Legs

Use the chocolate whipped cream to pipe tiny legs extending from the bottom of the cake.

Draw the Smiley Face

Melt the dark chocolate, transfer it to a piping bag, and pipe the Jellycat’s eyes and smile onto the cake.

Step 5: Final Touch – Add a Candle!

For the ultimate festive touch, place a striped candle in the middle.

Storage Tips for Your Handmade Birthday Cake

Store in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
For longer storage, freeze slices for up to 1 month.

FAQs About This Novelty Cake

Can I use buttercream instead of whipped cream?

Yes, but whipped topping keeps it light and closer to the plushie’s fluffy look.

Can I make this in an 8” pan?

Yes, simply double the recipe for a larger birthday cake recipe.

Can I use a different jam?

Of course! Berry filling like raspberry or blueberry works great.

Final Thoughts on This DIY Jellycat-Inspired Birthday Cake

This Jellycat cake with strawberry jam filling is a fun and creative way to bring a plushie to life! With its moist vanilla sponge cake, sweet fruit filling, and light whipped cream cake layers, it’s a must-try for any birthday.

Ready to bake? Follow this easy homemade birthday cake recipe and share your creation with us! Tag your photos with #JellycatCake on Instagram.

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Jellycat Birthday Cake

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