Jellycat Birthday Cake with Berry Compote

Name: Jellycat Birthday Cake with Berry Compote
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 large eggs; 1 cup whole milk; 2 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp salt; 2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries); 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 2 tbsp milk; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Food coloring (optional)

Highlighted under: Festive Flavor Collection

When I first decided to make the Jellycat Birthday Cake with Berry Compote, I was excited to capture the whimsical charm of this beloved character in every slice. The soft, fluffy cake paired with the tangy berry compote brings a delightful sweetness that’s perfect for celebrating special occasions. I wanted a cake that not only looks adorable but also bursts with flavor, and this recipe delivers just that. Each bite is a celebration of joy and taste, making it an unforgettable centerpiece for any birthday party.

Created by

Noah

Last updated on 2026-02-16T16:10:19.012Z

Creating the Jellycat Birthday Cake was a delightful experiment in both baking and decoration. I learned that the berry compote not only enhances the flavor but also adds a splash of color that captures everyone's attention. By cooking the berries gently with a touch of sugar, I was able to achieve the perfect balance between sweetness and tartness.

One of my favorite tips is to ensure the cake layers cool completely before frosting. This prevents melting and gives you those beautiful, crisp edges when you stack the layers. The result was a stunning cake that not only delighted my guests but also brought a huge smile to my little one’s face!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Delightfully fluffy texture that melts in your mouth
Fresh berry compote bursting with flavor
Adorable design perfect for any birthday celebration

Mastering the Cake Texture

Achieving the perfect fluffy texture in your Jellycat Birthday Cake is all about the creaming process. When beating the butter and sugar, aim for a light and airy consistency, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes on medium speed. This will incorporate air into the batter and contribute to that delicate mouthfeel. Don’t rush the process—this is a crucial step that affects the overall rise and texture of your cake.

Another key aspect is the proper mixing of wet and dry ingredients. Combine the dry ingredients in a separate bowl before adding them to the wet mixture. This ensures an even distribution of the baking powder and salt, which are vital for leavening. Mix until just combined—overmixing can lead to a dense cake. The batter should be slightly lumpy rather than perfectly smooth for the best results.

Creating a Flavorful Berry Compote

The berry compote is not just a topping; it's a flavor powerhouse that elevates the entire cake. Choosing the right mix of both sweet and tart berries is crucial for balance. I recommend using ripe strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries as they complement each other beautifully. If using frozen berries, simply increase the cooking time slightly, as they release more moisture when thawing.

As the mixture cooks, keep an eye on its consistency. It should thicken enough to coat the back of a spoon after about 10 minutes of gentle simmering. If your compote seems too runny, you can thicken it further by simmering for an additional couple of minutes or by adding a cornstarch slurry made from 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of water.

Tips for Frosting and Decoration

When preparing the frosting, it’s essential that your butter is at room temperature to ensure a creamy, spreadable consistency. If your frosting turns out too thick, adding a teaspoon of milk at a time can help achieve the desired spreadability. Conversely, if it's too soft, refrigerate it for about 15 minutes to firm up before frosting the cake.

For added visual appeal, consider using natural food colorings to tint your frosting in pastel shades that match the festive theme. Once frosted, decorate with some fresh berries or edible glitter to make your Jellycat cake a true showstopper. If you’re planning to make this cake in advance, assemble it the day before serving and store it in the refrigerator; this will allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

Ingredients

For the Cake

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp salt

For the Berry Compote

2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp lemon juice

For Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
2 tbsp milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
Food coloring (optional)

Instructions

Steps

Prepare the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.

Bake the Cake

Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Compote

In a small saucepan, combine the mixed berries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring gently until the berries break down and the mixture thickens slightly, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.

Prepare the Frosting

In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, then the milk and vanilla extract. Beat until fluffy. If desired, add food coloring to match the cake's theme.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cake layers are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top, followed by a generous scoop of berry compote. Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake. Decorate as desired.

Enjoy!

Pro Tips

For best results, use fresh berries in the compote for a vibrant flavor. If using frozen berries, add an extra tablespoon of sugar to balance their tartness.

Storage and Make-Ahead Options

If you're preparing the cake ahead of time, you can bake and cool the layers up to two days in advance. Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. When you're ready to frost and serve, allow the cake layers to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes to avoid temperature shock when applying frosting, which helps it spread smoothly.

The berry compote can also be made in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If it thickens too much after chilling, gently reheat it over low heat and stir until it reaches your desired consistency before serving.

Scaling Up for Larger Crowds

To scale up this recipe for a larger celebration, you can double all the ingredients and bake the cakes in larger pans, such as 12-inch rounds. Keep in mind that larger cakes may require slightly longer baking times. Start checking for doneness at around 30-35 minutes, inserting a toothpick into the center to ensure it comes out clean.

For bigger batches of berry compote, consider using 4 cups of mixed berries if doubling the amount of cake. You can also prepare mini versions of this cake in muffin tins for a fun, individual treat!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the cake in advance?

Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them wrapped in plastic at room temperature.

→ What can I substitute for butter in this recipe?

You can use margarine or a vegan butter alternative for the cake and frosting.

→ How long can I store the cake?

The cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I use different fruits for the compote?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with your favorite fruits like peaches or cherries.