Go Back Email Link
–+ servings
Ella Cooks

Dill Pickle Birthday Layer Cake. Tangy. Sweet. Totally unexpected

Be the first to rate this recipe!
I know what you’re thinking — “Pickles? In a birthday cake?” But trust me when I say: this cake is so much more than a gimmick. It’s soft, sweet, and buttery with just the right amount of tang. The pickles don’t overpower — they highlight. They add a surprising crunch, a little vinegar brightness, and that unique, herbal dill flavor that keeps each bite interesting. I love to take familiar flavors and flip them on their heads — especially when the result is actually tasty. Think of this cake like carrot cake’s funnier, sassier cousin. Both use unexpected vegetables (or fruits, in the case of cucumbers-turned-pickles), but the goal is the same: create moisture, contrast, and a cake that’s unforgettable.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 35 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Cooling and Frosting Time 40 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 490
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake:
  • 2 ½ cups 315g all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¾ cup 170g unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ¾ cups 350g granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ¼ cup whole milk
  • 3 tbsp dill pickle brine
  • ¾ cup finely chopped sweet dill pickles patted dry
For the Cream Cheese Pickle Frosting:
  • 8 oz 225g cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup 113g unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 tbsp pickle brine
  • ½ tsp lemon zest
  • 4 cups 480g powdered sugar
  • Pinch of salt
Optional Garnishes:
  • Crushed dill pickle potato chips
  • Candied pickle slices
  • Fresh dill sprigs

Equipment

  • 3 x 8-inch round cake pans
  • Stand mixer or handheld electric mixer
  • Offset spatula (for frosting)
  • Parchment paper (to line pans)
  • Wire cooling racks

Method
 

Instructions
    Prep the pans and oven
    1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
    Make the cake batter
    1. In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
    2. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy (3–4 minutes).
    3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in vanilla, sour cream, milk, and pickle brine.
    4. Gradually add dry ingredients. Fold in chopped pickles gently.
    Bake
    1. Divide batter between pans and smooth tops.
    2. Bake 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
    3. Cool in pans 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
    Make the frosting
    1. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
    2. Add brine, zest, and salt.
    3. Gradually beat in powdered sugar until fluffy. Taste and adjust brine/zest as needed.
    Assemble
    1. Level cakes if needed. Stack with frosting between each layer, then frost top and sides.
    2. Decorate with crushed chips, candied pickles, or fresh dill.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 490kcalCarbohydrates: 63gProtein: 5gFat: 24gSodium: 380mgSugar: 45g

    Notes

    Storage & Make-Ahead
    Store covered at room temp for 1 day, or refrigerated up to 4 days.
    Bring to room temp before serving for best flavor.
    Cake layers can be frozen (unfrosted) up to 2 months.
    Substitutions
    • Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 GF baking flour. Add 1 tsp xanthan gum if not included.
    • Dairy-free: Use plant-based butter, dairy-free cream cheese, and unsweetened almond milk.
    • Egg-free: Replace each egg with ¼ cup applesauce or 1 tbsp flax meal + 3 tbsp water.
    In Case You Are Wondering
    Can I use spicy pickles?
    Stick with sweet or mild dill — spice clashes with frosting.
    Will people actually like this?
    YES! It’s surprising but balanced — a must-try for adventurous eaters.

    Tried this recipe?

    Let us know how it was!
    QR Code linking back to recipe