Cream

• Whipped cream and buttercream are popular fillings for many cakes. You can purchase pre-made creams or make your own simple version of this soft and creamy frosting by mixing softened butter, confectioners sugar, an egg (optional) and your pick of flavorings. Flavors for buttercream include banana cream, lemon, coconut lime, mint chocolate and hazelnut. Meringue creams only use egg whites, while other creams use the whole egg. You can also use buttercream to cover the outside of your cake.

Cheesecake

• A richer, heavier alternative to buttercreams, cheesecake fillings are made with butter, confectioners sugar and cream cheese. Cream cheese, the key ingredient, makes this filling sweet and savory. Some flavors of cheesecake fillings include caramel, chai tea, vanilla, chocolate and raspberry. Cheesecake fillings are often found in red velvet and carrot cakes.

Ganache

• For the chocolate lover, ganache is the ideal cake filling. Ganache is made from chocolate, cream and butter. This chocolate filling can be thick, creamy and rich, depending on how much chocolate you use. With less chocolate, your ganache will be thinner and softer. Ganache can be flavored with liqueurs or nuts, such as almonds, hazelnuts and peanuts.

Fruit and Jam

• Fruit and fruit jams are another popular filling, especially when you want to add color and juicy flavor to your cake. Strawberries, blueberries, apricots and other fruits can be used to fill a cake. You can also layer fruits and fruit jams with cream frosting or ganache. To use jam, simply stir to smooth it out or stir over low heat until smooth. Fruit and fruit jams, especially when arranged on top of the cake as well as inside, add a visually beautiful touch to your cake.