17 Mouthwatering Layer Cake Recipes To Fuel Your Baking Passion

Sara Cagle
Mar 07, 2024
mouthwatering layer cake recipesmouthwatering layer cake recipes

While you may not be able to celebrate BIG this year, you can still dessert in style. And what better way to bide your time at home than to perfect your cake baking and decorating skills? Whether you're a chocolatelover, a fruit fan, or all about ombre, check out these sky-scraping confections. And for more lessons in cake mastery, take our Cake Decorating class!

Salted Nutella S'Mores Cake

Even The Great British Bake Off's Mary Berry would love this cake's distinct layers, made especially striking by bright marshmallows and dark chocolate. (via Brit + Co)

Sprinkle Ombre Cake

As if patriotic sprinkles weren't exciting enough, BAM, rainbow layers appear when cut. (via Brit + Co)

Romantic Drip Layer Cake

See that dripping icing? You'll drool just as intensely when you smell the passionfruit filling. (via Brit + Co)

Piña Colada Layer Cake

This layer cake does taste like a tropical drink (rum and all), but even more delightful is its texture. The moist cake contains a creamy frosting, flakey coconut coating, and juicy pineapple on top. (via Brit + Co)

Sugar Cookie Funfetti Birthday Cake

Both rainbow sprinkles and sugar cookie crumbs are folded into the vanilla icing on this cake — it's reason enough to celebrate. (via Brit + Co)

Chocolate Layer Cake with Three Frostings 

Any chocoholic would donate their most prized possession for this triple chocolate cake, complete with dark, milk, and white chocolate frostings.

Naked Cake

If you're not a frosting wizard but want to make a show-stopping dessert, there's layer cake recipes that'll fit the bill. We love that this version makes a handsome wedding option for those who want to see what they're eating. Fresh fruit and flowers are the cherry on top of the beautiful dessert.

Gold Confetti Champagne Cake

Classic vanilla cake gets an Oscar-worthy upgrade with a healthy heap of gold sprinkles. (via Brit + Co)

Floral Layer Cake

Store-bought cake and frosting look mighty fine when covered with edible flowers. (via Brit + Co)

Next-Level Candy Cake

This may not be true of everything, but when it comes to candy on cake, more is definitely more. (via Brit + Co)

Pastel Confetti Cake

Don't be intimidated by this cake's pristine layers; it's all scrumptious, store-bought simplicity. (via Brit + Co)

Piecaken (Pie-Cake Hybrid)

You've heard this phrase a lot to describe food, but this time it's valid: this cake is not for the faint of heart. There is an entire pie inside of each cake layer, which must be the most insane thing to happen to dessert since cotton candy burritos. (via Brit + Co)

Conversation Heart Cake

Forget the grocery store bakery; with your own gel frosting, you can write exactly what's on your mind in a jiffy. (via Brit + Co)

Lemon Lavender Champagne Cake

Champagne lends lightness to this tart lemon cake, while lavender extract gives just the flavor you want when biting into purple frosting. (via Brit + Co)

Italian Rainbow Cookie Cake

Italian Rainbow Cookie Cake: This dense cake batter, made with almond paste and lots of butter, is lightened in flavor by intermittent layers of raspberry jam. The whole thing is assembled and frosted to look like an Italian rainbow cookie. (via Brit + Co)

Cactus Garden Cake

OMG, how AMAZING is this cake excerpted (with permission) from Sugar Rebels by Nick Makrides? It's almost too pretty to eat! (via Brit + Co)

Upgraded Boxed Cake

Transform store-bought cake mix with butter, coffee, homemade frosting, or all of the above. When you get compliments that it tastes like someone's grandmother's, just nod and smile. (via Brit + Co)

Show us your creations by tagging Brit + Co on Instagram!

This article was originally published in April 2018 and has been updated.

Show us your creations by tagging us on Instagram!

This post was updated.

Header image via Brit + Co

These Taylor Swift-Inspired Fuzzy Dice Are A Cute & Cuddly Valentine's DIY

If you know me, you know how much I love Taylor Swift. Something about hearing music written by someone while they experience the same life stages feels so personal, and there's a good chance that almost every emotion I feel can be summed up by a Taylor Swift song. In short: I just love her.

Taylor frequently drops merchandise when a holiday rolls around and for Valentine's Dayin 2022, she released a collection inspired by her 2019 album Lover. I fell in love with a pair of fuzzy dice inspired by her hit song "Cruel Summer," and apparently so did everyone else because the next time I visited the website, they were sold out! So, I decided to make a simplified version of them with my sewing machine for a fun V-Day activity and to add some extra pink to my space. Check out our online sewing class to brush up on your skills and keep reading for a low stakes tutorial on how to make your own!

Here's how to make your own Taylor Swift "Cruel Summer"-inspired dice for Valentine's Day.

Supplies For Your Own "Cruel Summer" Taylor Swift Fuzzy Dice:

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

  • Sewing machine
  • Pink fleece fabric
  • Pink thread
  • Pink felt
  • Scissors
  • Blue rope/cord (I took mine off a loofah)
  • Needle + pins
  • A copy of Lover to listen to while you sew ;)
  • Poly-Fil Stuffing (not pictured)
  • Ruler (optional)
  • Glue gun + glue gun sticks (optional, use it to touch up your seams if you need)

Instructions:

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

Start by marking your fleece with the measurements for your squares. Since the size of the dice on Taylor's official website was listed as 3.5", I marked them just above 3.5" so I could leave room for a hem. You'll need 12 squares total.

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

Next, cut out your squares. I used the first square as a template for the others, then went back in and cleaned up the edges where necessary.

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

The first image I made was a sun, and I started by drawing a circle on my felt. I used the rim of my thread spool to make sure I had a perfect circle but you can also free hand if you want the circle to be a different size.

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

Pin your felt to the center of a fleece square.

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

Sew the circle to the fleece using a regular straight stitch.

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

Next, move your sewing machine from a straight stitch to a zigzag stitch and decrease your stitch length to a lower number like 0 or 1. This will allow your art to have more of a filled-in border, instead of a messier, chevron finish.

Go back over the rim of your circle with the zigzag stitch to give it that embroidered look. I did this with the fabric right side up, then I did it again with the fabric flipped upside down just to be extra thorough.

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

After your circle is complete, it's time for the sun rays! Use the same zigzag stitch and 0 stitch length to move from the circle outward. This is where you'll want to add another element: stitch width.

To give the sun rays their triangular shape, adjust your stitch width as you move out from the heart of the sun. While the stitch length ensures your sewing won't have empty spaces, the width will let you move from a wider sunbeam base to a thinner point. I just decreased the width every few stitches as I went along.

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

Your finished sun will look something like this! I went back in with a needle to clean up loose threads by hand. I waited to trim them until I had threaded them to the back so that the front image had a more polished look.

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

Repeat the above steps for your devil and angel hearts. There are only a few differences between these and the sun; you'll cut the felt into hearts instead of circles, and to fill in the horns and the wings, I used a straight stitch to give it a colored-in look, reserving the zigzag stitching for the borders.

I know the original dice had "Cruel Summer" lyrics stitched onto these squares, but I ended up leaving them off. It makes the design more minimal and easier to work with.

One thing to note about this step: beware of bunched fabric! Filling in the angel wings brought the edges of the squares in a bit, but I wasn't too upset about it. I think flaws give a craft some personality!

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

The "Lover" stitching got a little more complicated than the images. I first traced the word with my pen so that I would have some guide as to what the word should look like. Move the stitch width back down to one of the lower settings.

Then instead of just moving the fabric in a circle like I did for the sun, I moved it all around to follow the word I had written in marker. Repeat this a few times until you're satisfied with the thickness. I definitely tried this step a couple different times so don't worry if you don't get it on the first go!

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

For my final embroidered square, I did a simple "TS," which of course stands for "Taylor Swift."

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

Before you can sew your squares together, line the edges up and pin them. I used my ruler to mark how far I wanted my hem to go (I did 1/4" at every edge) for a sewing guideline.

I pinned the squares one at a time, checking at each step that they were pinned the right way (especially after I sewed two together incorrectly and had to pick out the stitches. Oops.)

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

Arrange the images in a similar way to the official dice, or change it up however you'd like! I chose to arrange the squares so that there was a blank in between the images.

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

Pin and sew your remaining three squares around the middle square so that you end up with a cross.

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

I continued pinning and sewing the edges to one another until I had an inside-out cube. Here's a tutorial to help you better understand which edges should be sewn together.

I did one square at a time, making sure to focus on the corners and going back in to tighten them up once I was done. You only want one gap, which is where you'll flip the cube inside out and then stuff it.

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

Once you have a cube, flip the fabric inside out. I used my pen to make sure all the corners and edges were good to go.

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

Next, stuff your cube with whatever filling you prefer. I didn't stuff it super full because I didn't want it to have a rounded look when I was done.

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

Ta-da! A little wonky but very cute :)

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

When you have both dice, cut a small hole in the top for your cord. Knot the ends and stuff them into the holes, then use your needle and thread to attach the cord and the fleece together.

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

Voilà!

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

They're soft, fuzzy, and pink. What could be better than that?!

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

If you don't want to hang these in your car, they also make excellent Valentine's (or Galentine's) decor.

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

If you need me, I'll be blasting "Cruel Summer" for the rest of the month.

Loving these Taylor Swift fuzzy dice? Follow us on Pinterest and TikTok for more entertainment inspo, and don't forget to check out The Latest On Taylor Swift And Travis Kelce's Relationship!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

craftstaylor swiftdiy giftsdiy

Pedro Pascal Just Commented On Those Jennifer Aniston "Romance" Rumors After Their 3-Hour Dinner

Jennifer Aniston and Pedro Pascal fans are in a frenzy over a possible budding romance between the A-list singles. The rumors were sparked after the pair reportedly spent three hours on a dinner date together.

This past Saturday, Jennifer and Pedro were seen leaving the Tower Bar at the Sunset Tower Hotel, located in West Hollywood, California. The former Friends star and Gladiator II actor were both rocking leather as they spoke by the valet area. Jennifer wore cuffed pants, a white T-shirt, a leather vest, and boots; meanwhile, Pedro looked cool in jeans, a leather jacket, and loafers.

But was it actually a date? Here's what we know!

Scroll to find out what's really going on with Jennifer Aniston & Pedro Pascal...

Shane Anthony Sinclair/Getty Images

Photos of the celebs together prompted many social media users to share their approval of a potential partnership. Others pointed out how Pedro could just be appearing on The Morning Show, an Apple TV+ drama series starring Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon.

That's because, during the 2024 Critics' Choice Awards, Reese and Pedro discussed the show on the red carpet in a clip that's since resurfaced on X. She told the actor that a "really good part" was open for him on The Morning Show, and he replied, "Pitch it to me now. I'm in. I'll be waiting to hear from my agents. Draw it up. Send me a script. Or just pitch it to me in the room."

As Pedro responded to Reese, Jennifer held Pedro's hand, looked at the camera, and mouthed, "Oh my god." It seems that, just like fans around the globe, even Jennifer is endeared by the Chilean-born actor.

Nonetheless, if it was unclear whether her and Pedro's three-hour dinner date was for business or pleasure, a source told Page Six, "“There is no romance going on between Jennifer Aniston and Pedro Pascal. They respect each other as artists but it’s strictly platonic and they’re not dating.”

So I guess that answers that!

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Jennifer, who is now 56 years old, has previously been married twice. She first tied the knot with Brad Pitt in 2000, and they announced their separation five years later on January 7, 2005. Then, she got married to Justin Theroux in 2015, but they separated in February 2018.

Pedro, on the other hand, has never been married and prefers to keep his romantic endeavors more private. Nonetheless, he reportedly dated Maria Dizzia for a decade and has been linked to other celebrities, including Game of Thrones actress Lena Headey and Robin Tunney, who's most well-known for her role on the show The Mentalist.

Jennifer and Reese's drama series, The Morning Show, debuted on November 1, 2019, and has since had three successful seasons. The project has been so well-received, in fact, that it's earned over 50 award nominations and received an early renewal for a fourth season in April 2023, before Season 3 even debuted.

Still, fans will just have to wait and see if Pedro, beloved for his performances in The Last of Us, Gladiator II, The Mandalorian, and Game of Thrones, will be joining Jennifer on-screen in future episodes of The Morning Show, or otherwise!

Looking for more celebrity news? Be sure to follow us on Facebook so you never miss a thing!

celebritiescelebrity couplescelebrity relationshipscelebrity news

18 Affordable Target Lamps Shoppers Are Loving (Starting At Just $10)

Lighting can make or break a space. Overhead lights are convenient to switch on but can feel too harsh, while the right mix of lighting can create a warm, inviting aesthetic. The secret? Layering — think floor lamps, table lamps, sconces, and more. To help you achieve that cozy, designer-worthy look, we’ve rounded up 18 affordable Target finds that look way more expensive than they are!

Target's "rich-looking" lamp collection will brighten up your space

FLOOR LAMPS

Target

Wavy Shade Collection with Ceramic Base Floor Lamp

With its playful wavy shade and three-way light setting, this floor lamp lets you customize the brightness to suit any moment—whether you're reading, catching up with friends, or settling in for a movie night.

Target

Gooseneck Floor Lamp with Natural Shade

This gooseneck floor lamp, featuring a rattan shade, looks so elegant and natural and offers adjustable lighting.

Target

Traditional Oil Rubbed Swing Arm Floor Lamp

This bronze floor lamp features a classic swing-arm design, so you can direct light wherever you need it most, such as in your workspace or living area.

Target

Cantilever Drop Pendant Swing Arm Floor Lamp

I've owned Target's most popular floor lamp for about a decade and it still looks and works as well as it did back then. It's a keeper!

Target

Oak Wood Tripod Floor Lamp

This oak wood tripod lamp looks great in your modern space with natural decor.

Table + Desk Lamps

Target

Threshold x Studio McGee Woven Table Lamp

This charming design lamp designed with Studio McGee has adorable scalloped edges and looks sweet on a nightstand or desk.

Target

Threshold x Studio McGee Task Lamp

This retro metal task lamp features a flexible neck to focus the light where you need it the most.

Target

Mini Printed Ceramic Base Table Lamp with Pleated Shade

Love the blue Pollock-like print on this ceramic mini lamp. It's great for teen and dorm rooms!

Hearth & Hand with Magnolia Brass Accent Table Lamp with Plaid Shade

Plaid is always in style in Magnolia's design playbook. This accent table lamp is a stylish addition to your office or side table.

Target

Assembled Ceramic Table Lamp

This blue and white abstract pattern adds a bit of texture to your overall design. Pair two on each side of your bed.

Target

Hearth & Hand with Magnolia Fluted Ceramic Table Lamp with Marble Base

This fluted design is very hot right now and looks elegant solo or in pairs.

Target

Threshold x Studio McGee Round Faux Wood Lamp Base

Give your living space some mood lighting while also adding a cute decorative pattern with a checkered shade.

Target

Farmhouse Ceramic Urn Pot Table Lamp

Go for organic vibes with this modern cement table lamp.

Target

Hearth & Hand with Magnolia Fluted Metal Rechargeable Library Table Lamp

Give your bookshelf a dose of classic elegance with Magnolia's fluted rechargeable library lamp.

SCONCES

Target

Hearth & Hand Magnolia Milk Glass Striped Wall Sconce

Milk glass is always in style for any vintage-inspired decor. These would look great in a kitchen for a modern-retro vibe.

Hearth & Hand with Magnolia Fluted Ceramic Sconce

Here's the fluted lamp in a sconce variety. Matching lamp styles is actually a great way to create cohesion in your design.

Target

Threshold x Studio McGee Metal Sconce Wall Light

Add metallic appeal to your home with this Studio McGee sconce that gives off a warm golden hue.

Target

Threshold x Studio McGee Wall Sconce with Plaid Shade

An affordable sconce with a unique shade is a great way to add personality to your space while saving space too!

Subscribe to our newsletter for more home decor ideas!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

studio mcgeelightinghome decor trendsdiymagnoliahome decor

Everyone's Losing It Over This "Batsh—t" 'Yellowjackets' Theory: "Everything Came Together"

We've spent the last few years dissecting just what the heck is happening in Yellowjackets, and have witnessed everything from literal cannibalization and the antler queen. And this season, when the woods began singing back to the girls, it really pushed the show's creepy factor to the breaking point. But according to one major theory, Yellowjackets season 3 episode 7, "Croak", just proved everything we've witnessed has just been one giant delusion — and it's all to do with frogs. Yep, you read that right.

Keep reading for the Yellowjackets season 3 frog theory that sucked all of us, including Lottie and Shauna, in.

The supernatural element of 'Yellowjackets' could actually have been frogs the whole time.

Yellowjackets season 3 episode 7 features a pair of frog scientists named Edwin and Hannah, along with Kodiak, their guide. After Lottie kills Edwin with an axe because she believes the wilderness doesn't want them, Hannah and Kodiak are ultimately met with the team anyway; Travis and Akilah save Kodiak from falling off a cliff and Natalie and Shauna bring Hannah back to camp.

@quigonnjake points out on TikTok how the arrival of the frog scientists could prove the wilderness supposedly singing back to the team is actually a frog call, and that the team has been wrapped up in one big delusion this whole time.

"These girls have been isolated and alone and stranded for months — over a year!" he says. "It would make sense for them to create something in their mind after everything they have experienced, the other members of their team that they've lost, the eating of people."

He also points out that because of Lottie's "psychological past," it makes sense for her to create something for the girls to believe in and fully hold on to. "And if we thought Lottie was batsh—t before, there's no term imaginable that describes her now," he concludes.

And 'Yellowjackets' fans are totally here for it.

Naturally, the idea that a central part of Yellowjackets (AKA the magic of it all) isn't what we thought sent fans into a tizzy. "This 👏 show 👏 is 👏 not 👏 supernatural!" one user agreed in the comments, and I'm totally here for this. After seeing (somewhat) realistic shows like Outer Banks and Riverdale descend into absolutely unhinged supernatural plotlines, I'd love for a show we all thought was supernatural to wrap up with a scientific explanation! Oh how the tables have turned.

Another Yellowjackets fan points out how Ben was the team's last tie to humanity, and that "Lottie's and Shauna's reactions prove it. They had the chance to go home, it was right there and they chose the wilderness," while a third theorizes "the trees engraved with the symbol are triangulation stations used for surveying and mapping the area and identifying areas of geothermal energy."

We'll just have to keep tuning in until we get the full picture. But either way, another TikTok user says, "I was wondering why they all disliked Lottie in the adult timeline when they had been pretty much worshipping her in the wilderness. Everything came together."

When does Yellowjackets season 3 air?

Kailey Schwerman/Paramount+ with SHOWTIME

Yellowjackets season 3 premiered on February 16, 2025 and new episodes air on Fridays at 12 AM EST on Paramount+ and Sundays at 8 PM EST on Showtime. Here's the full list of episodes:

  • Season 3, Episode 1 "It Girl" premiered on February 16, 2025
  • Season 3, Episode 2 "Dislocation" premiered on February 16, 2025
  • Season 3, Episode 3 "Them's the Brakes" premiered on February 23, 2025
  • Season 3, Episode 4 "12 Angry Girls and 1 Drunk Travis" premiered on March 2, 2025
  • Season 3, Episode 5 "Did Tai Do That?" premiered on March 9, 2025
  • Season 3, Episode 6 "Thanksgiving (Canada)" premiered on March 16, 2025
  • Season 3, Episode 7 "Croak" premiered on March 23, 2025
  • Season 3, Episode 8 "A Normal, Boring Life" premieres on March 30, 2025
  • Season 3, Episode 9 "How the Story Ends" premieres on April 6, 2025
  • Season 3, Episode 10 "Full Circle" premieres on April 13, 2025

Who's in Yellowjackets season 3?

The Yellowjackets season 3 cast includes:

  • Melanie Lynskey and Sophie Nelisse as Shauna Shipman Sadecki: Jackie's best friend in high school who's actually sleeping with Jackie's boyfriend Jeff and gets pregnant with Callie. As an adult, Shauna's discontent with being Jeff's housewife and struggles to connect with their daughter Callie.
  • Tawny Cypress and Jasmin Savoy Brown as Taissa Turner: A competitive member of the Yellowjackets who's secretly dating Vanessa before the plane crash and, after they wind up on the island, starts sleepwalking, which evolves into psychogenic fugue and follows her into adulthood.
  • Christina Ricci and Samantha Hanratty as Misty Quigley: The Yellowjackets' equipment manager who's frequently bullied as a teen and has a crush on Coach Ben. She proves to be helpful after the crash, and as an adult, Misty works in a nursing home and takes part in the Citizen Detectives crime solving club.
  • Sophie Thatcher as Natalie Scatorccio: A member of the team who struggles with substance abuse, but who takes charge after the plane crash.
  • Simone Kessell and Courtney Eaton as Charlotte "Lottie" Matthews: A wealthy member of the Yellowjackets who has schizophrenia, and whose parents provided the plane that crashed in the wilderness.
  • Lauren Ambrose and Liv Hewson as Vanessa "Van" Palmer: Taissa secret girlfriend before the crash who plays goalkeeper on the team. She believes Lottie while they're trapped in the wilderness, and as an adult, she owns a video store.
  • Steven Krueger as Ben Scott: Yellowjackets assistant coach who does not return Misty's affections.
  • Warren Kole as Jeff Sadecki: Shauna's husband and Callie's father, as well as Jackie's ex boyfriend.
  • Kevin Alves as Travis Martinez: Coach Martinez's son who finds himself trapped in the wilderness with the Yellowjackets.
  • Sarah Desjardins as Callie Sadecki: Jeff and Shauna's daughter who gets sucked into her parents' illegal activity.

Stay tuned for the latest Yellowjackets news and read up on The "Genius" White Lotus Season 3 Theory Everyone's Saying Is "Crazy Good".

pop cultureentertainmenttv

10 "Shocking" Ways 'Gilmore Girls' Actually Aged Really Poorly...

To this day, Gilmore Girls is still a coming-of-age classic that many people continue to rewatch. It's packed with witty banter, quirky small-town characters, and heartwarming portrayals of the mother-daughter dynamic between Lorelai Gilmore and Rory Gilmore.

However, while the show remains extremely popular, even among new generations, there are some undeniable issues that make Gilmore Girls feel outdated. From problematic portrayals to underrepresentation and flat-out bad character behavior, here are 10 ways the series hasn't aged well.

Scroll to see all the ways Gilmore Girlsjust didn't really age well...

1. Cultural Stereotypes Are Everywhere

Warner Bros. Television

It's no secret that Gilmore Girls relied on stereotypes, particularly when portraying non-white characters. The most notable example of this is Lane's mother, Mrs. Kim.

She's supposed to be an overbearing, traditional Asian mother who has a rigid sense of discipline and is obsessed with her daughter's academic success. This portrayal might've been intended to reflect cultural differences, but Mrs. Kim's character often just comes across as a caricature.

2. Where's The LGBTQ+ Representation?

Netflix

The show also largely overlooked the inclusion of any LGBTQ+ characters, despite it featuring plenty of recurring roles over its seven seasons. While the 2016 revival Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life briefly revealed that Michel was married to a man, the OG show never mentioned his orientation or love life.

It's particularly glaring since, aside from centering on mother-daughter relationships, the series frequently navigates the main characters' romantic issues. For modern audiences, the inclusion of only straight relationships just isn't relatable or representative.

3. Rory Needs To Check Her Privilege

Warner Bros. Television

There's no doubt that Rory feels tension between her working-class upbringing and the privilege she ultimately gets from her grandparents, Richard and Emily Gilmore.

As a young kid, she was raised by a single mother who worked tirelessly to provide for her. So, at the beginning of the series, Rory is a lovable character who values hard work.

However, she becomes increasingly entitled as Gilmore Girls goes on. For instance, remember when she dropped out of Yale (which was paid for by her grandparents), got to live in their luxe pool house for free, and acted like the whole experience was such a hardship? Many fans have to skip over this cringey time in Rory's storyline altogether.

4. Fatphobia Isn't Witty

Warner Bros. Television

During the 2000s, fatphobia was a go-to comedic device, and Gilmore Girls fell into that trap. It's a shame, too, since the show was so revered for its quick, eclectic wit.

Nonetheless, characters like Lorelai, Rory, and even Emily made fatphobic comments that came across as cruel as opposed to funny. Perhaps the worst instance of this came in Season 4, when Rory reported on a Yale production for the newspaper and called a ballerina a "hippo."

The ballerina later confronted Rory out in the cafeteria, calling her review "mean, petty, and despicable," but Rory didn't apologize and responded, "This was all in the line of duty. It was an assignment from my editor, so it was nothing personal."

5. Rory's Affair: Need We Say More?

Warner Bros. Television

Rory's affair with her married ex-boyfriend, Dean, marked one of the most controversial moments in the show. They previously dated at the very beginning of Gilmore Girls, but after they broke up, Dean finally moved on and married someone else.

Well, when Rory felt lonely, she started an affair with him while knowing he was married. It was a particularly low point for her as a character, showing her selfishness and disregard for the consequences of her actions.

6. Christopher Got Too Much Positive Screen Time

Christopher is arguably one of the most frustrating characters, considering the show's tendency to paint him in a surprisingly positive light. He's largely absent during Rory's childhood, and even when he does re-enter his daughter's life, he isn't a stable parent.

Even so, Gilmore Girls continues to present him as funny, charming, and deserving of multiple chances at romance with Lorelai. Nowadays, modern audiences would probably find it hard to overlook his repeated shortcomings.

7. Emily Gilmore Serves Up Classism On The Regular

Warner Bros. Television

We get it: Lorelai's parents, Richard and Emily, needed to be kind of horrible in order to make the storyline work. Why else would Lorelai flee her home as a pregnant teen and cut them off?

Regardless, Emily maintains an elitist attitude throughout the entire series and never stops looking down on people she deems beneath her, especially those with less privileged backgrounds.

For instance, she's infamous for treating her household staff terribly and firing them frequently. Her disapproval of Rory's relationship with Dean, who's a working-class boy from Stars Hollow, also couldn't have been more different than her warm welcome of Logan, a wealthy Yale student. The discrepancies are glaring.

8. Rory And Lorelai Lack Healthy Boundaries

Warner Bros. Television

Rory and Lorelai's mother-daughter relationship is critical for Gilmore Girls, but their bond often crosses into territory that feels uncomfortably codependent. It might've been more understandable when Rory was still a teenager living at home. Yet, even when she goes off to college, the strange dynamic continues.

In fact, Rory actually begged Lorelai to visit New Haven on her first night at Yale and stay over in her dorm room. Not only did Lorelai agree, but she also threw a party for Rory and her new roommates!

9. Zack Shouldn't Have Been Lane's Consolation Prize

Warner Bros. Television

After watching Lane fight back against her mother's controlling tendencies throughout high school, Gilmore Girls fans had high hopes for her future. Unfortunately, those were squashed when she got married to Zack and wound up pregnant with twins.

She was always supposed to end up with the character Dave Rygalski, played by Adam Brody, but Dave was written off the show due to Adam's commitment to The O.C. So, Lane was stuck with Zack, and the relationship felt forced. More importantly, her character arguably never reached her full potential.

10. Michel Deserved More

Warner Bros. Television

Finally, we believe that Michel, the sole Black character on the show, deserved more. Instead, his uptight and snobby role was just used for comic relief.

Gilmore Girls never delved far into his personal life or explored his character in any meaningful way. The lack of depth is especially noticeable today. Plus, Michel's surface-level storyline feels like a missed opportunity considering actor Yanic Truesdale's talent.

Looking for more hot takes? Sign up for our newsletter so you never miss a thing!

tv showstventertainmentgilmore girls