Rainbow Layer Cake
Rainbow layer cake is a delightful and visually stunning dessert that brings a burst of color and sweetness to any celebration. Whether it’s for a birthday, a special occasion, or just a fun treat, this cake is sure to impress. With vibrant layers of sponge cake and smooth frosting, it’s a perfect combination of flavor and aesthetics.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk
- Food coloring (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple)
For the Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 ½ cups unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cake Layers:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line six 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy using a hand or stand mixer.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
2. Color the Cake Batter:
- Divide the batter evenly into six bowls.
- Add a few drops of food coloring to each bowl, mixing until you achieve the desired vibrant colors: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple.
3. Bake the Cake Layers:
- Pour each colored batter into a separate cake pan, spreading the batter evenly.
- Bake the cakes in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Prepare the Buttercream Frosting:
- Beat the softened butter in a large mixing bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, and continue to beat until fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. Beat until smooth and spreadable. If the frosting is too thick, add a little more cream to reach your desired consistency.
5. Assemble the Cake:
- Once the cakes have cooled completely, place the purple layer on your serving plate. Spread a thin layer of buttercream frosting on top.
- Continue layering the cakes in the following order: blue, green, yellow, orange, and red. After each layer, apply a thin coat of buttercream frosting to seal the cake layers together.
- Once all the layers are stacked, apply a crumb coat to the entire cake (a thin layer of frosting) to lock in any crumbs. Chill the cake in the fridge for about 30 minutes.
- After the crumb coat has set, frost the entire cake with a final thick layer of buttercream frosting.
6. Decorate (Optional):
You can add extra decorations like sprinkles, edible glitter, or even some fresh flowers to the cake for an extra touch of elegance.
Tips for Success:
- Even Layers: To ensure even layers, measure your batter carefully when dividing it into pans.
- Coloring: Use gel food coloring for vibrant, rich colors that won’t change the consistency of the batter.
- Frosting: If you don’t want to make homemade buttercream, you can use store-bought frosting for a quicker version, but homemade frosting will give the cake a smoother and richer flavor.
Why You’ll Love Rainbow Layer Cake:
- Visually Stunning: The colorful layers are an absolute showstopper and make for a beautiful centerpiece at any event.
- Deliciously Moist: With its fluffy, tender sponge and creamy buttercream, this cake is both light and indulgent.
- Customizable: Feel free to play with colors and flavors. You can add citrus zest, vanilla, or almond extract to the cake batter or frosting for a unique twist.
Whether you’re baking it for a birthday, a holiday, or just because you want a slice of happiness, rainbow layer cake is sure to bring joy to every occasion.
Recipes you may like