Rainbow Cake

Rainbow cake is a visually striking, multi-layered cake known for its vibrant, colorful appearance.
anirban sengupta GQvNc4bDRYw unsplash

Rainbow cake is a visually striking, multi-layered cake known for its vibrant, colorful appearance. Each layer of the cake is made with a different color of the rainbow, typically achieved by incorporating food coloring into the batter. The result is a cake that, when sliced, reveals a brilliant spectrum of colors that are both fun and festive.

Why It’s So Popular:

  1. Visually Stunning: The most striking feature of rainbow cake is, of course, its color. The bold, layered effect creates a sense of excitement and fun, making it a perfect centerpiece for parties and celebrations.
  2. Versatility: While the classic rainbow cake uses six layers (one for each color of the rainbow), you can adjust the colors and number of layers based on personal preference. Some bakers also incorporate various types of fillings and frostings to enhance the flavor and texture.
rainbow cake 1

Here’s a simple recipe for a layered rainbow cake with a fluffy, creamy frosting to tie everything together.

Ingredients:

For the cake:

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • Food coloring (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple)

For the frosting:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream (more if needed)
  • A pinch of salt
  • Food coloring (optional, for tinted frosting)

Instructions:

Make the Cake:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour 6 (or more) round cake pans (or use three and bake in batches) or line them with parchment paper.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
  4. Add eggs and vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
  5. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
  6. Divide the batter: Divide the batter evenly into 6 bowls. Add a few drops of gel food coloring to each bowl, one color per bowl (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple). Stir to combine and get vibrant colors.
  7. Layer the batter: Carefully spoon the colored batter into the prepared cake pans, layering the colors on top of each other. You can either pour each color directly into the center of the pan or spread it out a little with a spatula for more even layers. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
  8. Bake the cakes: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If you’re using multiple pans, you might need to bake in batches. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.

Make the Frosting:

  1. Beat the butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until creamy (about 2-3 minutes).
  2. Add powdered sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing on low until combined. Increase the speed and beat for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
  3. Add vanilla, salt, and cream: Add the vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and 1/4 cup of heavy cream. Beat again until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. If the frosting is too thick, add more cream, 1 tbsp at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.

Assemble the Cake:

  1. Level the cakes (if needed): If your cakes have domed tops, use a serrated knife to trim them so they’re flat and stackable.
  2. Frost between layers: Place the first layer of cake on a cake stand or plate. Spread a generous amount of frosting on top and smooth it out with a spatula.
  3. Stack the layers: Add the next layer of cake and repeat the frosting. Continue stacking and frosting the layers until all layers are stacked.
  4. Frost the outside: Once the cake is stacked, spread frosting all over the top and sides. Use a bench scraper or offset spatula to smooth out the frosting.
  5. Decorate: If you want to add extra decoration, you can pipe colorful frosting around the edges, sprinkle with rainbow-colored sprinkles, or even add edible glitter.

Chill & Serve:

  • Chill the cake for at least 30 minutes to help the frosting set before slicing. When you’re ready, cut into the vibrant layers and enjoy!

This rainbow cake is visually stunning and fun to make, with its vibrant colors and fluffy frosting! It’s perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or anytime you want to impress with a show-stopping dessert.

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