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Rainbow Layer Cake

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A vibrant and festive rainbow layer cake featuring multiple colored sponge layers stacked together with a light, fluffy frosting. Perfect for celebrations and birthdays.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
  • Gel food coloring (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple)
  • 4 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 2–3 tbsp heavy cream (for frosting)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line six 8-inch round cake pans or work in batches if needed.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  4. Mix in vanilla extract.
  5. Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk to the batter, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
  6. Divide the batter evenly into six bowls. Tint each with a different gel food coloring to achieve vibrant colors.
  7. Pour each colored batter into prepared pans and smooth tops. Bake for 15–20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  8. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
  9. Prepare frosting: Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in vanilla and heavy cream until fluffy.
  10. Assemble the cake: Layer colored cakes with frosting between each. Apply a thin crumb coat and chill for 20 minutes.
  11. Frost the entire cake and decorate as desired.

Notes

  • Use gel food coloring for brighter, more vibrant layers without affecting batter consistency.
  • Refrigerate between steps for easier handling of cake layers.
  • Level cakes if needed before stacking for a more even appearance.

Nutrition

Keywords: rainbow cake, birthday cake, colorful cake, layer cake, celebration dessert

Find it online: https://zesticook.com/rainbow-layer-cake/