Rainbow Layer Cake
Six separate sponge layers — each tinted a different color of the rainbow — are stacked with white frosting to create a cake that reveals its full effect when sliced. The batter is the same for every layer, so the process is straightforward, though baking in batches means setting aside about two and a half hours in total.
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 3 cups all-purpose flour preferably sifted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 4 units large eggs at room temperature
- 1.5 cups whole milk room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 6 units gel food colors red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple
Buttercream Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 4 cups confectioners' sugar sifted
- 0.25 cup heavy cream room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour six 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans, or work in batches if you have fewer pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix well.
- Add the softened butter into the dry ingredients and mix until fluffy and pale, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then mix in the milk and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Divide the batter evenly into six bowls, approximately 1.5 cups (360ml) each. Tint each portion with a different gel food color and mix until fully combined.
- Pour each colored batter into a prepared cake pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove from the pans and cool completely on wire racks.
- For the frosting, beat the softened butter on high speed until creamy, about 2 minutes. Gradually add confectioners' sugar and mix until well combined.
- Add heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Continue to beat until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- To assemble, lay the purple layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of frosting over the top. Repeat with the blue, green, yellow, orange, and red layers.
- Use remaining frosting to cover the top and sides of the cake. Smooth with a spatula for an elegant finish.
Notes
For a twist, infuse each layer with a subtle corresponding flavoring extract (e.g., lemon for yellow, mint for green) for an enhanced taste experience. Ensure the cake layers are completely cool before frosting to prevent the icing from melting.
Nutrition
Calories: 710kcalCarbohydrates: 99gProtein: 5gFat: 34gSaturated Fat: 21gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 92mgSodium: 271mgPotassium: 98mgFiber: 1gSugar: 74gVitamin A: 1070IUVitamin C: 0.03mgCalcium: 115mgIron: 2mg
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