A show-stopping rainbow layer cake is the perfect centerpiece for any celebration. This towering 12-inch high masterpiece boasts a kaleidoscope of colors and a rich, creamy frosting that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re commemorating a birthday, Pride celebrations, or simply want to elevate your baking skills, this recipe has got you covered.
With its vibrant hues and decadent frosting, it’s hard not to be wowed by the sheer spectacle of this rainbow cake. If you’re planning a party, consider pairing it with some fun and festive treats like Funfetti cheesecake, cream cheese brownies, or adorable mini cone cupcakes. Alternatively, you might prefer whipping up some chocolate peanut butter cupcakes, tangy lemon-filled cupcakes, or lemon ricotta cupcakes for a sweet and satisfying treat.
Why You’ll Love This
This stunning 12-inch-tall cake is sure to impress at any special occasion. While it may require a bit more effort than your average dessert, the process isn’t overly complicated. The real showstopper here is the unique flavor profile, which combines the classic taste of vanilla cake with the added excitement of rainbow layers. If you’re a fan of traditional vanilla cakes, you’ll love this recipe’s twist on a classic.
How to Make a Rainbow Layers Cake
To begin, whisk together some milk, egg whites, and vanilla extract. In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine dry ingredients like flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Next, mix in softened butter, followed by the remaining egg whites. Divide the cake batter evenly into three portions and add purple food coloring to one, blue to the second, and green to the third. Transfer each colored batter to a greased and parchment paper-lined baking pan and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes or until done, then let cool completely. Repeat this process to create the red, yellow, and orange cake layers that will form the rainbow effect.Once the cake layers are ready, prepare the frosting by beating softened butter with vanilla extract, salt, and powdered sugar. Gradually add more powdered sugar and heavy cream to achieve the desired consistency. To assemble the rainbow cake, trim the tops of each layer if necessary to ensure evenness, then place one on a cake stand and add a dollop of frosting. Repeat this process with the remaining cake layers, finishing with the final layer. Frost the outside of the cake with any remaining frosting, leaving enough for decoration. Finally, top the cake with any remaining frosting and add rainbow sprinkles to complete the look.
Substitutions and Variations
Feel free to unleash your creativity when it comes to the colors and design of your cake. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or just want to add some festive flair, choose colors that match your theme. Don’t be afraid to get creative with the height as well – you can easily scale down the layers if you don’t need a towering 12-inch masterpiece. If you’re looking for an even quicker shortcut, consider using white cake mix and skipping the hassle of making your own batter from scratch. A couple of boxes should suffice.
How to Store Rainbow Birthday Cake
When it comes to storing leftover rainbow cakes, there are a few options to consider. First, you can keep them fresh for up to four days by refrigerating them immediately after assembly. Simply wrap each layer individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a sealed container or zip-top bag. If you prefer to freeze your cake, you can do so either before or after assembly. For pre-assembly freezing, wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil and store for up to two months. Alternatively, you can also freeze the rainbow cake frosting separately and thaw it on your countertop when needed. When thawing a frozen cake, simply place it in the refrigerator overnight to restore its original texture and consistency.
Top Tips
To ensure your cake stands tall and proud, a sturdy foundation is crucial. If you notice any wobbliness, don’t worry – simply use straws to provide support. When it comes to freezing and thawing the cake layers, it’s often easier to assemble the final product while they’re still frozen. This is because thawed cakes can become more delicate, making them prone to collapse. By adding frosting and stacking the layers when they’re still icy, you’ll achieve a more stable end result.
Rainbow Layer Cake FAQs
If you’re looking for more creative ways to take your rainbow cake game to the next level, consider adding edible rainbow decorations or whimsical details like edible silver stars. The possibilities are endless! When it comes to crafting a colorful swirl design on top of the cake, try this trick: use a toothpick to apply gel food coloring directly inside your piping bag. As you pipe out the frosting, you’ll be left with a beautiful, rainbow-swirled masterpiece.
Rainbow Layer Cake Recipe
Rainbow Layer Cake Recipe
This vibrant rainbow layer cake is the perfect showstopper for any occasion, adding a pop of color and whimsy to your party or celebration. With a prep time of just 1 hour and 15 minutes, and a cook time of 40 minutes, you can quickly bring this masterpiece to life. In total, expect to spend around 1 hour and 55 minutes from start to finish, yielding 20 delightful servings.
Instructions
To begin, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare three 8-inch cake pans by greasing them with cooking spray and lining the bottoms with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup of milk, 6 egg whites, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract; set aside. In your stand mixer’s main bowl, combine 2 1/4 cups of flour, 1 3/4 cups of sugar, 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt. On low speed, gradually add 3/4 cup of softened butter, about 1 tablespoon at a time. Continue mixing until the butter is roughly the size of a pea. Add half of the egg white mixture and beat on medium speed for approximately 2 minutes, or until the batter becomes light and fluffy. Repeat with the remaining egg white mixture, just until combined. Divide the batter evenly into three portions, placing each portion in its own bowl. Add 1/2 teaspoon of purple food coloring to one bowl, blue to another, and green to the third; mix well. Transfer each colored batter to a prepared pan and bake for 18-22 minutes, rotating the pans as needed for even baking. The cakes are done when a toothpick or skewer inserted into the center comes out clean and the cake springs back when gently pressed. Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to finish cooling. Repeat this process with the remaining ingredients, using red, yellow, and orange food coloring. Once the cakes are completely cooled, it’s time to make the frosting. In your stand mixer’s whisk attachment, beat 1 cup of butter until smooth, about 1 minute. Add 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 2 cups of powdered sugar; start mixing on low speed and gradually increase as the powdered sugar is incorporated. Add an additional 2 cups of powdered sugar and 1/4 cup of heavy cream; beat until smooth. Transfer the frosting to a bowl and repeat the process with the remaining ingredients, which will yield approximately 10 cups of frosting. Since most home bakers won’t have a large enough bowl for their stand mixer, you may need to make the frosting in batches. To assemble the cake, first level off any uneven tops on each cake using a sharp knife. Place a dollop of frosting on your serving plate or cake stand and secure the purple cake layer on top. Spread a thin layer of frosting over the top of the cake, about 1/4 inch thick. Repeat this process with the blue, green, yellow, orange, and red cake layers, in that order. Finally, frost the entire outside and top of the cake. If you have any leftover frosting, transfer it to a piping bag and use it to decorate the top of your masterpiece.