Rainbow Layer Cake

There’s something undeniably magical about a Rainbow Layer Cake. With its vibrant colors and delightful layers, this cake is not just a feast for the eyes but also a joy for the taste buds. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just because, this cake brings a splash of happiness to any occasion. Let’s dive into how you can create this stunning dessert right in your own kitchen.

Top Reasons to Make Rainbow Layer Cake

• Visual Appeal: The colorful layers create an eye-catching centerpiece.
• Fun to Make: Baking this cake is a joyful experience, perfect for involving kids or friends.
• Customizable: You can change the colors or flavors to suit any theme or occasion.
• Deliciously Soft: The texture of the cake is light and fluffy, making each bite delightful.
• Perfect for Celebrations: This cake is ideal for birthdays, graduations, and other festive events.

Gather These Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 6 large egg whites
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• Red, orange, yellow, green, and blue food coloring
• 1 cup butter, softened (for frosting)
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2-3 tablespoons milk (for frosting)
• Sprinkles of your choice

Equipment at a Glance

• 5 8-inch round cake pans – to create the colorful layers.
• Mixing bowls – for combining ingredients.
• Electric mixer – for easy mixing.
• Spatula – for spreading frosting.
• Offset spatula – for smoothing the frosting.
• Cooling racks – to cool the cake layers.

Rainbow Layer Cake: How It’s Done

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly and rises beautifully.

Step 2: Prepare Your Cake Pans

Grease and flour your cake pans or line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This step is crucial for easy release after baking.

Step 3: Mix the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Add in the vanilla extract and mix until combined.

Step 4: Add the Egg Whites

Incorporate the egg whites one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps to introduce air into the batter, giving your cake a light texture.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.

Step 6: Divide and Color the Batter

Divide the batter evenly into five bowls. Add a few drops of food coloring to each bowl, creating red, orange, yellow, green, and blue batters. Stir gently until the colors are vibrant.

Step 7: Bake the Layers

Pour each colored batter into its prepared cake pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 8: Prepare the Frosting

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until incorporated. Add the vanilla and 2-3 tablespoons of milk, and beat until fluffy.

Step 9: Assemble the Cake

Once the cake layers are completely cool, place the blue layer on a serving platter. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top, then add the green layer. Repeat this process, stacking each colored cake layer and frosting in between.

Step 10: Frost the Outside

Once all layers are stacked, apply a thin layer of frosting around the sides and on top of the cake to create a crumb coat. Chill the cake for 30 minutes, then add a thicker layer of frosting for a smooth finish.

Step 11: Add Sprinkles

Decorate the top and sides of the cake with sprinkles of your choice for a festive touch.

Easy Ingredient Swaps

• Butter: Use margarine or a dairy-free alternative if preferred.
• Milk: Substitute with almond milk, coconut milk, or any non-dairy milk.
• Sugar: Coconut sugar or a sugar substitute can be used for a healthier option.
• All-purpose flour: Gluten-free flour blends can replace regular flour for a gluten-free version.

Frequent Missteps to Avoid

• Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until combined.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately can affect the cake’s texture and rise.
• Skipping the crumb coat can lead to a messy frosting job.
• Letting the cake layers cool completely is essential for easy stacking and frosting.

Storing, Freezing & Reheating

Store any leftover Rainbow Layer Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it well in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and enjoy!

Common Questions

Can I use different colors for the layers?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize the colors based on your theme or favorite shades.

How do I prevent the layers from doming?

Make sure to bake at the correct temperature and check for doneness early. If they do dome, simply level them with a serrated knife after cooling.

What if I don’t have five cake pans?

You can bake the layers in batches. Just keep the batter covered while the first layer is baking, and then repeat for the remaining colors.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the layers a day in advance and frost them on the day you plan to serve.

Try These Next

• Chocolate Lava Cake
• Red Velvet Cake
• Lemon Cake
• Vanilla Bean Cupcakes

Before You Go

Creating a Rainbow Layer Cake is an adventure filled with color, flavor, and joy. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to brighten up your day, this cake is bound to impress. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let your creativity shine in the kitchen. Happy baking!