Rainbow cake is a stunning dessert that brings joy to any celebration. With its vibrant layers of colorful cake and creamy frosting, it’s not just a treat for the palate but also a feast for the eyes. This recipe will guide you to create a moist and fluffy rainbow cake that will leave everyone in awe. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or simply to brighten up your day!
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups sugar
- 5 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk
- Food coloring (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple)
- 4 cups buttercream frosting
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes 12 servings. Preparation time is approximately 30 minutes, and cooking time is about 25 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 slice) contains approximately 320 calories, 15g fat, 45g carbohydrates, 4g protein, and 30g sugar. This is for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease six 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients and milk, alternating between the two.
- Divide the batter into six bowls, adding different food coloring to each.
- Pour each colored batter into the prepared pans.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool completely before frosting.
Alternative Ingredients
If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version or substitute the butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free option. Additionally, aquafaba can replace eggs for a vegan version.
Serving and Pairings
Rainbow cake pairs beautifully with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It can also be served with a cup of tea or coffee to enhance the experience.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover rainbow cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If freezing, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Cooking Mistakes
- Not properly measuring ingredients can lead to a dense cake.
- Overmixing the batter may cause the cake to be tough.
- Skipping the cooling step can result in frosting melting.
- Using too much food coloring may alter the cake’s texture.
- Not greasing the pans properly can lead to sticking.
Helpful Tips
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.
- Use a scale for precise measurements, especially for flour.
- Rotate the pans halfway through baking for even cooking.
- Experiment with different color combinations for fun.
- Let the cake layers cool completely for easier frosting.
FAQs
What occasions is rainbow cake suitable for?
Rainbow cake is perfect for birthdays, weddings, and festive celebrations. Its vibrant colors make it a visually appealing centerpiece for any event, especially for children’s parties.
Can I make the rainbow cake in advance?
Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day in advance. Keep them wrapped in plastic wrap in the fridge to maintain freshness before frosting.
What type of frosting is best for rainbow cake?
Buttercream frosting is commonly used, but cream cheese frosting or whipped cream can also complement the cake beautifully, providing a lighter texture.
Can I use different flavors for the layers?
Absolutely! You can experiment with different flavors like chocolate, vanilla, or lemon for each layer, adding an exciting twist to the traditional rainbow cake.
How do I achieve even layers?
Using a kitchen scale to measure the batter for each layer ensures uniformity. Additionally, leveling the tops of cooled cakes with a knife will help achieve an even stacked cake.
Conclusion
Creating a rainbow cake is a delightful baking adventure that results in a visually stunning and delicious treat. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to brighten your day, this colorful cake is sure to impress. Enjoy every bite and share the joy with family and friends!
Rainbow Cake
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 cups sugar
- 5 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk
- Food coloring red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple
- 4 cups buttercream frosting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease six 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients and milk, alternating between the two.
- Divide the batter into six bowls, adding different food coloring to each.
- Pour each colored batter into the prepared pans.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool completely before frosting.
Nutrition
