Description

Rainbow Cake is a vibrant, multi-layered masterpiece that combines the nostalgia of childhood celebrations with soft, buttery layers and a hint of vanilla. Every slice reveals a burst of color, making it perfect for birthdays, milestones, or any joyful occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

3 ½ cups (420g) all-purpose flour
2 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
5 large eggs, room temperature
1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
1 ½ cups (360ml) buttermilk, room temperature
Gel food coloring (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple) as needed
2 cups (460g) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
6 cups (720g) powdered sugar, sifted (for frosting)
2 tsp pure vanilla extract (for frosting)
2–4 tbsp heavy cream or milk (for frosting)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line six 6-inch cake pans or bake in batches if necessary.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3–5 minutes.
Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
Add dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with buttermilk, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
Divide the batter evenly into six bowls and tint each with a different gel food color.
Pour each color into the prepared pans and bake for 15–18 minutes. Let cool completely on wire racks.
For the frosting, beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cream or milk until smooth and fluffy.
Assemble by stacking the layers in rainbow order with frosting between each. Frost the outside, leaving it semi-naked if desired.
Chill the cake for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Always use gel food coloring for vibrant hues without thinning the batter. Chill between stacking layers for better stability. Use a serrated knife to level layers for a perfect finish. A semi-naked frosting style lets the colors shine. Warm your knife before slicing for clean cuts.

Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 530
Sugar: 48g
Sodium: 240mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 66g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 125mg

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