Prepare to transform an ordinary dessert into a jaw-dropping masterpiece that will have everyone reaching for their cameras before taking a bite! The Layered Rainbow Swirl Cake isn't just a dessert – it's an edible work of art that combines vibrant colors, delicious flavor, and pure visual magic. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, hosting a party, or simply want to create something extraordinary in your kitchen, this show-stopping cake will make you the ultimate baking superstar.
Prep Time: 45 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 10 servings
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 5 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk
- Food coloring (red, blue, green, yellow)
- Buttercream frosting for layering
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Divide the batter evenly into six separate bowls. Add different food colors to each bowl: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple.
- Mix each bowl thoroughly to create vibrant, even colors. Adjust color intensity by adding more food coloring as desired.
- Carefully spoon each colored batter into the prepared cake pans, creating swirled or layered patterns. Use a skewer or knife to create gentle swirling effects.
- Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, trim cake layers if needed to create even surfaces.
- Prepare buttercream frosting and begin layering the cakes, spreading frosting between each colorful layer.
- Frost the entire cake with remaining buttercream, creating a smooth finish.
- Optionally, decorate with additional colored frosting or sprinkles for extra visual appeal.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow frosting to set.
- Slice and serve, revealing the beautiful rainbow swirl interior.
Tips
- • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth batter mixing and even coloring • Invest in high-quality gel food coloring for more vibrant, intense colors • When creating swirls, use a clean skewer or toothpick and make gentle, light movements • Don't overmix the batter to keep the cake light and fluffy • Let each layer cool completely before frosting to prevent melting • Use a turntable for smoother, more professional frosting application • Chill the cake between frosting layers for cleaner, more defined layers • For extra precision, use a cake leveler to create perfectly even cake layers • Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 520kcal
Carbohydrates: 65g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Cholesterol: 135mg
