A Rainbow Layered Birthday Cake is the perfect way to bring color and joy to any celebration. With vibrant, evenly stacked layers of cake in every shade of the rainbow, this dessert is as delightful to look at as it is to eat. Covered in a smooth, creamy frosting, this cake is sure to impress both kids and adults alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Visually Stunning – The bright, colorful layers make this cake a showstopper.
- Customizable – You can adjust the colors, flavors, or even the frosting to suit your preference.
- Perfect for Any Celebration – Ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, or any special occasion.
- Moist and Flavorful – Despite its bold appearance, this cake is soft, tender, and delicious.
- Fun to Make – A great baking project to do with family or friends.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Whole milk
- Food coloring (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple)
- Buttercream frosting
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line six 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- Prepare the batter by whisking together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- In a separate bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, mixing until smooth.
- Divide the batter evenly into six bowls. Add a different food coloring to each bowl, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Pour each colored batter into its own prepared cake pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Assemble the cake by placing the purple layer on a serving plate and spreading a thin layer of buttercream frosting over it. Repeat with the blue, green, yellow, orange, and red layers.
- Frost the entire cake with a smooth layer of buttercream. Decorate as desired before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12-16 slices
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour (plus cooling time)
Variations
- Different Frosting Options – Try cream cheese frosting, chocolate ganache, or whipped cream instead of buttercream.
- Flavored Layers – Add different extracts, such as lemon, almond, or coconut, to each layer for a unique taste.
- Marbled Rainbow Effect – Instead of distinct layers, swirl the colors together for a fun marbled look.
- Gluten-Free Version – Use a gluten-free flour blend to make it suitable for dietary needs.
- Ombre Effect – Instead of a full rainbow, use different shades of one color for a beautiful ombre cake.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving.
- Freezing: Wrap each layer individually in plastic wrap before freezing for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before assembling or serving.
FAQs
How do I get vibrant cake layers?
Use gel food coloring instead of liquid food coloring for brighter, more intense colors.
Can I bake all layers at once?
If your oven has enough space, you can bake all layers at once. Otherwise, bake them in batches.
How do I prevent my cake from drying out?
Do not overbake, and make sure to store the cake properly with an airtight cover.
Can I use box cake mix instead?
Yes, you can use white cake mix and divide it into six portions before adding food coloring.
What’s the best way to level the cake layers?
Use a serrated knife or a cake leveler to ensure even layers before stacking.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day ahead and store them in an airtight container before assembling.
How do I get a smooth frosting finish?
Use an offset spatula and a bench scraper to smooth out the buttercream. Chilling the cake between frosting layers helps, too.
Can I make this without eggs?
Yes, you can use egg substitutes like applesauce, yogurt, or commercial egg replacers.
What type of buttercream works best?
American buttercream is the easiest to work with, but Swiss or Italian meringue buttercream gives a smoother texture.
How do I transport this cake safely?
Place the cake on a sturdy cake board and use a cake carrier to keep it stable during transport.
Conclusion
A Rainbow Layered Birthday Cake is the perfect way to add excitement to any celebration. With its eye-catching colors, moist texture, and delicious taste, it is guaranteed to be the highlight of any party. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with flavors and frostings, this cake is a joy to make and even better to share.
Print
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
Description
This rainbow layered birthday cake is a fun and festive dessert, featuring fluffy, colorful cake layers and creamy frosting. It’s the ultimate showstopper for birthdays and celebrations!
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk
- Food coloring (red, yellow, blue, green)
- 3 cups whipped cream or buttercream frosting
- Sprinkles or gumdrops for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line cake pans.
- Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture.
- Divide the batter into bowls and color each portion.
- Pour into pans and bake for 20-25 minutes. Let cool.
- Layer cakes with frosting, then decorate with sprinkles.
Notes
- Use gel food coloring for vibrant colors.
- Chill before slicing for clean layers.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert