Rainbow Layer Cake Recipe
My 4 year old is my first rainbow baby, born after recurrent pregnancy loss - and for his 4th birthday last month ALL he kept asking for was a rainbow cake 🥹 so obviously I made him one!
Rainbow Cake Recipe 🌈
This is the easiest way to make it for beginners:
2 boxes of vanilla cake mix*
eggs and vegetable oil according to box
Gel food coloring (ideally in all colors, but at least primary colors)
rainbow jimmy sprinkles
Vanilla frosting (store bought or homemade)*
3 6”, 8”, or 9” pans depending on cake size (I used 8”)
Preheat oven to 350 F
INSTRUCTIONS
BAKING
1. Mix the first box of vanilla cake
2. Separate cake equally between three bowls
3. Color each one with a small amount of gel food coloring (red, orange, yellow)
4. Bake according to box instructions (take box out of the trash if you put it there already 😂)
5. Let cool completely, wrap each separately in plastic wrap, and refrigerate until extra cold
6. Clean pans and repeat with second box of cake + final three colors (green, blue, purple).
You can do this with 6 pans, but most people don’t have that many of the same sized pans.
DECORATE
1. It’s best to have a cardboard round to place cake on, but put it somewhere where you can assemble and keep the cake - the cardboard round makes it easier to move around.
2. Put first layer on bottom (purple), carefully slicing the very top to flatten it out. Spread a thin layer of frosting on this layer.
3. Repeat with remaining layers in reverse rainbow order.
4. Once stacked, cover in frosting. This can be rough because you’ll be covering the outside in sprinkles.
5. Cover in sprinkles.
enjoy!
*if you prefer homemade options, I’ll share my vanilla cake recipe and vanilla frosting in future posts soon, so follow along for more!*
Please feel free to ask questions or clarifications or any tips or tricks in the comments 👇🏻
Rainbow layer cakes are a colorful and delicious way to celebrate special occasions, especially birthdays. These vibrant cakes not only look incredible but also taste amazing, making them a favorite among children and adults alike. To make the perfect rainbow layer cake, begin with quality ingredients. Opt for high-quality vanilla cake mix for a fluffy texture that pairs beautifully with bright colors. Using gel food coloring, you can achieve vivid hues that stand out when sliced. The typical primary and secondary colors, such as red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple, create the iconic rainbow effect. Once layered and frosted, a sprinkle of rainbow jimmies adds an extra playful touch, turning your cake into a showstopper. Don't hesitate to get your kids involved in the decorating process; it’s a fun and engaging activity that makes the cake even more special. For an even more personal touch, consider making homemade vanilla frosting. This adds a delightful flavor and ensures that your cake is uniquely yours. You can easily customize the cake by adding different flavors or fillings, such as chocolate or fruit, between the layers. Finally, remember to serve the cake with pride, as it symbolizes not just a celebration but a delightful family memory. Share your creation on Lemon8 and engage with a community of baking enthusiasts for tips and inspiration!