The rainbow swirl cake is a delightful and visually stunning dessert that never fails to capture attention. This colorful creation is made by layering vibrant, rainbow-colored cake batters and then carefully swirling them together to achieve a mesmerizing marbled effect. The cake decoration plays a crucial role in highlighting the beauty of the swirls, with a generous spread of frosting in coordinating colors to complement the rainbow layers. Topped with a cascade of colorful sprinkles and perhaps a dusting of edible glitter, this cake is a true showstopper at any celebration. Each slice offers a symphony of flavors and a joyful burst of colors, making it a delightful centerpiece for any gathering. Whether it's for a birthday, a festive party, or simply a whimsical treat, the rainbow swirl cake is guaranteed to bring smiles and admiration from anyone who lays eyes on it.
Ingredients:
Vanilla Rainbow Cake:
- 3 cups (390g) all-purpose flour
- 3 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup (168g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil
- 2 cups (414g) sugar
- 4 eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/3 cups (400ml) buttermilk
- Gel food coloring in violet, royal blue, leaf green, lemon yellow, orange, and red
Vanilla Rainbow Buttercream:
- 2 cups (448g) salted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup (189g) shortening
- 11–12 cups (1265g-1380g) powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 4–5 tbsp (60-75ml) water or milk
- Gel food coloring in violet, royal blue, leaf green, lemon yellow, orange, and red
Instructions:
Make the Cake Layers:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C) and prepare three 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper circles in the bottom and grease the sides.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, vegetable oil, and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, and mix until smooth.
5. Divide the batter into 6 bowls and tint each with a different gel food coloring.
6. Spoon the colored batter into the prepared cake pans in layers, then bake for 28-33 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
Make the Frosting:
1. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter and shortening until smooth.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and water or milk, mixing until smooth and creamy.
3. Divide the frosting into 6 bowls and tint each with a different gel food coloring.
Assemble the Cake:
1. Level the cooled cake layers and place one layer on a cake plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top.
2. Repeat with the remaining layers, then frost the outside of the cake with the remaining frosting.
3. Pipe a colorful swirl border around the top and bottom edges of the cake using a piping bag filled with the tinted frosting.
4. Store the cake in an airtight container until ready to serve. Enjoy your masterpiece!
Get ready to wow your friends and family with this eye-catching Rainbow Swirl Cake! Happy baking! 🌈🎂