Celebrate with a stunningly vibrant Rainbow Cake, designed to be the centerpiece of any festivity. This visually striking cake features layers of colorful sponge sandwiched with rich buttercream, each slice a beautiful display of colors. Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or any occasion that calls for something extra special, this cake is not only a delight to look at but also a joy to eat.
Ingredients
- All-purpose Flour: 3/4 cup
- Cornstarch: 3/4 cup
- Egg Whites: 6 large
- Egg Yolks: 6 large
- Vanilla Extract: 1 1/2 teaspoons
- Sugar: 7/8 cup
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
- Buttercream:
- Unsalted Butter (room temperature): 2 cups
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
- Confectioner’s Sugar: 5 cups
- Food Coloring: Pink, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Batter:
- Sift together the flour and cornstarch in a small bowl.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks with vanilla extract and 3/4 cup of sugar using an electric mixer on high speed until thick and pale.
- Make Meringue:
- In another bowl, beat the egg whites with the remaining sugar and salt until stiff peaks form.
- Combine:
- Gently fold the meringue into the egg yolk mixture, then gradually fold in the flour mixture until just combined.
- Bake the Cake:
- Divide the batter into several bowls, adding different food coloring to each.
- Pour the colored batters into a cake pan in layers or designs as desired.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare the Buttercream:
- Cream the butter until smooth, then gradually add the confectioner’s sugar and vanilla, beating until light and fluffy.
- Divide and color the buttercream with the same colors used for the cake batter.
- Assemble and Decorate:
- Once the cakes are cooled, layer them with the buttercream, using a different color between each layer.
- Use the remaining buttercream to cover the outside of the cake.
- Decorate as desired with additional colored buttercream or edible decorations.
Tips
- Color Coordination: Ensure the colors of the batter and buttercream match to maintain consistency throughout the cake.
- Smooth Layers: Chill each cake layer before assembly to make handling easier and to ensure sharp, clean layers.
- Decorating: Use a turntable when frosting the cake to achieve a smooth finish.
FAQs
- Can I make this cake in advance?
- Yes, the cake layers can be baked in advance and frozen. Thaw and assemble with buttercream on the day of serving.
- How can I ensure the layers are even?
- Use a kitchen scale to weigh the batter for each layer to ensure even thickness.
Prep Time: 2 hours
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Conclusion
This Rainbow Cake is a true showstopper, perfect for any celebration where you want to impress. With its cheerful colors and delicious flavors, it’s sure to bring smiles and a festive spirit to any gathering. Enjoy the process of creating this masterpiece and the joyful reactions it will surely evoke.