Dive into a visual and gastronomical feast with this stunning Rainbow Cake, featuring seven vibrant layers of almond meringue paired with a luscious marshmallow buttercream. This cake isn’t just a treat for the taste buds—it’s a celebration of color and texture, perfect for any festive occasion.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 12 large egg whites
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups caster sugar (300g)
- 28 tablespoons almond flour (224g)
- 7 tablespoons flour (63g)
- Gel or paste food coloring: violet, indigo blue, blue, green, yellow, orange, red
For the Frosting:
- 2 cups butter (452g), softened
- 5 cups powdered sugar, sifted (600g)
- 7 oz marshmallow cream (200g)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Gel or paste food coloring: to match cake layers
Optional Meringue Decoration:
- 4 large egg whites
- 2 cups caster sugar (400g)
- ¼ cup cold water (60ml)
Directions
- Prepare Pans:
- Preheat the oven to 320°F (160°C). Trace seven 8-inch circles on parchment paper, flip over, and place on baking sheets.
- Make Cake Batter:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk egg whites and salt until soft peaks form. Gradually add caster sugar until stiff and glossy.
- Divide the meringue equally among seven bowls. Color each with a different shade of food coloring.
- Carefully fold almond flour and regular flour into each colored meringue until just combined.
- Spread each colored meringue onto the drawn circles on the parchment papers.
- Bake:
- Bake each layer for 17-20 minutes until they are dry to the touch and lightly browned. Remove from the oven, gently peel off the parchment, and let them cool on a wire rack.
- Prepare Frosting:
- Cream the softened butter in a large bowl. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in marshmallow cream and a pinch of salt until smooth.
- Divide and color the frosting to match the corresponding cake layers.
- Assemble Cake:
- Place a 9-inch ring on a cake stand and start with the violet layer at the bottom, spreading a layer of violet frosting on top. Continue layering in the order of the rainbow colors, spreading matching frosting between each layer.
- Finish with a layer of sky blue frosting on top.
- Chill:
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to ensure the layers set properly and the flavors meld.
- Optional Meringue Decoration:
- Combine egg whites, sugar, and water in a heatproof bowl over simmering water. Whisk until stiff peaks form.
- Pipe the meringue onto the cake in decorative swirls to create a cloud-like effect.
Tips
- Color Coordination: Carefully match the frosting colors with the cake layers for a visually stunning result.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: For smoother mixing, ensure that the butter and eggs are at room temperature.
- Storage: Keep any leftovers refrigerated and consume within 3 days.
This Rainbow Cake is a true showstopper, combining the delicate nuttiness of almond meringue with the creamy sweetness of marshmallow buttercream. Each layer is a splash of color that makes this cake as delightful to look at as it is to eat. Whether for a birthday, anniversary, or just a special treat, this cake is guaranteed to impress and delight your guests. Enjoy the process and the celebration!