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Rainbow Velvet Cake Recipe

Rainbow Velvet Cake Recipe


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4.8 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 55-60 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Indulgent rainbow velvet cake blends colorful layers with classic Southern charm. Creamy frosting and vibrant cake tones create a delightful dessert you’ll savor with pure delight.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup buttermilk

Flavoring and Coloring Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
  • 2 tablespoons red food coloring
  • 2 tablespoons blue food coloring
  • 2 tablespoons yellow food coloring
  • 2 tablespoons green food coloring
  • 2 tablespoons purple food coloring

Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking workspace by heating the oven to 350F (175C) and thoroughly coating six 8-inch round cake pans with grease and flour.
  2. Create the foundational cake mixture by whisking dry ingredients (flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt) in one bowl while simultaneously creaming butter and sugar in another until achieving a smooth, airy consistency.
  3. Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, followed by vanilla extract, ensuring complete integration after each addition.
  4. Alternate adding flour mixture and buttermilk to the batter, gently folding to maintain a light texture, then distribute the base mixture evenly into six separate containers.
  5. Transform each batter portion with distinct food coloring, creating vibrant rainbow hues, and carefully transfer each colored batter into designated cake pans.
  6. Position pans in preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick that emerges clean from the cake’s center.
  7. Remove cakes and allow complete cooling on wire racks, ensuring no residual heat remains.
  8. Craft cream cheese frosting by blending butter and cream cheese until silky, gradually introducing powdered sugar and vanilla for a luxurious, whipped texture.
  9. Construct the cake by layering each colored tier with generous frosting between levels, covering the entire exterior with smooth cream cheese icing.
  10. Embellish the cake’s surface with rainbow sprinkles and sparkling edible glitter for a festive, eye-catching presentation.

Notes

  • Ensure precise color division by using gel food coloring for vibrant, consistent rainbow layers that don’t bleed into each other.
  • Carefully separate batter equally using a kitchen scale to guarantee uniform cake layers and a perfect rainbow gradient.
  • Cool cakes completely before frosting to prevent melting and maintain structural integrity of the delicate multi-colored layers.
  • Experiment with natural food colorings like beetroot, spinach, and turmeric for a healthier alternative to artificial food dyes while maintaining bright colors.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 357 kcal
  • Sugar: 27 g
  • Sodium: 169 mg
  • Fat: 17 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 89 mg