Rainbow Explosion Cake

This vibrant Rainbow Explosion Cake is a show-stopping dessert perfect for any celebration. With its layers of colorful cake and a rich buttercream frosting, it’s sure to bring joy and excitement to any occasion!

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 5 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Food coloring (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple)

For the Buttercream Frosting:

• 2 cups unsalted butter, softened
• 7 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Food coloring of choice

For Decoration:

• Sprinkles or edible glitter
• Rainbow candy or decorations

Directions

1. Prepare the Cake:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
• In a large bowl, cream together butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
• Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with milk and sour cream, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
• Divide the batter evenly into 6 bowls. Add different food coloring to each bowl to achieve the colors of the rainbow.
• Pour each colored batter into the prepared pans, layering in a rainbow pattern. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

1. Make the Buttercream Frosting:

• Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until smooth. Add heavy cream and vanilla extract, beating until light and fluffy. Divide the frosting into separate bowls and tint each with different food coloring to match the rainbow colors.

1. Assemble the Cake:

• Once cakes are completely cool, frost with a thin layer of buttercream (crumb coat) and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Apply a final layer of frosting in a smooth or textured style.

1. Decorate:

• Decorate with sprinkles, edible glitter, or rainbow candy to enhance the explosion effect.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Baking Time: 25-30 minutes
• Cooling Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 3 hours
• Servings: 16 slices

Variations

• Flavor Twist: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest or almond extract to the cake batter for a unique flavor.
• Frosting Options: Use cream cheese frosting or chocolate ganache for a different taste profile.

Storage

• Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.

FAQs

1. Can I use different colors of food coloring?
   Yes, feel free to use any colors you like to create your desired rainbow effect.
2. How do I prevent the colors from bleeding together?
   Make sure the layers are completely cooled before frosting and use a crumb coat to seal in the colors.
3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
   Yes, you can bake and frost the cake a day in advance. Just keep it covered to prevent it from drying out.
4. What if my cake layers are domed?
   Level the cake layers with a serrated knife before frosting to ensure an even surface.
5. How can I achieve a smooth frosting finish?
   Use an offset spatula and a bench scraper to smooth out the frosting for a professional look.
6. Can I make the frosting in advance?
   Yes, you can make the frosting ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just re-whip it before using.
7. What if I don’t have rainbow candy for decoration?
   You can use any other types of colorful decorations or edible glitter to achieve a festive look.
8. How do I adjust the recipe for a different pan size?
   Adjust the baking time as needed. Smaller pans will require less time, while larger pans will require more.
9. Can I use a different type of frosting?
   Absolutely! You can use whipped cream or a ganache for different flavors.
10. How should I store leftover cake?
    Store any leftover cake in an airtight container to keep it fresh.

Conclusion

The Rainbow Explosion Cake is a vibrant, eye-catching dessert that’s perfect for birthdays and celebrations. With its colorful layers and delicious buttercream frosting, it’s not just a feast for the eyes but for the taste buds as well!

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