Description
This dazzling Rainbow Explosion Cake is a showstopper for any celebration. Layers of colorful cake and creamy buttercream frosting create a visually stunning and delicious treat.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Assemble and Decorate 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.
- Decorate with sprinkles, edible glitter, or rainbow candy to enhance the explosion effect.
Notes
- Coloring Tip: For more vibrant colors, use gel food coloring instead of liquid.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes