Rainbow cake

Rainbow cake

Try our delightful rainbow cake recipe, which is perfect for adding a splash of colour and flavour to any celebration. This eye-catching cake features layers in vibrant rainbow hues, each topped with silky cream cheese frosting. Ideal for special celebrations or bringing a little bit of magic to your day.
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https://www.arlafoods.co.uk/recipes/rainbow-cake/

Instructions

Cake bases
  • Preheat the oven to 175 °C (conventional) or 150 °C (fan-assisted oven).
  • Butter and flour 4 round tins, 15-18 cm in diameter. You can also bake the bases in batches.
  • Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg whites one at a time while whisking.
  • Mix the dry ingredients. Sift or carefully fold in half of the dry ingredients.
  • Mix in the milk and fold in the rest of the dry ingredients.
  • Divide the batter into 4 bowls and colour in blue, green, red, and yellow.
  • Pour each coloured batter into a baking tin and bake in the middle of the oven for about 25 minutes.
  • Test with a skewer to check if they are done. Let them cool.
Frosting
  • Whisk butter white and fluffy.
  • Sift in the icing sugar and vanilla sugar and whisk for another minute.
  • Add cream cheese and whisk until the frosting is thick and smooth.
  • Assemble the cake by spreading a layer of frosting on each base.
  • Stack the cake bases in the correct colour order and top the cake with the remaining frosting.
  • Garnish with sprinkles and colourful candy.
Enjoy!

FAQ: Questions about rainbow cake

Below, we answer the most frequently asked questions to help you make this impressive cake.

How can I ensure my cake layers are even and flat?
To make sure your rainbow cake layers are even and flat, start by dividing the batter evenly between the pans. Once baked, cool the cakes on a wire rack. If you notice a dome has formed on top, trim it off with a serrated knife to flatten the surface. For easier trimming, refrigerate the cakes first to firm them up. Finally, when stacking, flip the last layer upside down so the bottom becomes the top, creating a perfectly flat surface for your cake.
Can I prepare the cake bases for my rainbow cake in advance?
Definitely! You can get a head start on your rainbow cake by making the base layers early. Bake them as directed, let them cool thoroughly, then wrap each one in cling film followed by tin foil to avoid freezer burn. You can freeze them for up to three months. When it is time to put your cake together, let the cake bases thaw while still wrapped to reach room temperature. This may take a few hours, so plan ahead. Once they have thawed, you are all set to frost or decorate them.
Can I freeze the rainbow cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake. Wrap it in cling film, add a layer of tin foil, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw the wrapped cake at room temperature for a few hours before serving. Let it reach room temperature for the best flavour and texture.

Ingredients

Cake bases
Arla® LactoFREE Slightly Salted Spreadable, room temperature Arla® LactoFREE Slightly Salted Spreadable, room temperature
230 g
Sugar
400 ml
Egg whites
6
Vanilla sugar
1 tbsp
Wheat flour
600 ml
Salt
1 tsp
Baking powder
3 tsp
Milk
300 ml
Blue gel food colourings
Green gel food colourings
Red gel food colourings
Yellow gel food colourings
Frosting
Butter, room temperature
100 g
Icing sugar
200 ml
Vanilla sugar
1 tsp
Cream cheese natural
300 g
Topping
Sprinkles
100 ml
Colourful sweets
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Tips: Make the best rainbow cake

We have compiled a few tips that will help you in making this wonderful, colourful cake.

Precise measurement for uniform colours

To impress with evenly and brightly coloured layers in your rainbow cake, accurately measure the batter for each colour. A digital kitchen scale can ensure each layer has an equal amount of batter, leading to consistent thickness and even baking. Choose quality gel food colourings for striking colours, and mix well to avoid streaks. Halfway through baking, rotate the baking tins to ensure even heat distribution and prevent over-browning. Once baked and cooled, trim the tops if needed to create flat surfaces for a beautifully stacked cake.

Get a smooth finish

Use a palette knife to smooth the edges by pushing any excess buttercream from the rim towards the centre, aiming for sharp edges. Chill the cake for another 10 minutes to set the frosting before adding the final decoration.

Storing leftovers

Store your rainbow cake in the fridge to keep it fresh for 4–5 days. To enjoy the full flavour and texture, let the cake reach room temperature before you serve it.

Try our recipe for a beautiful rainbow cake

Baking is fun, but baking a beautiful rainbow cake takes the fun to a whole new level. Colours spring like a rainbow from this showstopper of a cake, making it a perfect centrepiece for any social gathering that could use a touch of whimsy. Each layer of the cake is a joyous celebration in itself, with vibrant hues of blue, green, red, and yellow, all held together by a smooth cream cheese frosting. The finishing touch is an array of colourful candies, making our rainbow cake a delightful treat that captivates both children and adults alike.

We have so many recipes for celebrating all the special days in your life. Try our delicious rhubarb cake, an Austrian Sachertorte, or sweet éclairs.

Colourful cake layers

The cake features layers in all the colours of the rainbow, from deep blue to lush green, radiant red to sunny yellow, giving it a stunning look. This colourful assembly will surely mesmerise your guests with its splendour. Each bite offers a delightful experience as the spongy layers almost melt in your mouth.

Smooth vanilla-flavoured cream cheese frosting

This rainbow cake recipe combines cream cheese and butter to create a rich, spreadable frosting. Icing sugar contributes sweetness, and vanilla sugar deepens the flavour. When these ingredients are whipped together, you get a frosting that is perfect for layering and decorating your rainbow cake.

Decorated with sprinkles and sweet candy

To complete your rainbow cake, unleash your creativity with the decoration. Adorn the cake with a mix of sprinkles, colourful candies, and edible glitter to make it as beautiful as it is delicious. Aim for a decoration that not only invites but also promises bursts of colour and flavour with every bite. Ideal for birthdays, special occasions, or just to add some joy to any day.

Make it your own

Feel free to play around with the toppings and candy to find which ones fit your vision. Swap out coloured candy for chocolate chips or chopped nuts if you want to tone down the colours without sacrificing the sweet flavours. You can also experiment with the cream cheese frosting and add some lemon juice or almond extract. The lemon will add a citrusy freshness to the frosting, while the almond extract provides a nutty richness.

Even the colours in the rainbow cake can be changed to fit any occasion. Consider using pastel blue, orange, pink, or whatever colour you prefer. As long as you make sure to add different nuances of the same colour, the rainbow cake is bound to impress any guests.

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