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Perfect Pastel Rainbow Layer Cake

pastel rainbow layer cake - featured image
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This pastel rainbow layer cake features soft, cloud-like layers in gentle hues of pink, yellow, mint, blue, and lavender, all wrapped in silky vanilla buttercream. It’s a showstopper for birthdays and celebrations, with a tender crumb and nostalgic bakery flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 3/4 tsp fine sea salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)
  • 1 1/4 cups buttermilk, room temperature (or whole milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice)
  • Gel food coloring: pastel pink, yellow, green, blue, lavender
  • 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 5 cups powdered sugar, sifted (for frosting)
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream (for frosting)
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • 1/4 tsp salt (for frosting)
  • Rainbow sprinkles, pastel nonpareils, or edible pearls (optional)
  • Fresh edible flowers (optional)
  • White chocolate curls or pastel meringue kisses (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease five 6-inch round cake pans, line with parchment, and lightly flour the sides.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar on medium-high speed for 3-4 minutes until pale and fluffy.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Mix in vanilla and almond extracts.
  5. With mixer on low, add half the flour mixture, then half the buttermilk. Repeat, ending with flour. Mix just until combined.
  6. Divide batter evenly into five bowls. Tint each with a different pastel gel food color, folding gently.
  7. Transfer colored batters to prepared pans. Bake 18–22 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
  8. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks. Peel off parchment and cool completely.
  9. For frosting: Beat softened butter until creamy (2 minutes). Gradually add powdered sugar, then vanilla, salt, and cream until smooth and spreadable.
  10. Level cake layers if needed. Place first layer on serving plate, spread frosting, and repeat with remaining layers in rainbow order. Frost sides and top.
  11. Decorate with sprinkles, edible flowers, or other decorations. Chill cake at least 30 minutes before slicing.

Notes

For even layers, weigh batter into pans. Use gel food coloring for best pastel shades. Chill cake layers before assembling for easier stacking. Adapt for gluten-free or dairy-free diets as needed. Cake can be made ahead and assembled the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: rainbow cake, pastel layer cake, birthday cake, celebration dessert, easy layer cake, vanilla almond cake, kid-friendly cake, party cake, spring cake, colorful cake

Find it online: https://elvafood.com/perfect-pastel-rainbow-layer-cake-recipe-easy-step-by-step-guide/