Rainbow Layer Cake

Ingredients · 8 servings

• 1320 gVanilla cake, batter
• 12 gFood coloring, assorted colors
• 600 gButtercream, softened

Equipment

oven, mixing bowl, cake pan, spatula, wire rack, parchment paper, spoon, offset spatula, cake tester, oven mitt, cake board, turntable

Instructions

1. 1
   Mise En Place

   Gather 1320 g vanilla cake batter, 12 g food coloring, and 600 g buttercream; set out 6 bowls, pans, spatula, scale, rack, and oven. · 8 min

   What to look for: All ingredients are measured and tools are ready.

2. 2
   Heat Oven

   Heat the oven to 204°C / 400°F and line 6 round cake pans with fitted parchment so the thin layers release cleanly. · 7 min

   What to look for: The oven is fully heated and pans are lined.

3. 3
   Divide Batter

   Divide the vanilla cake batter equally into 6 bowls, about 220 g each, keeping the portions level for even rainbow layers. · 5 min

   What to look for: Each bowl holds the same amount of batter.

4. 4
   Tint Batter

   Tint each bowl with food coloring, stirring gently until each batter is vivid and no pale streaks remain. · 6 min

   What to look for: Each batter portion has a bright even color.

5. 5
   Fill Pans

   Spread each color into a prepared pan in an even layer, smoothing to the edges without deflating the batter. · 6 min

   What to look for: The batter is level and reaches the pan edges.

6. 6
   Bake Layers

   Bake the layers until the tops spring back and a tester comes out clean, rotating pans once if your oven has hot spots. · 9 min

   What to look for: The tops look set, matte, and lightly springy.

7. 7
   Cool Layers

   Cool the layers in pans for 5 minutes, then turn onto a rack and cool fully before stacking. · 30 min

   What to look for: The layers are room temperature and firm enough to handle.

8. 8
   Stack Cake

   Stack the cooled layers with buttercream between each color, then coat the top and sides with the remaining buttercream. · 15 min

   What to look for: The cake stands straight with a smooth buttercream coat.

9. 9
   Serve Slices

   Serve clean slices at room temperature, wiping the knife between cuts to reveal the bright rainbow layers. · 5 min

   What to look for: Each slice shows clear colorful layers.