Unveiling the Magical World of Rainbow Cakes: A Vibrant Delight

Rainbow Cake Ingredients:

For the Cake Layers:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
• Gel food coloring (various colors of your choice)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz (1 package) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. Divide the cake batter into separate bowls, one for each color layer. Add a few drops of gel food coloring to each bowl and mix until you achieve the desired color intensity.
7. Pour each colored batter into separate cake pans, creating even layers. You can gently tap the pans on the counter to remove air bubbles.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
9. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and well combined.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, while continuing to beat the mixture.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

Assembly:

1. Once the cake layers are completely cooled, level the tops if necessary to ensure they are flat.
2. Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top.
3. Add the next cake layer and repeat the process until all the layers are stacked.
4. Frost the entire cake with a thin layer of frosting to create a crumb coat. This will seal in any crumbs.
5. Refrigerate the cake for about 30 minutes to allow the crumb coat to set.
6. Apply a final layer of frosting to the cake, covering it evenly and smoothing the sides and top.
7. Decorate the cake as desired. You can use additional gel food coloring to create designs or add sprinkles for extra flair.
8. Slice and serve your colorful Rainbow Cake!

Enjoy your homemade Rainbow Cake, and don’t forget to capture the smiles it brings to your guests’ faces!