• Store
  • Advertise
  • Press
  • Contact
  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • TERMS OF USE

The Idea Room

  • Home
  • About
    • About Amy
    • Meet the Team
    • FAQ
    • Work With Me
  • Recipes
  • DIY
    • Crafts
    • Home Decor
    • Home Projects
    • Sewing
  • Tips & Tricks
    • Cleaning
    • Organizing
    • Parenting
    • Photography
  • Travel
  • Oils
You are here: Home / Recipes / Rainbow Layer Cake

03/15/2022 · 119 Comments

Rainbow Layer Cake

Birthday Cakes· Birthdays· Cakes· Recipes· St. Patrick's Day

Jump to Recipe

Need some happiness in the form of a Rainbow Layer Cake?  I think yes! Made with six colorful layers and a buttercream icing. The perfect birthday cake or cake for St. Patrick’s Day.

rainbow-cake

BIRTHDAY CAKE

My daughter just recently celebrated her 5th birthday. As I was looking for cake ideas I came across this idea for making a rainbow cake and of course my daughter and I both loved it. Who wouldn’t want a Rainbow Layer Cake for her birthday?

HOW TO MAKE A LAYER CAKE

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 boxes of White Cake Mix
  •  food coloring

Directions:

I took two white cake mixes and mixed them up in a large bowl according to the directions on the box. Then I divided the batter into 6 different bowls. Each bowl ended up with about 1 and 3/4 cups of batter each. Then I mixed some food coloring into each bowl to get my rainbow colors. I used the gel food colors rather than the liquid drops.

5 from 1 vote
Print

Rainbow Layer Cake

Need some happiness in the form of a Rainbow Layer Cake?  I think yes! Made with six colorful layers and a buttercream icing. The perfect celebration birthday cake.

Author Amy

Ingredients

  • 2 boxes White Cake Mix
  • 1-2 drops food coloring

Instructions

  1. I took two white cake mixes and mixed them up in a large bowl according to the directions on the box.

  2. Divide the batter into 6 different bowls. Each bowl ended up with about 1 and 3/4 cups of batter each.

  3. Mix some food coloring into each bowl to get my rainbow colors. I used the gel food colors rather than the liquid drops.

  4. When each color is mixed, place batter into 6 separate round 9 inch pans. I only had three, so I baked 3 first and then when they had cooled, I transferred the cakes to a cookie sheet. I washed the pans and baked the other 3 cakes. Be sure to grease your pans well so that the cakes come out without sticking. I baked the cakes in a 350 degree oven for about 12 minutes.

  5. After all the cake layers have cooled, place your bottom layer (purple) onto your cake plate. Add a thin layer of frosting. Place your blue cake layer on top of the frosting. Continue in this manner until you have added all your cake layers.

When each color is mixed, place batter into 6 separate round 9 inch pans. I only had three, so I baked 3 first and then when they had cooled, I transferred the cakes to a cookie sheet. I washed the pans and baked the other 3 cakes. Be sure to grease your pans well so that the cakes come out without sticking. I baked the cakes in a 350 degree oven for about 12 minutes.

rainbow-layer-cake

After all the cake layers have cooled, place your bottom layer (purple) onto your cake plate. Add a thin layer of frosting. Place your blue cake layer on top of the frosting. Continue in this manner until you have added all your cake layers.

I have learned the trick for getting a nice clean frosting layer without all the cake crumbs in it. Have you ever had that problem? After you have your cake layers placed together, before you frost the rest of the cake, place your entire cake into the freezer for about an hour or so. Then take your frosting and lightly frost the entire cake.

layer-cakes

LAYER CAKE

This layer will have a lot of crumbs in it, but don’t worry, they will not show. I forgot to take a picture of this step, sorry. Place your cake back into the freezer for another hour. This will seal your cake crumbs so that they will not stick to your final frosting layer. Take your cake out and frost the entire cake.

rainbow cake 5wm

 VANILLA FROSTING

This makes a very light and creamy frosting. This is just enough for frosting this BIG cake. Make sure to go easy on the frosting between layers so you have enough to cover the entire cake.

Right after I have frosted the entire cake, I take my flat spatula and dip it into a tall cup of hot water. Then with it clean of frosting, I run it over the frosting layer to give it a smooth finish. I continue washing the spatula in the hot water over and over until I like the results.

0 from 0 votes
Print

Light and Fluffy Vanilla Frosting Recipe

Author Amy

Ingredients

  • 2 sticks salted butter room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla 3-4 cups powdered sugar for a good consistency
  • 1 Tbsp Milk
  • 8 oz tub of Cool Whip

Instructions

  1. Place 2 sticks of salted butter, at room temperature (otherwise you will get chunks of butter in your frosting), into mixer and whip together until nice and smooth. Then add 1 teaspoon of vanilla. Gradually add about ½ to ¾ of a bag (regular size about 3-4 cups) of powdered sugar (Confectioner’s sugar). It will be a bit chunky and not very smooth. Gradually add 1 Tablespoon of milk while mixing frosting. If it is still not the consistency you desire, add another teaspoon of milk until you get a nice thick frosting that is smooth. Then fold in 1 tub of Cool Whip. That’s it.

  2. Then add 1 teaspoon of vanilla. Gradually add about ½ to ¾ of a bag (regular size about 3-4 cups) of powdered sugar (Confectioner’s sugar). It will be a bit chunky and not very smooth.

  3. Gradually add 1 Tablespoon of milk while mixing frosting. If it is still not the consistency you desire, add another teaspoon of milk until you get a nice thick frosting that is smooth.

  4. Then fold in 1 tub of Cool Whip. That’s it.

rainbow cake 1wm

Rainbow-Cake-Recipe

My family was so surprised at the colorful cake awaiting them when we cut into it. The cake is so colorful it makes me happy just to look at it. Imagine how you feel when you are actually eating it. This cake would be fun to make for all sorts of holidays or celebrations too!

Pin It

JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER

Would you like more Recipes, DIY, Printables and Organization Ideas?


Subscribing to the newsletter will enable us to periodically send you creative content exclusively for Idea Room subscribers.

*View our Privacy Policy here.

Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription. Once confirmed, the e-book link will be sent to you in a few minutes.

There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again.

We never send spam, only creative ideas. Powered by ConvertKit

Sharing is caring!

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

About Amy

Amy Huntley is the owner/author of The Idea Room. A mother of five, who enjoys sharing her love of all things creative in hopes of inspiring other women and families. Never miss a creative idea that she shares by connecting with her here, or read more of her posts.

« Mint Chocolate Chip Pancakes
Lemon Raspberry Bread »

Comments

  1. Blanche says

    07/16/2009 at 5:45 am

    Hi there, I just wanted to say that I love the rainbow cake. Is the white cake mix really white? I'm not sure if I can get those here in Aus. Any suggestions?

    Reply
  2. stefanie says

    07/16/2009 at 6:23 am

    that is super cake, love it, its huge, good job and happy b-day

    Reply
  3. karin says

    07/16/2009 at 6:49 am

    Happy birthday for your little girl! That cake looks wonderful. I think especially children will love it. Great idea!

    Reply
  4. Charlotte says

    07/16/2009 at 6:59 am

    ..i love cake..yummy!the bright colors do make it extra special.

    in regards to your 3 column blog issue: i just made my blog 3 columns too…i blogged about it, where i got the "how to" tutorial etc.

    rather than go into all that here…check it out on my blog…you might find some of the info. helpful.

    ~ move a gadget to your left column..should center your posts…leaving 1 narrower column on each side.

    Reply
    • Victoria says

      12/05/2011 at 9:09 pm

      Do you have a link to your blog? Thinking about making myself this cake for my birthday in a few days

      Reply
  5. Laura P says

    07/16/2009 at 11:56 am

    That cake looks teriffic! I just might have to consider making that. Thanks for the idea. :)

    Reply
  6. Crys says

    07/16/2009 at 1:00 pm

    I love this idea! So colorful and fun. Reminds me of the Roy G. Biv thing from school to remember the colors of the spectrum.

    Reply
  7. AnnaMarie Ferrell says

    07/16/2009 at 1:14 pm

    Wow, Iove this idea! Thanks for all the details on how to make it!

    Reply
  8. Brenda says

    07/16/2009 at 2:04 pm

    That has to be the most beautiful cake I have ever seen.

    Reply
  9. Jacylann Nix says

    07/16/2009 at 3:18 pm

    i love this cake! what a great idea!! awesome work! & the pictures are beautiful!

    Reply
  10. The Gosfam says

    07/16/2009 at 3:22 pm

    My daughter turns 3 in a couple of weeks and I planned on making a rainbow cake. This idea is way better then the other one I found. Thanks so much, I will attempt this colossal layered cake :)

    Reply
  11. Lynn says

    07/16/2009 at 3:26 pm

    Happy Birthday to your daughter!

    That cake is beautiful. I have seen other bloggers blog a rainbow cake recipe with just two layers with colors that fan out…I know confusing. I like yours the best.

    Reply
  12. Christa says

    07/16/2009 at 3:43 pm

    So FREAKIN' cool!

    Reply
  13. Tasha says

    07/16/2009 at 3:46 pm

    Love the idea!!!!!! So fun! Maybe it is the perfect cake to make on a day even you are sad or your kids are having a bad day. I sure think that cake could cheer anyone up! :) I "heart" your blog! You really share the best ideas.

    Reply
  14. Jennifer says

    07/16/2009 at 3:57 pm

    Cute! We decorated a plain sheet cake with rainbow jelly beans once. We made a marshmallow crown and then used those gold foil "coins" for the gold at the other end of the rainbow. I really like your layers though. Maybe we'll have to make another rainbow cake!

    Reply
  15. Jennifer says

    07/16/2009 at 3:58 pm

    That's supposed to say marshmallow CLOUD not crown. sorry!

    Reply
  16. Amy says

    07/16/2009 at 5:42 pm

    Blanche–If you can not find a white cake mix, you can just make a white cake from scratch. There are several recipes on the internet.

    As far as it being a real "white" white cake…are you referring to the truly white ones made with just egg whites so the yolk doesn't tint the batter yellow? I used regular whole eggs and the batter was still white enough that adding the food coloring still produced the bright colors. Hope that helps.

    Reply
  17. Vone says

    07/16/2009 at 6:14 pm

    I made this cake for my daughters birthday – it was a big hit.

    Reply
  18. Laurel @ Ducks in a Row says

    07/16/2009 at 8:25 pm

    I love this and am going to do it tomorrow!

    Reply
  19. Jennifer, The Lady Riposter says

    07/16/2009 at 8:42 pm

    Wow, this is awesome!

    Reply
  20. Marcy M Miller says

    07/16/2009 at 9:10 pm

    This is so darling- I showed my little girl who will be 5 in a month, and this is the cake she wants!!!

    Reply
  21. M3 says

    07/16/2009 at 10:35 pm

    Wow!!!

    Reply
  22. Oh, It's Sew Cute! says

    07/16/2009 at 11:30 pm

    My daughter and I love this cake! You must be the coolest mom! I've written a little something about you on my blog telling about your wonderful fun. http://ohitssewcute.blogspot.com/2009/07/idea-room.html

    Reply
  23. HOPE says

    07/17/2009 at 12:52 am

    your photography is fantastic and really shows how CUTE CUTE this cake is…love the colored layers…

    Great idea!!

    HOPE~

    Reply
  24. Tara says

    07/17/2009 at 2:15 am

    I love it, the boys are begging me to make it for them.

    Reply
  25. babyblooze says

    07/17/2009 at 5:40 am

    I LOVE this idea!! Also for red, white and blue and other holidays. Great idea

    Reply
  26. Andrea says

    07/17/2009 at 1:50 pm

    Great idea!!! I'm trying to have a "cake file" on my computer because you don't know when you might need one. And when birthdays arrive your head seems not to think at the moment, have been there??? I LOVE IT!! My birthday is next month, and I may be even bake it for myself :)

    Reply
  27. Des says

    07/17/2009 at 2:19 pm

    Um, you just totally rocked that idea!! You are definately the "cool" mom on the block!!

    Reply
  28. Tiffany says

    07/17/2009 at 5:01 pm

    Wow, what a huge cake and so fun and colorful!

    Reply
  29. sunnymommie8 says

    07/17/2009 at 10:26 pm

    gorgeous cake!! I will make one for my daughter birthday in sept and she will be 4 yrs old! thank you so much!!!

    Reply
  30. Kristi B. says

    07/18/2009 at 8:55 pm

    This cake makes my heart happy! I can't wait to show it to my girls and give it a try!

    Reply
  31. Rogers says

    07/19/2009 at 1:20 am

    I ABSOLUTELEY LOVE this cake!!! So beautiful :D

    I am not a fan of really sugary frostings and try not to use the frosting in a can. Can you tell me what you used??? (Even if it was frosting in a can! {he he!!})

    Reply
  32. Juli says

    07/19/2009 at 6:52 am

    Fantastic Cake…I think I will have to do this for my daughter's 3rd birthday this year…too cute!

    Thank you for posting this and the great idea regarding frosting without the crumbs, which always happens to me!

    Happy Birthday to you daughter!!

    Reply
  33. Geezees Geezees Custom Canvas Art says

    07/19/2009 at 8:09 pm

    so great! me and my 6 year old are writing this one down… i love it!

    Reply
  34. Heather Farar says

    07/19/2009 at 11:02 pm

    Happy Birthday Hailey! Too funny that Kaia has been talking about a rainbow cake for her birthday (yeah, I know it's not for another five months). I'm sure she will love this idea!

    Reply