Vibrant Rainbow Layer Cake
Delight in the layers of this Vibrant Rainbow Layer Cake, inspired by the classic Rainbow Cookies. This visually stunning cake features layers of almond-flavored cake, tinted in bright pink, green, and yellow, separated by luscious strawberry jam. Topped with a rich chocolate glaze and an explosion of colorful sprinkles, this dessert is perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any occasion that calls for a touch of whimsy. Impress your friends and family with this show-stopping cake that is as delicious as it is beautiful!
12
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
unsalted butter
1/2 lb (softened, plus more for greasing the pan)
sugar
2 cups (granulated)
almond paste
1 package (7 ounces)
pure vanilla extract
2 teaspoons
large eggs
4 (room temperature)
all-purpose flour
3 cups
baking powder
2 teaspoons
fine sea salt
1/4 teaspoon
whole milk
1 3/4 cups (or buttermilk, room temperature)
powdered sugar
2 cups
unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup
milk (room temperature)
1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon (plus more as needed)
pure vanilla extract (for the glaze)
1/2 teaspoon
fine sea salt (for the glaze)
2 pinches
strawberry jam
1 jar (13 ounces) (store-bought)
food coloring
as needed (pink, green, and yellow)
sprinkles and nonpareils
1/2 cup (mixed)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease three quarter-sheet pans with butter or line them with wax paper or parchment and then butter the paper.
2
Prepare the almond cake batter according to the recipe instructions. Divide the batter evenly among three bowls.
3
Using pink, green, and yellow food coloring, tint each bowl of batter, adding one drop at a time until the desired shades are achieved.
4
Pour each color of batter into the prepared pans and bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5
Once baked, allow the cakes to cool completely in the pans. After cooling, use a 3 1/2-inch round cutter to cut out two rounds from each pan.
6
On a cake turntable, place one pink layer and spread a thin layer of strawberry jam on top. Follow with a yellow layer and another thin layer of jam, then a green layer, repeating the sequence until all layers are stacked. Leave the top layer without jam.
7
For the chocolate glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Adjust the milk until it reaches a drippy consistency.
8
Pour the chocolate glaze over the top layer of the cake, allowing it to flow down the sides. Immediately sprinkle with the mixed pink, green, and yellow sprinkles.
9
Serve and enjoy your vibrant rainbow layer cake!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Vibrant Rainbow Layer Cake?
It is a visually stunning almond-flavored cake inspired by classic Rainbow Cookies, featuring pink, green, and yellow layers separated by strawberry jam and topped with a chocolate glaze.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to provide 12 servings.
What is the required oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
What type of pans are used for this recipe?
You will need three quarter-sheet pans for baking the different colored layers.
How should the baking pans be prepared?
Grease the pans with butter or line them with wax or parchment paper and then butter the paper.
How do I color the cake batter?
Divide the batter into three bowls and use pink, green, and yellow food coloring, adding one drop at a time until you reach the desired shades.
How long do the cake layers need to bake?
The cake layers should bake for approximately 30 minutes.
How can I tell if the cakes are finished baking?
The cakes are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
What size cutter is used for the cake layers?
A 3 1/2-inch round cutter is used to create the cake circles from the sheet pans.
How many rounds are cut from each pan?
You should cut out two rounds from each of the three sheet pans.
What is used to bind the cake layers together?
A thin layer of strawberry jam is spread between the cake layers.
In what order should the colors be stacked?
The suggested sequence is a pink layer, followed by yellow, then green, repeating until all layers are stacked.
Should I put jam on the very top layer?
No, the top layer should be left without jam to allow for the chocolate glaze.
What ingredients are in the chocolate glaze?
The glaze consists of powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, vanilla, and salt.
How do I reach the correct glaze consistency?
Whisk the ingredients together and adjust the amount of milk until the glaze reaches a drippy consistency.
When should I add the sprinkles?
Immediately after pouring the chocolate glaze over the cake so they adhere properly.
What flavor is the cake base?
The cake has a rich almond flavor due to the inclusion of almond paste and vanilla extract.
Can I use buttermilk instead of whole milk?
Yes, the recipe allows for either whole milk or buttermilk at room temperature.
What size package of almond paste is needed?
The recipe calls for one 7-ounce package of almond paste.
Should the eggs be at a specific temperature?
Yes, the 4 large eggs should be at room temperature for the best results.
How much butter is required for the batter?
You will need 1/2 lb of softened unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing the pans.
What kind of sugar is used in the cake?
The cake batter uses 2 cups of granulated sugar.
How many total ingredients are used in this recipe?
There are 17 different ingredients listed for the cake, jam, glaze, and decorations.
What type of salt is recommended?
Fine sea salt is recommended for both the cake batter and the chocolate glaze.
What type of flour should I use?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of all-purpose flour.
How much cocoa powder is in the glaze?
The glaze requires 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder.
Is store-bought jam acceptable?
Yes, one 13-ounce jar of store-bought strawberry jam is perfect for this recipe.
What kind of food coloring should I use?
You should use pink, green, and yellow food coloring.
What is the purpose of the sprinkles?
The mixed sprinkles and nonpareils add a whimsical touch and extra color to the top of the cake.
Is this cake suitable for special occasions?
Yes, it is ideal for birthdays, celebrations, or any event that requires a show-stopping dessert.