How to Bake a Perfect Rainbow Layer Cake

How to Bake a Rainbow Layer Cake

There are a few super basic tips to baking a successful rainbow cake. If you want to know how to bake a rainbow dessert, this is the post for you because a couple of baking tips for this makes all the difference. I tried to do this a few years ago and let’s just say, it was a fail. I have tried a few different things to improve the process and came up with a total win for this rainbow layer cake I baked for a party over the weekend. I am excited to share the tips with you so you can also create a successful rainbow layer cake. Let’s look at all of the tips and tricks on how to bake a rainbow layer cake.

To make the cake layers you will need a box mix for each one. There are seven colors in the rainbow but since indigo and violet seem so close, I added pink for my seventh color. You will also need food coloring in the seven colors. I recommend Liqua-Gel food coloring. Whip up each batch of batter (a whole box mix) adding color. Bake your cake layers one a time in a 9 x 13 inch pan. I used a nonstick aluminum pan.

Be sure to Grease baking pan completely so layer will fall right out.

IMPORTANT TIPS on How to Bake a Rainbow Layer Cake

Make one layer at a time, in order of the rainbow.
While one layer is cooling, prepare and put the next layer in the oven.
If a layer comes out crumbly, DO NOT use it.

If you have two ovens, you can bake two at a time. Just be sure they are both completely COOL before proceeding to the next step.

Once the first layer is cool, flip it onto a cooling rack then flip the cooling rack on to your base surface. You will NOT want to move the cake once that second layer gets added. Put LARGE clumps of white buttercream frosting on the corners and smaller clumps around the top of the layer.

IMPORTANT Frosting TIPS

The first step is to prep the confectionary layers and join them together before the final frosting. For a perfect rainbow layer cake, DO NOT SPREAD the frosting. Spreading it can disrupt the cake surface. It will also put a white stripe in your final masterpiece. When learning how to bake a rainbow layer cake and have it come our beautifully, this step is really important.

Add a color at a time following these directions until you reach your top layer. Refrigerator the stack for at least 2 hours before frosting. The frosting might be squishing out of the corners. That is okay. It is keeping the layers of the cake balanced and even.Refrigerating your cake will help it settle and prepare it for frosting. If you cake is appearing lopsided, put a piece of parchment paper on the top and a book or two on the part that is too high to balance it back down.

Once it is thoroughly chilled, frost it with white buttercream icing. If you are not sure how to frost, I recommend you google it and watch a few videos! Decorate the top of the cake as desired. This one was for a post wedding party so I decorate it with a bride and groom toy topper set. If you are learning How to Bake a Rainbow Layer Cake for the first time and it is for an event, you might want to consider practicing first on a test cake. This works great because you can eat the whole thing!

When the rainbow layer cake is cut for the first time, it is truly like magic!

Go ahead, give it a try!

More Rainbow Cake Ideas

Here are two more really fun (and simple) rainbow cake ideas for you. I love them both, especially to celebrate events and birthdays.

If magical fairies, unicorns and rainbows are your jam, you might also love this magic unicorn cupcake (filled with sprinkles)! It is fun because the cupcake pan used is super tall and deep, creating a fabulous cavity to fill with the sprinkles.

These cake stacks are tons of fun too. There is a free printable that you can use with them if you are baking for a back to school or end of the year treat. I love that this can be done gluten free an allergy friendly using boxed mixes.