Rainbow Layer Cake Recipe

Create a vibrant and delicious Rainbow Layer Cake! This stunning dessert, inspired by Betty Crocker, features six layers of brightly colored cake, separated by a creamy, dreamy frosting. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any occasion that calls for a show-stopping treat. Easy to follow instructions make this impressive cake surprisingly simple to bake.

Prep Time 60 mins
Cook Time 150 mins
Calories 1312 kcal
Protein 15g
Rating 5.0 (1 Reviews)
Rainbow Layer Cake 32

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Rainbow Layer Cake

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How to Make Rainbow Layer Cake

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a large bowl, beat cake mix, water, oil, and eggs with an electric mixer on low speed for 30 seconds, then on medium speed for 2 minutes, scraping the bowl occasionally.
  3. Divide batter evenly among six small bowls (approximately 1 1/3 cups each).
  4. Tint each bowl of batter with a different gel food coloring: blue, red, green, yellow, orange, and purple.
  5. Refrigerate three of the colored batters until ready to bake.
  6. Pour the remaining three colored batters into prepared cake pans.
  7. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes.
  9. Invert cakes onto wire racks to cool completely.
  10. Repeat steps 6-9 with the remaining three refrigerated batters.
  11. While cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting: In a large bowl, cream together the shortening and butter until light and fluffy.
  12. Gradually add the powdered sugar on low speed, then beat in the vanilla extract.
  13. Add milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until frosting is smooth and creamy. Beat on high speed until light and fluffy.
  14. Once cakes are completely cool, trim the tops to create even layers.
  15. Place one cake layer (purple) on a serving plate. Frost the top with a layer of frosting, leaving 1/4 inch from the edge.
  16. Repeat layering with the remaining cake layers (blue, green, yellow, orange, and red) and frosting in between each layer.
  17. Frost the entire cake with a thin layer of frosting to seal the crumbs (crumb coat).
  18. Frost the cake with the remaining frosting, creating a smooth and even finish.
  19. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

32 g

Sugar

505g

Fat

110g

Carbs

52g