Imagine cutting into a cake that looks like it's been crafted by magical unicorns themselves - layers of vibrant, stunning colors that transform an ordinary dessert into a jaw-dropping masterpiece! This Unicorn Rainbow Layer Cake isn't just a dessert; it's an experience that will make both kids and adults gasp with delight. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or when you simply want to add a spark of enchantment to your baking repertoire, this cake promises to be the showstopper that everyone will be talking about.
Prep Time: 40 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup milk
- 5 large eggs
- 2 tsp baking powder
- Food coloring (various colors)
- Buttercream frosting
- Edible glitter for decoration
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients and bring them to room temperature. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line six 6-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Ensure complete incorporation and smooth consistency.
- In a separate bowl, sift together flour and baking powder. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk, mixing until just combined.
- Divide the cake batter equally into six separate bowls. Add different food coloring to each bowl - creating vibrant colors like purple, blue, green, yellow, orange, and pink.
- Carefully pour each colored batter into prepared cake pans, ensuring even distribution and smooth surfaces.
- Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into cake centers - it should come out clean.
- Remove cakes from oven and let cool in pans for 10 minutes. Then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- Prepare buttercream frosting. Once cakes are completely cooled, level cake layers if needed using a serrated knife.
- Stack cake layers in rainbow order, applying thin layer of buttercream between each layer. Create a crumb coat and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
- Apply final layer of buttercream, smoothing sides and top. Decorate with additional piped frosting details and sprinkle edible glitter for magical unicorn effect.
- Refrigerate cake for at least 1 hour before serving to set frosting and enhance flavor melding.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the smoothest, most even cake batter.
- Food Coloring Technique: Use gel food coloring for more vibrant, intense colors without altering the batter's consistency.
- Even Layer Baking: Use a kitchen scale to divide batter precisely, ensuring uniform cake layers.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and sliding.
- Crumb Coat Magic: The initial thin frosting layer helps seal in crumbs and creates a perfect smooth finish.
- Chill for Perfection: Refrigerating between frosting stages helps stabilize the cake's structure.
- Decoration Pro Tip: Use edible glitter and metallic sprinkles sparingly for a magical, not overdone look.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 110mg
