Radiant Rainbow Graduation Cake

Name: Radiant Rainbow Graduation Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 2 cups granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 5 large eggs; 1 cup milk; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; Food coloring (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple); 2 cups unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons heavy cream; Rainbow sprinkles for decoration

Highlighted under: Baking Ideas | Pastry & Pies

I absolutely love celebrating special milestones with a cake that truly stands out, and this Radiant Rainbow Graduation Cake does just that. Its vibrant colors and delicious layers of flavor make it the perfect centerpiece for any graduation party. Every bite is a delight, combining fluffy vanilla cake with creamy frosting and a rainbow of fruitiness. I’ve spent hours perfecting this recipe, and trust me, it’s well worth the time and effort for an unforgettable celebration.

Created by

Monicas

Last updated on 2026-02-21T20:05:18.495Z

When I first baked this cake, I was blown away by how the colors came together. Each layer is not just visually stunning but also infused with glorious flavors that remind me of sunny days. The secret is using a bit of fruit puree in the cake batter, which adds both moisture and a fruity kick that's hard to beat!

Another tip I discovered is to ensure your frosting is just the right consistency. If it’s too soft, it won’t hold the layers; too stiff, and it won’t spread nicely. A good rule of thumb is to whip it until it's fluffy and hold a peak when lifted; this creates a perfect canvas for your creation!

Why You'll Love This Cake
Vibrant multi-layer design that impresses everyone
Deliciously fluffy texture that melts in your mouth
Perfectly balanced sweetness from natural fruit flavors

Mastering the Batter

The success of your Radiant Rainbow Graduation Cake hinges on the perfect batter. Ensure your butter is softened at room temperature to create a creamy texture. If you're in a hurry, cut the butter into small cubes and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes. Additionally, room temperature eggs help the batter blend more easily, leading to a fluffier cake. Be careful not to overmix once you combine wet and dry ingredients; mix just until everything is incorporated for the best rise.

When coloring the batter, it's essential to use gel food coloring rather than liquid. Gel colors provide vibrant hues without altering the batter's consistency. You can create various shades by adjusting the amount of color you add, though I recommend starting with a small amount and increasing it gradually until you achieve the desired brightness. This will help ensure your layers are as stunning as they are delicious.

Frosting Mastery

The frosting plays a crucial role in balancing the sweetness of the cake layers. When preparing your frosting, it's key to gradually add the powdered sugar to avoid a powdered sugar cloud in your kitchen! I recommend starting with a low speed on your mixer and increasing it as the sugar incorporates. If the frosting appears too thick, add an additional tablespoon of heavy cream until you reach a spreadable consistency.

To achieve that perfect aesthetic finish, use an offset spatula for frosting the sides and top of the cake. This tool provides more control, allowing you to achieve smooth, even layers. For a fun effect, try creating a textured look on the frosting by using the spatula to create swirls. The addition of rainbow sprinkles not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a delightful crunch, making each slice more whimsical.

Storing and Serving Your Cake

If you need to make the cake ahead of time, consider baking the layers and wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap once they have completely cooled. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Just be sure to let them thaw in the refrigerator before frosting to prevent condensation from making the layers soggy. Allowing them to sit at room temperature for about an hour before serving can help bring back that fresh-baked flavor.

When it comes to serving, consider pairing slices of this vibrant cake with fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra layer of flavor. The cake's fruity notes complement the lightness of whipped cream beautifully. For gatherings, cut smaller slices, allowing more guests to enjoy this colorful centerpiece without overwhelming them with sweetness.

Ingredients

For the Cake

3 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
5 large eggs
1 cup milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Food coloring (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple)

For the Frosting

2 cups unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons heavy cream
Rainbow sprinkles for decoration

Instructions

Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy, then add the eggs, milk, and vanilla. Combine the wet and dry ingredients and mix until smooth.

Divide and Color the Batter

Divide the batter into six equal portions, and in each bowl, add a different food coloring. Mix well until you achieve your desired colors. Prepare six 9-inch cake pans by greasing them and lining them with parchment paper.

Bake the Layers

Pour each colored batter into the prepared pans, filling them equally. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Frosting

While the cakes cool, make the frosting by beating the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well. Add vanilla and heavy cream to achieve a fluffy consistency.

Assemble the Cake

On a serving plate, place the purple cake layer down first. Spread a layer of frosting on top, followed by the blue layer, and continue alternating layers with the frosting in between each. Once assembled, cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting and decorate with sprinkles.

Pro Tips

For a fun twist, try adding fruity flavors to your frosting or layer in different fruits between the cake layers for added texture and flavor!

Troubleshooting Common Issues

One of the most common issues when baking layered cakes is uneven layers, which can lead to a lopsided appearance. To avoid this, use a kitchen scale to measure your batter for each layer, ensuring uniformity. If your layers do turn out uneven, don't worry; use a serrated knife to level them before frosting for a clean, professional look.

If your cake layers are dry, it’s typically due to overbaking or using too much flour. To fix this in the future, check your cakes a few minutes before the suggested baking time by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, not dry.

Flavor Variations and Additions

For those looking to experiment, consider adding flavor extracts to each layer to enhance the fruitiness. Lemon or almond extracts can provide delightful notes that complement the sweetness and color of the cake. Just add half a teaspoon of your choice to the respective layers to elevate the taste profile.

You could also try alternating the colors with different flavored batters, like chocolate or strawberry. This not only adds more flavors but also increases the visual appeal by providing a unique twist. For a fun extra, consider filling the layers with a fruit preserve or jam that matches the layer colors for additional bursts of flavor.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use store-bought frosting?

Yes, you can use store-bought frosting if you're short on time, but homemade frosting adds a personal touch.

→ How should I store the cake?

Store the cake in a cool, dry place for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I make the cake layers ahead of time?

Definitely! You can make the layers a day in advance and freeze them until you're ready to assemble.

→ What if I don't have food coloring?

You can use natural coloring agents like beet juice for red or turmeric for yellow, but the colors might be more muted.