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25-Minute Rainbow Layer Cake

Stack store-bought pound cake slices with vibrant gel food coloring and whipped buttercream for an Instagram-worthy rainbow cake in under 30 minutes. No baking required—just color, frost, and serve.

Total time
25 min
Servings
8
Calories
520
Protein
3g
25-Minute Rainbow Layer Cake
celebratoryindulgentamericanvegetarianfluffycreamypartydate-night

Ingredients

  • 2 loaves (thawed if frozen) store-bought pound cake
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 6 small bottles gel food coloring (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple)
  • 3 tbsp heavy cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup sprinkles or pearl sugar (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. 1

    Beat softened butter and powdered sugar until pale and fluffy, about 2 minutes.

  2. 2

    Add cream and vanilla, then beat until smooth. Divide frosting into 6 bowls.

  3. 3

    Add one gel color to each bowl, stirring until evenly tinted. Start with 2-3 drops per color.

  4. 4

    Slice pound cake into 12 thin layers (about 1/4-inch thick) using a serrated knife.

  5. 5

    Layer cakes on a plate or cake stand: spread 1 tbsp colored frosting between each layer, rotating colors (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple).

  6. 6

    Frost the outside with any remaining buttercream, then top with sprinkles if desired. Serve immediately or chill up to 2 hours.

Tools you’ll need

  • electric mixer or whisk
  • 6 small bowls
  • serrated bread knife
  • offset spatula or butter knife
  • cake plate or stand

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