15-Minute Rainbow Cake Parfait
Stack store-bought yellow or vanilla cake layers with vivid food coloring and buttercream for an Instagram-worthy rainbow effect — no baking required. Inspired by viral layer-cake photos, this no-bake version comes together in minutes.
- Total time
- 15 min
- Servings
- 6
- Calories
- 485
- Protein
- 3g
Ingredients
- 1 whole store-bought yellow cake (or two 8-inch rounds, thawed if frozen)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- 6 colors gel food coloring (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup fresh berries or sprinkles (optional garnish)
Instructions
- 1
Beat softened butter and powdered sugar until pale and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- 2
Add cream and vanilla, then beat until smooth. Divide into 6 small bowls.
- 3
Tint each bowl with one gel color, stirring until vibrant — colors should be bold and distinct.
- 4
Level and slice the cake into 2 thin rounds per color (6 layers total). Trim to same size if needed.
- 5
Stack layers on a cake stand or plate: cake layer, then tinted buttercream, repeat. Top with final cake round.
- 6
Frost the outside with remaining buttercream in a coordinating color. Garnish with berries or sprinkles.
Tools you’ll need
- electric mixer or whisk
- 6 small bowls
- serrated cake knife
- cake stand or plate
- offset spatula
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