Layered Rainbow Cake

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup milk
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter
• Gel food coloring (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, violet)

For the Frosting:

• 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
• 6 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2-4 tablespoons milk or heavy cream

Equipment:

• 6 round cake pans (9-inch) or you can use fewer pans and bake in batches.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cake Pans:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
   • Grease six 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

3. Cream Eggs and Sugar:
   • In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes. Add vanilla extract and mix well.

4. Combine with Dry Ingredients and Milk:
   • Melt the butter in the milk and bring just to a boil. Remove from heat.
   • Add the flour mixture to the egg mixture in three additions, alternating with the hot milk and butter, starting and ending with flour. Mix until smooth.

5. Color the Batter:
   • Divide the batter evenly into six different bowls. Color each one with a different gel food coloring: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet.

6. Bake the Cakes:
   • Pour each colored batter into its own prepared pan.
   • Bake for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
   • Remove from oven and let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.

7. Prepare the Frosting:
   • Beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low until combined.
   • Add vanilla and 2 tablespoons of milk or cream. Beat on high for 3 minutes, adding more milk as needed to reach desired consistency.

8. Assemble the Cake:
   • Place the purple layer on a cake stand or serving plate. Spread a thin layer of frosting over it.
   • Repeat with the blue, green, yellow, orange, and red layers, spreading frosting between each layer.
   • Once assembled, frost the outside of the cake with a thin crumb coat. Chill for 30 minutes, then apply a final coat of frosting.

9. Decorate:
   • Use the remaining frosting to create swirls or other decorations as desired.
   • Add sprinkles or edible glitter for a more festive look.

10. Serve:

• Slice and enjoy the vibrant layers!

This rainbow cake not only looks spectacular but is also a delight to eat, making it a perfect centerpiece for any kid’s celebration!