Pastel Rainbow Cake Swirl Recipe for Easter

A Bright and Cheerful Easter Dessert

Easter is a time of rebirth, renewal, and vibrant colors bursting forth after the dreary winter months. What better way to celebrate than with a show-stopping rainbow cake that captures the joy and festivity of the season? This pastel rainbow cake swirl is not only a feast for the eyes with its swirled rainbow interior, but it’s also a delightful treat for the taste buds. Moist cake layers in soft shades of pink, yellow, green, and blue come together in a kaleidoscope of springtime hues. A light buttercream frosting adds a sweet finishing touch to this delectable dessert that’s perfect for any Easter gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Rainbow Cake Swirl

Delightfully moist and flavorful cake layers in pretty pastel shades
Easy swirl technique creates a showstopping rainbow interior
Light buttercream frosting complements the cake perfectly
A beautiful Easter dessert that’s sure to impress
Kid-friendly recipe that’s fun to make together

Key Ingredients

All-purpose flour
Granulated sugar
Baking powder
Salt
Unsalted butter (at room temperature)
Large eggs (at room temperature)
Whole milk
Vanilla extract
Gel food coloring in pastel shades (pink, yellow, green, blue)
Powdered sugar
Heavy cream or milk

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making the Cake Batter

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour four 6-inch cake pans.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
Add the flour mixture alternately with the milk, mixing just until incorporated.
Divide the batter evenly into four bowls. Tint each with a different pastel gel color.

Assembling the Rainbow Swirl

Spread a thin layer of pink batter in the bottom of one prepared pan.
Pipe a ring of yellow batter around the edge of the pink batter.
Pipe a ring of green batter around the yellow ring.
Finally, pipe the blue batter in the center to fill the remaining space.
Use a knife or skewer to swirl the batter colors together gently.
Repeat steps 7-11 with the remaining batters and pans.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until a tester inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow cakes to cool completely before assembling.

Making the Buttercream Frosting

In a large bowl, beat the butter until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add in the powdered sugar alternately with the cream or milk.
Beat for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.

Decorating the Rainbow Swirl Cake

Level the tops of the cakes if needed.
Place one cake layer on a plate or cake stand.
Spread frosting evenly over the top, then add the next layer.
Continue stacking and frosting the layers until they’re all assembled.
Apply a thin crumb coat of frosting around the entire cake.
Once the crumb coat has set, add the final thick layer of frosting.
Use an offset spatula to create swirl patterns on the sides of the cake.

Tips for the Best Rainbow Cake

Take the time to properly cream the butter and sugar for a light, fluffy crumb.
Be gentle when swirling the batter to avoid muddying the colors.
Use gel food coloring for vibrant, concentrated shades that won’t alter the batter.
Allow cakes to cool completely before assembling to prevent crumbling.
Work with room temperature ingredients for proper incorporation.
Have fun creating your own unique swirl patterns on the outside!