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Mary Berry Rainbow Cake

Mary Berry Rainbow Cake Recipe

  • Author: Ekani Ella
  • Prep Time: 30
  • Cook Time: 15
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: British

Description

The Mary Berry Rainbow Cake is a multi-layered sponge cake where each layer is tinted a different color of the rainbow. Sandwiched with a light, sweet buttercream and covered in a smooth vanilla frosting, it’s both a visual treat and a delicious dessert. Mary Berry’s version focuses on a tender sponge, even layers, and a buttercream that’s light and not overly sweet—making the cake as enjoyable to eat as it is to look at.

Ingredients

For the Cake Batter (makes six 8-inch layers):

  • Unsalted butter – 375g (softened)

  • Caster sugar – 375g

  • Self-raising flour – 375g

  • Baking powder – 1½ teaspoons

  • Eggs – 6 large

  • Milk – 4 tablespoons

  • Vanilla extract – 2 teaspoons

  • Gel food coloring – red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple (use gel for vibrant color)

For the Buttercream Frosting:

  • Unsalted butter – 250g (softened)

  • Icing sugar – 500g (sifted)

  • Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon

  • Milk – 2–3 tablespoons (as needed for consistency)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Tins

  • Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F.

  • Grease and line 6 cake tins (or bake in batches if you have fewer tins).

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

  • Cream butter and sugar: Beat until pale and fluffy.

  • Add eggs: One at a time, beating well after each.

  • Stir in vanilla and milk.

  • Fold in sifted flour and baking powder: Mix until just combined.

Step 3: Divide and Color the Batter

  • Divide batter evenly into 6 bowls.

  • Add a small amount of gel food coloring to each bowl. Stir gently to combine. Use enough to get bold colors.

Step 4: Bake the Layers

  • Spoon each colored batter into a separate tin.

  • Bake for 15–18 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean.

  • Cool in tins for 5 minutes, then turn onto racks. Let cool completely.

Step 5: Make the Buttercream

  • Beat butter until smooth.

  • Gradually add icing sugar: Beat until light and fluffy.

  • Add vanilla and milk as needed for spreadable consistency.

Step 6: Assemble the Cake

  • Place the purple layer on your cake board or plate.

  • Spread a thin layer of buttercream.

  • Repeat layering in this order: purple, blue, green, yellow, orange, red—adding buttercream between each.

  • Cover the entire cake with a thin crumb coat of buttercream. Chill for 15–20 minutes.

  • Frost the outside of the cake smoothly using the remaining buttercream.

Step 7: Decorate and Serve

  • Optional: Add sprinkles, piped decorations, or a colored drip.

  • Slice to reveal the rainbow inside!

Did you make this recipe?

Find it online: https://britishbakingrecipes.co.uk/mary-berry-rainbow-cake-recipe/