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How to Make Rainbow Cake with Natural Dyes

Rainbow Cake with Natural Dyes


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4.9 from 28 reviews

  • Author: Kelsey Hilts
  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8-10 Slices 1x

Description

This Rainbow Cake is made entirely with natural dyes, using ingredients like beet juice, spinach, and blueberry juice to create a colorful, pastel effect. It is as delicious as it is visually stunning.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Natural Dyes:

  • 12 tablespoons (1530 mL) beet juice
  • 1 tablespoon (15 mL) carrot juice
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 tablespoon (15 mL) spinach juice
  • 1+ tablespoon (15+ mL) blueberry juice
  • 1+ tablespoon (15+ mL) blackberry juice

White Cake (Courtesy of Cooking Light):

  • 3 1/2 cups (348 g) flour
  • 2 teaspoons (7.5 g) baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2 g) baking soda
  • 1 3/4 cups (335 g) sugar
  • 1/4 cup (57 g) butter
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons (20 g) oil
  • 2 egg whites
  • 1 2/3 cups (394 mL) milk, divided
  • 1/2 cup (60 g) plain, fat-free yogurt
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons (12 mL) vanilla

Buttercream Frosting:

  • 3 3/4 cups (488 g) powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup (115 g) butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon (5 mL) vanilla
  • 3 tablespoons (45 mL) milk

Whipped Cream Frosting:

  • 2 cups (473 mL) heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup (33 g) powdered sugar
  • 1/8 teaspoon (0.5 g) salt
  • 1 teaspoon (5 mL) vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare the Natural Dyes

  • Juice beets in a juicer or use the liquid from canned beets.
  • Juice carrots in a juicer or use store-bought carrot juice.
  • Juice spinach in a juicer.
  • Microwave 1/4 cup (25 g) frozen blueberries in 30-second intervals until they burst, then strain out 1+ tablespoon (15+ mL) blueberry juice.
  • Microwave 1/4 cup (25 g) frozen blackberries in 30-second intervals until they burst, then strain out 1+ tablespoon (15+ mL) blackberry juice.

2. Prepare the Cake Batter

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Cream the butter, oil, and sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
  • Add the egg whites and beat well.
  • Mix in vanilla, 1 cup (237 mL) milk, and yogurt.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the remaining milk.

3. Color the Cake Batter

  • Divide the cake batter into six equal portions (about 1/2 cup per bowl).
  • Mix in the natural dye for each bowl:
    • Red: 2 tablespoons (30 mL) beet juice
    • Orange: 1 1/2 tablespoons (20 mL) carrot juice
    • Yellow: 1 egg yolk + 1 tablespoon (15 mL) milk
    • Green: 1 tablespoon (15 mL) spinach juice
    • Blue: 1 tablespoon (15 mL) blueberry juice
    • Purple: 1 tablespoon (15 mL) blackberry juice
  • If needed, adjust the color intensity by adding more juice.

4. Bake the Cake Layers

  • Grease and flour six 5.5-inch cake pans (or bake in batches).
  • Pour each colored batter into a separate pan.
  • Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cake springs back when touched and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Cool for 5 minutes in the pan, then invert onto wire racks to cool completely.

5. Make the Buttercream Frosting

  • In a large bowl, beat butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
  • Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar (for thickness) or milk (for softness).

6. Make the Whipped Cream Frosting

  • Beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and salt at medium speed until stiff peaks form.
  • Fold in vanilla extract.

7. Assemble the Cake

  • Place the purple layer on a serving platter.
  • Spread 2 spoonfuls of buttercream frosting evenly on top.
  • Repeat with the blue, green, yellow, orange, and red layers.
  • Lightly freeze the cake for 5 minutes to set the frosting.
  • Coat the entire cake with buttercream frosting using a knife or spatula.
  • Apply whipped cream frosting for a smooth, soft finish.
  • Serve immediately.

Notes

Dye Intensity: Natural dyes create pastel colors. For more vibrant hues, use concentrated juice.

Layer Size: If you don’t have 6 cake pans, bake in batches or use cupcake tins for mini rainbow cakes.

Storage: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

  • Prep Time: 1 hour 30 mins
  • Cook Time: 15 mins
  • Category: Cake
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 46g
  • Sodium: 210mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 11g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 62g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg