Use fruit and vegetable purees to decorate this beautiful Naturally Colored Rainbow Cake. Each colorful layer of white cake is stacked with frosting in between into a towering dessert that will really impress.
I’m taking a break from the Super Bowl posts to share a recipe I created for Tablespoon.com. I’m sure you’ve seen a rainbow layer cake before and you may have said to yourself, “wow, that’s a lot of food coloring.” Well, I made this cake with all natural coloring. It might sound really odd, but I used beets, carrots, egg yolks, spinach, blueberries, and blackberries to color the cake layers.
I was hesitant to take my first bite of the spinach layer, and was absolutely shocked to find it tasted just like yellow cake. Now I’m not going to lie, not all of the layers taste exactly like yellow cake, the beet layer does have a unique flavor, but it certainly doesn’t taste like beets. When combined with the frosting, it really tastes like a normal cake. The most noticeable flavor variant was the fruit. The blueberry and blackberry layers are extra sweet, which of course, I don’t mind.
See how I made this Naturally Colored Rainbow Layer Cake Tablespoon.com.
Hungry Happenings has created some festive recipes for any occasion birthday party that any girl or boy will love.
Wow! Now if that isn't amazing, I don't know what is! If I want more vibrant colors, can I reduce the juices into 2-3 tablespoons? How do you think that will work out?
Thanks so much Natalie. I think if you reduced the juices they might darken in color and turn a bit brownish. I'd suggest trying it with one of the juices first. Also note that the more you reduce them down the stronger the flavor. The colors were definitely pastel, but the cake didn't taste like spinach. I'd be afraid that a more concentrated spinach juice would lead to a spinach flavored cake. Let me know if you try it. I'd love to hear about the results.
Oh yeah I totally forgot about the flavors getting concentrated as well…hmmm in this case I could change up the flavors a bit. I could make concentrated strawberry, pomegranate, or prickly pear for red and I could do matcha for the green! Orange can be a combo of carrots and oranges. Assuming they don't turn brown, what do you think?
Before I chose beets I did research on what others had tried and found the beets were the best for making red layers. some had tried strawberries, pomegranates, and raspberries. I don't know of anyone who has tried prickly pear, however, it might be worth a shot. I think matcha would work well for green. I have no idea what oranges would do. I'd love to hear what ends up working for you. Let me know!
What an absolutely BEAUTIFUL cake! Love the gorgeous colors!
This is just amazing, not to mention beautiful! I would really love to take a bite of those fruit layers and even the
spinach layer!!! Now that's what I call a layer cake!!!
This is so pretty! I found your blog and this recipe via Flour me With Love, Mix it Up Monday! ..what a great way to discover blogs and amazing recipes!
Thanks for stopping by, Nancy. I'm happy you found Hungry Happenings and hope you stop back often:)
Hi Beth, I too was looking on "Flour me with Love", Mix it up Monday. I have found so many wonderful blogs, yummy recipes, and met so many wonderful ladies. Have learned so many twists ( which is how we make a recipe our own,) on both old and new recipes. Food blogs in my opinion are great, its not just finding or sharing recipes, tips/ ideas about everything from food, life experiences, and making new friends along the way. My hubby was very concerned because of my health, during the last 4 yrs deteriorate to the point that I'm homebound except for medical and a trip to a store depending on my energy and weather, that Id become a recluse. I'm happy to say I am not a recluse or hermit. I'm truly blessed with all the new friends I've made during the last 6 months when I came a cross my first food blog. I'm glad you guys do what do !
Hi Anonymous, I'm so sorry to hear about your health issues. I too was in bed for 2 years with health problems, so I understand what it is like. This was before blogs, so I spent my days watching Food Network. I learned to cook real foods, not just bake which had been my passion for many years before that. The chefs on T.V. became my companions, so I totally get what you are saying. I'm glad you have found my blog and that it has brought some joy into your life. I'm happy to report that I was able to get out of bed, and now lead a very healthy life, aside from the aches and pains of getting older. I love sharing with my readers and it's nice to know that I'm helping you feel a litter better.
I will try this…I made a rainbow cake and wasn't happy with the dye's. THanks!
Kristen
http://www.mommyinsports.com/
Everyone who tried this cake liked it and no one could tell how I created the colors. They all assumed it was food coloring.
Such a gorgeous cake! I like this a lot more than the usual brightly coloured rainbow cakes – it looks lovely! x
I have to agree with you Mandy. I think the pastel colors are so much prettier.
I'd take this cake ANY DAY over my Avocado Mousse! LOL!
LOL! I'll be making some real chocolate mousse this week and I'll be thinking about you and your Avocado mousse while I'm licking the spoon:)
what a beautiful, gorgeous cake!! I know how hard it must have been, wow its awesome!
Thanks, Samene! It certainly did take longer than a cake made with food coloring, but the end result was worth the effort.
Thanks so much Monika. It really is a pretty cake and it tastes great too.
I really like the fact that you use natural colors. This cake is so pretty and I am sure delicious
Thanks for linking up at Tell Me About It Tuesday. We hope you hop over and share with us again next week.
This may be the most lovely rainbow cake I've ever seen. I much prefer the more natural colors. Perfect!
Great idea! I actually love the muted colors, its beautiful! And I love that they are natural, awesome!
This is wonderful! I've always wanted to do a healthier version of the rainbow cake, without all the artificial food colorings, and you just made my day. 🙂
This cake is so pretty! I love that the colors are muted. Well done! Have a great week!
Blessings,
Nici
Gorgeous … love it … pinned it!
Stunning and I love the natural coloring. Thank you so much for sharing your fantastic project on The Inspiration Board at homework. I featured you in the spotlight!
carolyn
homework &
DETAILS
Thanks so much for featuring my cake in your Inspiration Board Spotlight:) I'm glad you like it, well enough to share with your readers.
This is stunning, almost too pretty to eat!
Thanks for sharing at Tell Me About It Tuesday! I can't wait to see what you share next week!