Rainbow Citrus Cake

Brighten up any celebration with this stunning Rainbow Citrus Cake—a dazzling dessert that tastes as vibrant as it looks! Each colorful layer bursts with a unique twist of zesty orange, lemon, or lime, creating a symphony of citrus flavors in every bite. Topped with a creamy orange-infused cream cheese frosting, this show-stopping cake combines the perfect balance of tangy and sweet. Whether you're hosting a birthday, a springtime gathering, or just indulging your love for citrus-themed desserts, this cake is sure to be the centerpiece of your table. With its simple yet eye-catching design and layers of flavor, the Rainbow Citrus Cake is as fun to make as it is to serve. Keywords: Rainbow Citrus Cake, citrus dessert, colorful cake, layered rainbow cake recipe, orange cream cheese frosting, party dessert ideas.

Nutriscore Rating: 35/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon lime zest
• 6 colors gel food coloring (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple)
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons orange juice

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease six 8-inch round cake pans. If you don't have six, bake the layers in batches.

Step 2

In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3

In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 5

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three additions, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 6

Divide the batter evenly into six bowls. Add the orange zest to one bowl, lemon zest to another, and lime zest to a third bowl. Leave the remaining three bowls plain.

Step 7

Add gel food coloring to each bowl: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple. Stir each bowl until the batter is evenly colored.

Step 8

Pour each colored batter into the prepared pans and smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake the layers for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 9

Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 10

To prepare the frosting, beat the cream cheese and softened butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, and mix until incorporated.

Step 11

Add in vanilla extract and orange juice, and beat until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.

Step 12

To assemble the cake, place the purple layer on a serving plate and spread a thin layer of frosting on top. Repeat with the blue, green, yellow, orange, and red layers, spreading frosting between each layer.

Step 13

Use the remaining frosting to frost the outside and top of the cake. Smooth the frosting with an offset spatula for a clean finish.

Step 14

Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes before slicing to ensure stable layers. Serve and enjoy your Rainbow Citrus Cake!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2198.8 grams (2198.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	8045

Total Fat 395.50g	507%
Saturated Fat 239.90g	1200%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.20g
Cholesterol 1792mg	597%
Sodium 4518mg	196%
Total Carbohydrate 1071.70g	390%
Dietary Fiber 13.50g	48%
Total Sugars 775.40g
Protein 88.60g	177%

Vitamin D 271IU	1357%
Calcium 819mg	63%
Iron 22mg	121%
Potassium 1431mg	30%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 43.4%

Protein: 4.3%

Carbs: 52.3%