Imagine cutting into a cake that looks like an absolute masterpiece, revealing layers of vibrant red, pristine white, and bold blue that will make everyone at your gathering stop and stare! This Red White and Blue Ombre Layer Cake isn't just a dessert - it's a show-stopping centerpiece that combines classic American charm with professional bakery-level elegance. Perfect for Fourth of July celebrations, Memorial Day, or any patriotic event, this cake promises to be the talk of the party and a true feast for both eyes and taste buds.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 10 servings
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 5 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- Red and blue food coloring
- Buttercream frosting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, sift together flour and baking powder. Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk, mixing until just combined.
- Divide the cake batter equally into three separate bowls.
- For the ombre effect, add red food coloring to one bowl, creating a deep red shade. Add blue food coloring to another bowl, creating a vibrant blue shade. Leave the third bowl white.
- Carefully pour each colored batter into its prepared cake pan, ensuring even distribution.
- Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- Once cooled, level each cake layer if needed to ensure flat surfaces.
- Prepare buttercream frosting by whipping butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a splash of milk until smooth and creamy.
- Begin assembling the cake by placing the blue layer as the bottom, spreading a layer of buttercream between each cake layer.
- Add the white layer next, then top with the red layer.
- Frost the entire cake with remaining buttercream, creating a smooth finish.
- Optional: Decorate with additional piping, sprinkles, or patriotic decorations as desired.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow frosting to set.
Tips
- • Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake texture • Use gel food coloring for more vibrant, concentrated colors without affecting batter consistency • When adding food coloring, start with a small amount and gradually increase to achieve desired shade • Level your cake layers carefully for a professional, even stack • Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent buttercream from melting • For ultra-smooth frosting, use a bench scraper or offset spatula • Refrigerate the cake for at least an hour before serving to help frosting set and make cutting easier • For extra wow factor, consider decorating with fresh berries or patriotic sprinkles
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 448kcal
Carbohydrates: 56g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 183mg
