Mardi Gras Tricolor Cake

The first time I made this cake, my kitchen counter looked like a rainbow exploded. I had purple frosting on my elbow, green smudges on my apron, and gold sprinkles somehow found their way into my hair. My roommate walked in, took one look at me, and asked if I'd started a circus. That cake became the centerpiece of our impromptu Fat Tuesday party that year.

Last year I brought this to a potluck and watched people's faces light up when I sliced into it. Something about those iconic Mardi Gras colors makes people immediately happy. My friend's daughter kept pointing at each color and asking if she could have the purple slice only.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for this tall fluffy cake
• Baking powder: Gives the cake its rise so its not dense
• Unsalted butter: Use room temperature butter for both cake and frosting
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps create a tender crumb
• Large eggs: Must be room temperature or they wont incorporate properly
• Pure vanilla extract: Dont skimp here it makes all the difference
• Whole milk: Adds moisture and richness to the batter
• Powdered sugar: Sift it first or your frosting will have lumps
• Gel food coloring: Liquid coloring will thin your frosting too much

Instructions

Get your oven ready:

Preheat to 350°F and prep your pans with grease flour and parchment

Whisk the dry stuff:

Combine flour baking powder and salt in a medium bowl

Cream butter and sugar:

Beat them for 3 full minutes until its light and fluffy

Add eggs one by one:

Each one needs to fully incorporate before adding the next

Mix in vanilla:

Scrape down the bowl so everything gets evenly combined

Alternate wet and dry:

Add flour in three parts with milk in between mixing just until combined

Bake until done:

30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean

Cool completely:

Let them rest 10 minutes in pans then cool on wire racks

Make the frosting:

Beat butter then gradually add powdered sugar until smooth

Add liquid and flavor:

Mix in vanilla and milk one tablespoon at a time

Divide and color:

Split frosting into three bowls and tint each purple green and gold

Stack the layers:

Spread a thin layer of any color between the cakes

Frost the outside:

Create stripes or swirls alternating all three colors

Pin it

My niece helped me decorate this cake last year and she took her color分配 very seriously. Purple was her favorite so she made sure that stripe was the thickest. The cake ended up looking slightly lopsided but honestly that made it even better.

Making It Ahead

I learned the hard way that fresh cake is easier to frost than completely cooled cake. Bake the layers a day ahead wrap them tightly in plastic and let them sit at room temperature. The slight crusting on the outside actually helps the frosting adhere better.

Getting Those Colors Right

Start with less gel coloring than you think you need. You can always add more but you cant take it back. I keep a small bowl of plain frosting on the side to dilute any color that gets too intense too fast.

Frosting Like A Pro

Use an offset spatula and keep a glass of warm water nearby to dip it in. The warm metal helps smooth the frosting and gives you that professional finish. Work quickly once the frosting is on the cake because it starts to form a crust.

• Apply a thin crumb coat first then refrigerate 15 minutes
• Start with the lightest color first so you dont have to clean your spatula as often
• Spin the cake stand as you work for smoother stripes

Pin it

This cake brings people together in the best way. Theres something about cutting into those vibrant colors that makes any gathering feel like a celebration.

Recipe FAQ

→ How do I achieve vibrant colors for the icing?

Use gel food coloring for the strongest, most vivid hues without altering the icing's texture. Mix thoroughly for even color throughout.

→ Can I make the cake layers in advance?

Yes, bake the layers a day ahead, wrap tightly, and store at room temperature to maintain freshness before icing.

→ What is the best way to create the tricolor effect on the cake?

Divide the icing into three portions, tint each with purple, green, and gold, then alternate spreading or swirling around the cake for a striking look.

→ How can I store leftovers to keep the cake fresh?

Place leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to preserve texture and flavor.

→ Are there options to enrich the cake's flavor and texture?

Substitute half the milk with sour cream for added richness and moisture in the cake layers.