Today is my sweet little girls birthday. She is going to be four! And so far, she is the only girl among three boys. So yeah… a little princess to say the least.

Every year I let Audrey pick out what kind of cake she wants.

rainbow birthday cake

This is the cake she wanted last year.

And this is the cake she wanted the year before. (Ok, ok. So I may have made that choice on my own. She was only turning two.)

This year she chose a ruffle cake. But then specified that it had to be a rainbow cake. But then told me it had to be chocolate.

So needless to day, I had no idea how I was going to make a rainbow cake made of chocolate.

Which left… the exterior! Except, I had never seen a Rainbow Ruffle cake before, so I had to kinda make it up as I went along.

rainbow cake

Getting those sweet little ruffles around a curve was easier said than done, but hopefully Audrey will love the final effect, so I am happy she challenged me!

Two of my favorite recipes were on hand for this cake.

Back to Basic’s Buttercream

The Best Chocolate Cake (I have been relying on my favorite brand for Vanilla lately, McCormick! I can really taste the difference when I use imitation brands. Only the best for the ones I love!)

rainbow cake

The top was my oldest sons idea… he insisted I make a rainbow in circles around the top of the cake. Now, you know how much I love white, and leaving it white is exactly what I planned on doing. But seeing his face light up at his “bright” idea, I couldnt bear to say no.

Thanks to Kristen from Dine & Dish for sharing one of her birthday traditions… this is what Audrey will wake up to this morning!

And just in case you want a full tutorial for how to make your own Ruffle Cake, just head on over here and I’ll show you!

rainbow cake

The kids all approve. Which is the most important approval there is.

Well, except Audrey! She will get to see it later tonight when we celebrate… but I have a sneaking suspicion she will be happy.

I do have at least one more post before Christmas… in which I might be returning to the red/green. Or not!! Cant wait to share with you! 🙂

rainbow birthday cake

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Meet Amanda Rettke

Amanda Rettke is the creator of I Am Baker, and the bestselling author of Surprise Inside Cakes: Amazing Cakes for Every Occasion – With a Little Something Extra Inside.Over the course of her 15+ year blogging adventure, she has been featured in and collaborated with the Food Network, New York Times, LA Times, Country Living Magazine, People Magazine, Epicurious, Brides, Romantic Homes, life:beautiful, Publishers Weekly, The Daily Mail, Star Tribune, The Globe and Mail, DailyCandy, YumSugar, The Knot, The Kitchn, and Parade, to name a few.

Reader Comments

  1. This is truly the most perfect birthday cake ever for children. I love the technique used and imaginative colors.

  2. I’m late to the party!! Happy belated Birthday to your beautiful Audrey. She must have loved this cake you made for her. It is wonderful.

  3. Very beautiful cake … I love piping anything, however I believe few have or will ever achieve your talent. I also love her 1st birthday cake … very elegant!

  4. Hi, oh wow, what a stunning cake! My little girl is turning 5 soon and has seen it and wants me to make it. I must say I am a bit terrified but have always wanted to get into cakes so am quite excited too. I am new to your posts, so am trying to work out how you get such amazing white icing – can you please point me in the right direction of any tips you have about this? (I have seen your instructions on how to make the ruffle cake itself).

    Many thanks! Vinni

      1. Fantastic, thank you so much! I think I have probably bitten off more than I can chew (so to speak) but will give it a good go! Hopefully I can do your beautiful rose cake if my attempt at the rainbow icing is a complete disaster! V

  5. Your cakes are beautiful! I have never tried a ruffle cake before, but after seeing the top of your rainbow cake, I had to give it a try. I’d love to post a picture of the cake I created…is there a way to do that??

  6. Hi, I was wondering the same thing! I had a go at the rainbow ruffle cake and although it’s not anywhere as perfect as yours, it was beautiful and I was so proud of it! My daughter absolutely loved it and was hugging me all day to thank me and said it was the best birthday ever. I had so much fun making it too!

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