1-Getting Started with Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease and line the bottoms of 2-3 round 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This ensures your layers release easily and look perfect when stacked.

2-Mixing the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: 5 cups all-purpose flour (600g), 3 cups granulated sugar (600g), 1 tablespoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and 1 teaspoon salt until well combined. In another bowl, whisk the wet ingredients: 6 large eggs (room temperature), 1½ cups vegetable oil (360ml), 1½ cups whole milk (360ml), and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract until smooth.

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and whisk gently until just combined, being careful not to over-mix for a tender crumb. For a fun twist, if you’re looking for more easy dessert ideas, check out our no-churn ice cream recipe to pair with your cake!

3-Adding Color and Baking: Divide the batter evenly into six bowls and add a different food coloring red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple to each one, mixing well for vibrant results. Pour one colored batter into your prepared pans and bake for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Let the layers cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Repeat for the remaining colors, cleaning and preparing the pans as needed, and refrigerate any unused batter to keep it fresh.

4-Making and Assembling the Frosting: Beat 2½ cups softened unsalted butter (565g) and ½ teaspoon salt until fluffy and pale, about 5 minutes. Gradually add 10 cups confectioners’ sugar (1200g) on low speed, incorporating ½ cup cream (120ml) a tablespoon at a time as needed, then mix in 2 teaspoons vanilla extract until light and fluffy.

Once cooled, stack the layers starting with purple on the bottom, spreading ½ cup frosting between each, and cover the outside with the rest. Chill the cake for at least 1 hour before serving to help it set. The cook time is around 40 minutes, with total time about 1 hour 50 minutes, making it a rewarding project for any occasion.