Go Back
+ servings
Rainbow Cake Roll

Delightful Rainbow Cake Roll: A Colorful Celebration Treat

This delightful Rainbow Cake Roll is a colorful celebration treat that brings joy to any occasion.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 17 minutes
Cooling Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 27 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 1 cup Sour Cream Adds moisture and richness; substitute with plain yogurt for a lighter option.
  • 1 cup Buttermilk Enhances tenderness and flavor; can be mixed with milk and vinegar if unavailable.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Provides aromatic flavor; almond extract can offer an interesting twist.
  • 4 large Egg Whites Contribute to the light texture; using whole eggs may change the cake's fluffiness.
  • 1/3 cup Oil (Canola/Vegetable) Adds necessary moisture; melted coconut oil can be an excellent substitute.
  • 1 package White Cake Mix (Duncan Hines recommended) Acts as the cake's foundation; can opt for a homemade mix if preferred.
  • 1 set Food Coloring Gel (Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Purple) Key for achieving vibrant rainbow stripes.
For the Buttercream Frosting
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter The main fat base for the frosting; salted butter can be used.
  • 1 pinch Salt Enhances flavor; this can be omitted for low-sodium diets.
  • 4 cups Powdered Sugar Sweetens and helps thicken the frosting.
  • 2-4 tablespoons Heavy Cream or Milk Adjusts frosting's consistency.

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Half-sheet pan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Piping Bags
  • Wire Rack
  • electric mixer
  • Plastic wrap

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and prepare a half-sheet pan lined with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine sour cream, buttermilk, vanilla extract, egg whites, and oil. Beat until smooth.
  3. Sift in the white cake mix and stir just to combine.
  4. Divide the batter into six bowls and color each with food coloring gel.
  5. Pipe the colored batter diagonally across the prepared pan in rainbow order.
  6. Bake for about 17 minutes until the cake springs back lightly to the touch.
  7. Let the cake cool for 5 minutes, then roll it tightly from the shorter side while still on the parchment paper.
  8. Allow the rolled cake to cool completely on a wire rack for about 40 minutes.
  9. Beat together butter and salt, then gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and cream to make frosting.
  10. Unroll the cooled cake and spread buttercream evenly, leaving a margin.
  11. Re-roll the cake tightly, peeling back the parchment as you go.
  12. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill in the freezer for at least 1 hour before slicing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 2gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 50mgSugar: 18gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 20mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

For best results, use food coloring gel for vibrant colors and ensure the cake cools completely before unrolling.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!