Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups unsalted butter, room temperature
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 ¼ cups whole milk
- Food coloring gels in pastel colors (pink, yellow, green, blue, purple)
For the Buttercream Frosting:
- 2 cups unsalted butter, room temperature
- 6 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4–6 tablespoons heavy cream
- Food coloring gels (optional for a colorful frosting)
For the White Chocolate Drip:
- 8 ounces white chocolate, chopped
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- Pastel food coloring gel (to match the cake’s theme)
Instructions
Prepare the Cake Layers:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line 4-5 round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk.
- Divide the batter into separate bowls, one for each color you plan to use. Add a few drops of food coloring gel to each bowl, mixing until you achieve the desired pastel shade.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Buttercream Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth.
- Add the vanilla extract and 4 tablespoons of heavy cream. Continue beating until the frosting is light and fluffy. If needed, add more cream for a smoother consistency.
- If you want colored frosting, divide it into separate bowls and tint with food coloring gels.
Assemble the Cake:
- Once the cake layers are completely cool, level the tops if necessary. Place the first cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of buttercream on top.
- Continue stacking the layers, spreading buttercream between each one. Apply a thin crumb coat to the entire cake and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- After chilling, apply a final, smooth layer of buttercream to the cake.
Create the Drip Effect:
- Melt the white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 15 seconds until smooth. Add the heavy cream and mix until combined. Tint the chocolate with a pastel food coloring gel.
- Using a spoon or piping bag, drip the colored chocolate around the edges of the cake, letting it cascade down the sides.
Decorate and Serve:
- Add any remaining buttercream on top of the cake for decoration. Finish with sprinkles or decorative pearls if desired.
- Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Notes
Make Ahead: The cake layers can be baked and wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, then stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, or frozen for up to 1 month.
White Chocolate Drip: If the chocolate becomes too thick, add a bit more cream to thin it out to the right consistency.
Variations: Experiment with different color combinations for the ombre effect, depending on the occasion.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Assembly Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 710 kcal
- Sugar: 57g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 24g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 89g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 154mg