Bright colors, soft frosting, and a cake that looks like pure happiness — that’s what this Rainbow Petal Cake is all about. The first time I made it, I couldn’t stop smiling. It’s cheerful, fun, and just feels like a celebration in every slice.

Each layer is fluffy and sweet, with creamy frosting spread to look like pretty petals. I love how it turns simple cake batter into something that looks like it came from a bakery. It’s a little messy, but that’s part of the fun.

If you love desserts that bring joy before you even take a bite, this one’s for you. It’s perfect for birthdays, parties, or any day that needs a splash of color. One look at this cake, and you’ll want to grab a fork right away.

So, let’s grab some food coloring, frosting, and a bit of patience — we’re making magic. I promise, this Rainbow Petal Cake will brighten your day from the first swirl to the last bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Visual Delight: This cake looks stunning with its colorful petal design, making it the centerpiece of any table.
Customizable: Adjust the colors and design to fit your theme or occasion.
Fun to Make: A great recipe to try with family or friends for a creative kitchen adventure.
Moist and Flavorful: Strawberry cake layers paired with rich buttercream create a perfect balance of sweetness.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before you start, gather these essential tools:

Electric Mixer: For smooth and fluffy frosting.
Mixing Bowls: At least two, for mixing batter and frosting.
Offset Spatula: To spread and smooth frosting effortlessly.
Piping Bags and Tips: For creating the petal design.
Round Cake Pans (9-inch): For even cake layers.
Cake Turntable (Optional): Makes decorating much easier.
Food Coloring: Pink, purple, orange, green, blue, and yellow paste colors.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this stunning dessert. Exact measurements are included in the recipe card below.

Cake

2 Boxes of Betty Crocker™ Delights Super Moist™ Strawberry Cake Mix: The base for our vibrant layers.
2 Cups Water: Keeps the cake moist.
1 Cup Vegetable Oil: Adds richness and moisture.
6 Eggs: For structure and flavor.
Pink Paste Food Color: Enhances the pink hues of the cake.

Buttercream Frosting

1 ½ Cups Shortening: For stability and a smooth texture.
1 ½ Cups Butter (Softened): Adds creaminess to the frosting.
3 Boxes (1 lb each) Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
3 Teaspoons Vanilla: For a subtle depth of flavor.
¼ to ⅓ Cup Milk: Adjusts frosting consistency.
Food Colors (Pink, Purple, Orange, Green, Blue, Yellow): To create the signature rainbow petals.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour your round cake pans.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, water, oil, and eggs. Mix on low speed for 30 seconds, then on medium speed for 2 minutes until well combined.
Add a small amount of pink paste food color to enhance the strawberry hue. Mix until fully incorporated.

2. Bake the Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans.
Bake for 28-33 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

3. Make the Buttercream Frosting

In a large bowl, beat shortening and butter together until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud.
Stir in vanilla and milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.

4. Color the Frosting

Divide the frosting into six equal portions.
Tint each portion with a different color: pink, purple, orange, green, blue, and yellow. Mix until the colors are vibrant and even.

5. Assemble the Cake

Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a thin layer of frosting on top.
Add the second cake layer and repeat the process.
Apply a crumb coat (a thin layer of frosting) to the entire cake. Chill for 30 minutes to set.

6. Create the Rainbow Petal Design

Fill six separate piping bags with each colored frosting. Use a round or petal piping tip.
Starting at the bottom edge of the cake, pipe a small dollop of one color. Use the back of a spoon or an offset spatula to drag the frosting to create a petal shape.
Repeat the process with the next color, slightly overlapping the previous row. Work your way up the cake in rainbow order.
Continue until the entire cake is covered with a beautiful petal pattern.

Serving and Decoration Tips

Garnish the top with edible glitter, rainbow sprinkles, or fresh flowers for an extra-special touch.
Slice the cake with a sharp knife dipped in warm water for clean cuts.
Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a glass of cold milk for the ultimate treat.

Variations for Rainbow Petal Cake

Flavor Twist: Swap strawberry cake mix for vanilla or chocolate for a different base flavor.
Ombre Effect: Use shades of a single color instead of a rainbow for a chic look.
Mini Cakes: Bake the batter in smaller pans for individual rainbow cakes.

Storing Rainbow Petal Cake

Room Temperature: Keep the cake covered for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Freezer: Freeze undecorated cake layers for up to 2 months. Thaw before frosting and decorating.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Per Serving (1 Slice)
Calories	520
Total Fat	28g
Saturated Fat	10g
Sugar	55g
Protein	3g
Carbs	65g

Conclusion

The Rainbow Petal Cake is pure joy in dessert form — colorful, soft, and full of sweetness. I love how each slice looks like a piece of art, with layers that make every bite feel special. It’s the kind of cake that brings smiles to any celebration, big or small. Whether it’s for a birthday, a party, or just because you love color, this cake turns any day into something unforgettable.