Dive into the world of vibrant desserts with this rainbow poke cake with whipped cream recipe. Perfect for a colorful celebration or just to have some fun in the kitchen. This delightful cake is layered with hues of the rainbow, from red to violet, and topped with a smooth whipped cream.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are commonly found in a regular kitchen; however, you might need to pick up gel food coloring from the supermarket if you don't have it at home. Gel food colorings are more vibrant and less likely to thin out your batter compared to liquid ones. Also, you would need knox gelatin for the whipped cream frosting. It helps stabilize the cream and hold its shape.
Ingredients for Rainbow Poke Cake with Whipped Cream
Butter: Essential for making the cake fluffy and adding richness.
Sugar: Needed for sweetness and helps in the browning of the cake.
Egg whites: They provide structure and leaven to the cake.
Vanilla: Enhances the flavor of the cake and whipped cream.
Flour: The main structure for the cake.
Baking powder: Helps in leavening the cake.
Salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances other flavors.
Milk: Adds moisture and helps in the structure of the cake.
Gel food coloring: Gives vibrant colors to the cake layers.
Condensed milk: Used to moisten the cake after baking.
Heavy cream: Used in making the whipped cream frosting.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream and helps in stabilizing it.
Knox gelatin: Stabilizes the whipped cream and helps it hold its shape.
One reader, Carissa Malone says:
This rainbow poke cake with whipped cream recipe is a game-changer! The vibrant colors and creamy texture make it a showstopper at any gathering. The cake is moist and the whipped cream frosting is heavenly. It's a fun and delicious dessert that's sure to impress everyone!
Essential Techniques for Making Rainbow Poke Cake With Whipped Cream
How to prepare the rainbow poke cake batter: Mixing the batter in the right order and incorporating the gel food coloring to create the rainbow layers is crucial for this recipe.
How to poke holes in the cake: Poking holes in the cake evenly and gently to allow the condensed milk to seep into the layers without damaging the cake.
How to make whipped cream frosting: Properly blooming the gelatin, incorporating it into the whipped cream, and achieving the right consistency for spreading on the cake.
How To Make Rainbow Poke Cake With Whipped Cream
Create a colorful and moist Rainbow Poke cake made with condensed milk instead of cake mix for St. Patrick’s Day or any other celebration.
Serves:
Ingredients
For Rainbow Poke Cake:
- 1cupbuttersoftened
- 2⅓cupssugar
- 5pcsegg whites
- 1tbspvanilla
- 3cupsflour
- 4tspbaking powder
- ½tspsalt
- 1½cupswarm milk
- Gel food coloringRainbow colors
- 1cancondensed milksweetened
For Whipped Cream Frosting:
- 2tspKnox gelatinunflavored
- 2tbspcold water
- 2cupsheavy cream
- 1cuppowdered sugar
- 1tspvanilla extractclear
Instructions
Cake:
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
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In your stand mixer cream the butter and sugar together until much lighter in color.
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Add in the egg whites and vanilla until totally combined.
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Add the salt and baking powder to the flour.
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Add in the dry ingredients and the milk gradually alternating 1 cup of flour and ½ cup of milk at a time.
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Add one cup of the batter to 6 different bowls. Color each bowl with the gel food coloring in red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple.
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Mix until the colors are fully combined.
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Spoon a layer of each colored batter. Start with purple, then blue, green, yellow, orange, and finally red.
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Bake for 30 for 35 minutes or until the middle of the cake is fully baked and let cool on a rack.
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Poke holes on the top of the cake and pour the condensed milk over the holes.
Frosting:
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Add the gelatin to cold water in a small bowl and mix. Let it sit and bloom for five minutes.
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In your stand mixer add the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and clear vanilla.
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After the gelatin has set, put it in the microwave for 5 to 10 seconds to melt the gelatin.
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Using the paddle of your stand mixer, scrape the contents of the bowl for a minute to start building the peaks of the whipped cream and giving the gelatin time to cool a bit.
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Add in the gelatin and continue beating until you have soft-stiff peaks.
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Pour onto the cake and spread.
Nutrition
- Calories: 569.57kcal
- Fat: 26.62g
- Saturated Fat: 16.57g
- Trans Fat: 0.47g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 7.24g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.10g
- Carbohydrates: 76.42g
- Fiber: 0.64g
- Sugar: 58.18g
- Protein: 7.85g
- Cholesterol: 85.72mg
- Sodium: 246.96mg
- Calcium: 239.82mg
- Potassium: 229.75mg
- Iron: 0.52mg
- Vitamin A: 256.34µg
- Vitamin C: 1.11mg
Pro Tip for Perfecting Your Rainbow Poke Cake With Whipped Cream
When adding the gel food coloring to the batter, be sure to add it gradually and mix thoroughly to achieve even, vibrant colors. Too much food coloring can alter the taste of the cake, so it's important to use it sparingly. Also, when layering the colored batter in the pan, gently spoon each layer on top of the other to maintain distinct, separate layers of color. If you pour the batter too quickly or mix it around, the colors may blend together and you won't get the desired rainbow effect.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Colorful Dessert
Prepare the ingredients: Gather all the necessary ingredients and measure them out in advance to streamline the cooking process.
Organize your workspace: Clear and organize your kitchen workspace before you begin to ensure easy access to tools and ingredients.
Multi-task: While the cake is baking, prepare the whipped cream frosting to save time and maximize efficiency.
Use pre-made cake mix: If you're short on time, consider using a pre-made cake mix and adding food coloring to create the rainbow effect.
Chill the cake: Place the cake in the refrigerator to speed up the cooling process before adding the whipped cream frosting.
Substitute Ingredients For Rainbow Poke Cake With Whipped Cream Recipe
butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can provide a similar richness and flavor to butter, and it can work well in baking recipes like this one.
egg whites - Substitute with aquafaba (chickpea brine): Aquafaba can be whipped into stiff peaks similar to egg whites and can be used as a vegan-friendly substitute.
flour - Substitute with gluten-free flour: For those with gluten sensitivities, using a gluten-free flour blend can be a suitable alternative in this recipe.
heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream can provide a rich and creamy texture similar to heavy cream, and it's a great dairy-free option.
condensed milk - Substitute with coconut condensed milk: Coconut condensed milk can be used as a dairy-free alternative, and it adds a delicious coconut flavor to the cake.
powdered sugar - Substitute with maple sugar: Maple sugar can be used as a natural alternative to powdered sugar, and it adds a hint of maple flavor to the frosting.
knox gelatin - Substitute with agar agar: Agar agar is a plant-based alternative to gelatin and can be used to set the whipped cream frosting.
Perfect Presentation Tips for a Stunning Rainbow Poke Cake
Elevate the plating: When presenting the rainbow poke cake, focus on creating a visually stunning display. Use a large, white, round plate as the base to allow the vibrant colors of the cake to pop. Arrange the slices in a circular pattern, creating a rainbow effect that is visually appealing.
Garnish with fresh berries: Add a touch of elegance and freshness to the dish by garnishing the plate with a selection of fresh berries such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. Their vibrant colors will complement the rainbow cake and add a burst of natural sweetness.
Incorporate edible flowers: Introduce a touch of sophistication by incorporating edible flowers into the presentation. Delicately place colorful edible flowers, such as pansies or violas, around the cake slices to add a whimsical and artistic element to the dish.
Dust with powdered sugar: Before serving, delicately dust the entire plate with a fine layer of powdered sugar. This subtle touch will add a hint of elegance and a touch of sweetness to the presentation, enhancing the overall visual appeal.
Accompany with a dollop of whipped cream: Place a small quenelle or dollop of the whipped cream frosting on the side of the cake slices. This adds a creamy and luxurious element to the presentation, providing a delightful contrast to the vibrant colors of the cake.
Use a minimalist approach: Embrace a minimalist approach to plating by allowing the vibrant colors of the cake to take center stage. Keep the presentation clean and uncluttered, allowing the natural beauty of the rainbow poke cake to shine through.
Essential Tools for Making Rainbow Poke Cake With Whipped Cream
- Stand mixer: A stand mixer is a kitchen appliance used for mixing, beating, and whipping ingredients. It typically consists of a mixing bowl, a motorized base, and various attachments for different tasks.
- Baking pan: A baking pan is a metal or glass pan used for baking cakes, brownies, and other baked goods in the oven.
- Small bowls: Small bowls are used for mixing and holding small amounts of ingredients during the cooking or baking process.
- Microwave: A microwave is a kitchen appliance that uses microwave radiation to cook, heat, and defrost food quickly and efficiently.
- Spatula: A spatula is a kitchen tool with a broad, flat, flexible blade used for mixing, spreading, and turning ingredients while cooking or baking.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Measuring cups and spoons are used to accurately measure and portion ingredients for recipes.
- Cake tester or toothpick: A cake tester or toothpick is used to check the doneness of cakes by inserting it into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is done.
- Mixing bowls: Mixing bowls are essential for combining ingredients and mixing batters or doughs during the baking process.
- Oven: An oven is a kitchen appliance used for baking, roasting, and heating food. It is essential for baking the rainbow poke cake.
- Whisk: A whisk is a kitchen tool used for blending, whipping, and beating ingredients, especially when incorporating air into batters or whipping cream.
- Cake stand or serving platter: A cake stand or serving platter is used to present and serve the finished rainbow poke cake.
Storing and Freezing Rainbow Poke Cake for Later Enjoyment
- To store the rainbow poke cake with whipped cream frosting, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- If you want to freeze the cake, it's best to do so before adding the whipped cream frosting. Wrap the cooled, unfrosted cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and place it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- When you're ready to serve the frozen cake, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, prepare the whipped cream frosting and spread it over the cake before serving.
- If you have already frosted the cake and want to freeze it, place the cake in the freezer until the whipped cream is firm, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. To serve, remove the cake from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator for several hours before unwrapping and serving.
- Keep in mind that the texture of the whipped cream frosting may change slightly after freezing and thawing, but it will still taste delicious.
Interesting Trivia About Rainbow Poke Cake
Rainbow poke cake is a fun and colorful dessert that is perfect for celebrations and parties. It's a great way to add a pop of color to any occasion and is sure to impress your guests with its vibrant layers.
Is Making Rainbow Poke Cake at Home Cost-Effective?
This rainbow poke cake with whipped cream recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are commonly found in most kitchens, and the use of basic food coloring and gelatin keeps the cost low. The cake's vibrant colors and delicious flavors make it a hit for special occasions, and the approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15. Overall, I rate this recipe a solid 8 for its affordability and delightful presentation.
Is Rainbow Poke Cake With Whipped Cream Healthy or Unhealthy?
This rainbow poke cake recipe, while visually appealing, is not particularly healthy. The cake itself is high in sugar, butter, and refined flour, which are all ingredients that should be consumed in moderation. The condensed milk poured over the cake adds even more sugar and calories to the dessert. Additionally, the whipped cream frosting, made with heavy cream and powdered sugar, further increases the fat and sugar content of the cake.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of sugar in the cake batter and replace some of it with natural sweeteners like applesauce or mashed bananas
- Use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free alternative instead of refined white flour to increase the fiber content
- Replace some of the butter with Greek yogurt or mashed avocado to reduce the saturated fat content
- Skip the condensed milk and opt for a lighter syrup made with fresh fruit juice or a sugar-free alternative
- For the whipped cream frosting, use a combination of heavy cream and Greek yogurt to reduce the fat content, and sweeten it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup instead of powdered sugar
- Serve smaller portions of the cake and pair it with fresh fruit to balance out the sweetness and add some nutritional value
Editor's Opinion: Why Rainbow Poke Cake With Whipped Cream is a Must-Try
The rainbow poke cake with whipped cream recipe is a delightful and visually stunning dessert. The vibrant layers of the cake are a feast for the eyes, and the addition of condensed milk adds a luscious and moist texture. The whipped cream frosting provides a light and airy finish, complementing the sweetness of the cake. However, I would recommend adjusting the sweetness level to suit individual preferences. Overall, this recipe offers a playful and delicious treat that is sure to impress both kids and adults alike.
Enhance Your Rainbow Poke Cake With Whipped Cream Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Desserts to Try If You Love Rainbow Poke Cake
Appetizers and Main Dishes That Complement Rainbow Poke Cake
Why trust this Rainbow Poke Cake With Whipped Cream Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a delightful experience with its vibrant rainbow poke cake. The moist and flavorful cake layers are infused with condensed milk, ensuring a luscious texture and rich taste. The whipped cream frosting is perfectly balanced, offering a light and airy finish. With meticulous attention to detail, the step-by-step instructions ensure a seamless baking process. Trust in the quality of the ingredients and the expertise behind this recipe, and you'll be rewarded with a stunning and delicious dessert that will impress all your guests.
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