Mardi Gras Tricolor Cake

The first time I attempted this cake, I went a little overboard with the food coloring and ended up with something resembling a psychedelic science experiment rather than a festive dessert. My kitchen looked like a rainbow had exploded, but the laughter around the table that evening made every colorful stain on my countertops worth it. Now I make this every year for our Mardi Gras party, and it is become the centerpiece everyone waits for.

Last year my neighbor dropped by just as I was finishing the tricolor swirls on the sides. She stood in my doorway clutching a takeout container and announced that she had been smelling vanilla butter for three blocks. We ended up sitting at my kitchen table eating slightly warm slices with wine from juice glasses because all my real ones were still in the dishwasher.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: The foundation of a tender crumb that holds up beautifully under layers of buttercream
• Baking powder: Ensures the cake rises tall and light without becoming dense or dry
• Unsalted butter: Room temperature butter creates the perfect fluffy texture for both cake and frosting
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens while creating that delicate golden crust we all love
• Eggs: Room temperature eggs emulsify better for a uniform batter
• Pure vanilla extract: Do not skimp here because real vanilla makes all the difference
• Whole milk: Adds moisture and richness, though sour cream works wonderfully too
• Powdered sugar: Sift it first or risk lumpy buttercream that will ruin your day
• Gel food coloring: Use gel instead of liquid for intense true colors without thinning the frosting

Instructions

Prepare your oven and pans:

Preheat to 350°F and grease those round pans like your cake depends on it, lining bottoms with parchment for easy release later

Whisk the dry ingredients:

Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl, taking time to break up any baking powder clumps

Cream butter and sugar:

Beat them together for a full three minutes until the mixture looks pale and fluffy, like clouds

Add eggs and vanilla:

Drop in eggs one at a time, letting each disappear completely before adding the next, then stir in that glorious vanilla

Combine wet and dry:

Add flour in three parts alternating with milk, starting and ending with flour, and stop mixing the second everything comes together

Bake to perfection:

Divide batter evenly between pans and bake until a toothpick comes out clean, usually around half an hour

Cool completely:

Let cakes rest in pans for ten minutes before turning them out, then wait until they are entirely cool before frosting

Make the buttercream:

Beat butter until creamy, gradually work in sifted powdered sugar, then add vanilla and just enough milk for spreadable perfection

Color the frosting:

Divide buttercream into three bowls and tint each with gel food coloring until you reach those signature Mardi Gras shades

Assemble with flair:

Stack the cake layers with frosting between them, then create stripes or swirls with all three colors on the outside

Save

My daughter insisted on helping with the frosting swirls last year and accidentally created the most beautiful accidental marble effect. Now I let her decorate it however she wants because those imperfect joyful swirls have become our signature look.

Make Ahead Magic

Bake the cake layers a full day in advance and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. The flavors actually develop better with a little resting time, and you will thank yourself when party day arrives.

Color Confidence

Start with a tiny amount of gel coloring because you can always add more but cannot take it back. I keep toothpicks handy for adding color drop by drop until each shade is exactly right.

Serving Suggestions

This cake sings when served alongside something bubbly or sweet. The effervescence cuts through all that buttercream richness perfectly.

• Sprinkle the top with edible glitter for extra carnival sparkle
• Add a small plastic baby if following the king cake tradition
• Bring to room temperature for 30 minutes before serving

Save

There is something almost magical about cutting into this cake and revealing those festive colors inside. May your Fat Tuesday be sweet and your kitchen always filled with laughter.

Recipe FAQs

→ What are the key colors used in the icing?

The icing features purple, green, and gold gel food coloring to reflect Mardi Gras tradition.

→ Can the milk be substituted in the batter?

Yes, substituting half the milk with sour cream adds richness to the cake texture.

→ What equipment is needed to prepare the cake?

Two 9-inch round pans, an electric mixer, mixing bowls, spatulas, and a wire rack are required.

→ How long should the cake bake?

The cake layers bake for 30 to 35 minutes at 350°F until a toothpick comes out clean.

→ How is the tricolor effect achieved in the icing?

The buttercream is divided into three bowls and tinted separately with purple, green, and gold gel colors before decorating.

→ Are there any allergens to be aware of?

The cake contains wheat, eggs, and dairy. Check food coloring and decorations for additional allergens.