Name: Rainbow Layer Cake
Yield: 1
Ingredients: 6 egg whites -; 1 c. sugar -; 1 c. unsalted butter -; 3 tbsp. applesauce -; 2 tsp. pure vanilla extract -; 2 whole eggs -; 2 1/4 c. cake flour -; 2 tsp. baking powder -; Pinch of salt -; 6 different hues of food coloring -; 2 c. Buttercream Frosting (see Note) -; 2 c. rainbow sprinkles, nonpareils, and/or pearl dragées -; 1 c. unsalted butter -; 3 c. confectioners' sugar -; 1 to 2 tablespoons heavy cream -; 1 tbsp. pure vanilla extract -; About 1/3 cup sprinkles -

Ingredients for - Rainbow Layer Cake

1. 6 egg whites

2. 1 c. sugar

3. 1 c. unsalted butter

4. 3 tbsp. applesauce

5. 2 tsp. pure vanilla extract

6. 2 whole eggs

7. 2 1/4 c. cake flour

8. 2 tsp. baking powder

9. Pinch of salt

10. 6 different hues of food coloring

11. 2 c. Buttercream Frosting (see Note)

12. 2 c. rainbow sprinkles, nonpareils, and/or pearl dragées

13. 1 c. unsalted butter

14. 3 c. confectioners' sugar

15. 1 to 2 tablespoons heavy cream

16. 1 tbsp. pure vanilla extract

17. About 1/3 cup sprinkles

How to cook deliciously - Rainbow Layer Cake

1 . Stage

Make the Cake: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line six 6-inch cake pans with parchment paper.

2 . Stage

Beat egg whites with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until foamy, about 2 minutes. Increase mixer speed to high and continue beating until soft peaks form, about 3 minutes. Gradually add 1/2 cup of the sugar, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form, about 3 minutes more.

3 . Stage

In another large mixing bowl, cream butter and the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy and increased in volume, about 5 minutes. Add applesauce, vanilla, and eggs and mix on medium speed for 1 minute more.

4 . Stage

Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Add to butter mixture and mix on medium speed for 1 minute. Pour in 3/4 cup water and mix to combine. Fold in egg whites with a large spatula.

5 . Stage

Divide batter evenly among 6 small bowls. Starting with the lightest color, tint batter with food coloring, whisking in a few drops at a time until the desired intensity is reached. Pour each of the colored batters into a different parchment-lined cake pan (each should be half full) and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 12 to 15 minutes.

6 . Stage

Make the Buttercream Frosting: With an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat butter for 1 minute, or until creamy and soft. Add confectioners' sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, beating to incorporate after each addition. Gradually beat in heavy cream until smooth.

7 . Stage

Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula. Add vanilla—and sprinkles, if using—and beat for 1 minute more, or until soft and fluffy. Use immediately or refrigerate, covered, for up to 5 days.

8 . Stage

Assembling the Cake: Stack layers according to the colors of the rainbow, spreading a thin layer buttercream between each. Using an offset spatula, frost the whole cake with a thin layer of buttercream.

9 . Stage

Place cake on a freezer-safe plate. Freeze for 15 minutes, or until buttercream is firm. Remove from freezer and cover cake in sprinkles.