There’s something undeniably joyful about a Rainbow Cupcake Cake. Maybe it’s the way each vibrant layer of color brings a smile to your face before you’ve even taken a bite, or perhaps it’s the fun of decorating a whole cluster of cupcakes as one dazzling dessert.

This cake is more than just a sweet treat—it’s a celebration in edible form. Whether you’re planning a birthday party, a festive gathering, or just want to brighten up a rainy day, this Rainbow Cupcake Cake is sure to be a showstopper.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Using a basic vanilla cupcake batter, you can easily create vivid layers with a few drops of food coloring. The result is a stunning, multi-hued centerpiece that tastes just as good as it looks.

Each bite is a delightful mix of fluffy, moist cake and smooth, creamy frosting—a perfect balance of texture and flavor. Pair it with a refreshing Leprechaun Lemonade for a fun, color-themed party, and you’ve got yourself a winning combination.

Let the colors of the rainbow inspire you to get creative in the kitchen, and don’t forget to share your own twists on this vibrant recipe!

this image shows colourful cupcakes arranged in the form of a rainbow and clouds

Rainbow Cupcake Cake

A vibrant, eye-catching dessert featuring a collection of cupcakes arranged to form a rainbow pattern. Each cupcake is topped with frosting in one of the rainbow colors: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple. Perfect for parties, this colorful creation delights both eyes and taste buds.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 19

Total Time 29

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12 people

Calories 650 kcal

Equipment

Electric mixer
Piping bags with rosette tips
Cupcake pan with liners
Medium Cookie Scoop

Ingredients

1 cup water
1 cup flour
1½ cup purple frosting
2 cups blue frosting
2 cups green frosting
2½ cups yellow frosting
2 cups boxes instant vanilla pudding mix
2 white cake mixes
⅔ cups oil
3 cups pink frosting
3 cups orange frosting
16 oz sour cream
6 whole large eggs
5 cups white frosting

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 325°F. In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients and mix on medium speed until just incorporated.
Using a medium-sized cookie scoop, portion the batter into a cupcake pan lined with paper liners.
Bake for approximately 19 minutes, then allow the cupcakes to cool completely.
On a prepared 20×30 inch board, arrange the cooled cupcakes in a rainbow shape, with additional cupcakes for the clouds.
Once you’re satisfied with the layout, secure each cupcake to the board with a small dab of frosting underneath.
Pipe colorful rosettes to form the rainbow, slightly overlapping each color.
For the clouds, pipe white rosettes on the ends.