Rainbow Fish Zebra Cake

Rainbow Fish Zebra Cake Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Cake Batter:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• Food coloring (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple)
• 1 ½ cups unsweetened cocoa powder

For the Buttercream Frosting:

• 1 ½ cups unsalted butter, softened
• 4 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3-4 tbsp heavy cream
• Food coloring (to match the cake layers)
• Edible glitter or sugar pearls (optional)

For Decoration:

• Rainbow-colored candy or fondant (for fish scales)
• Edible silver pearls (for fish eyes)
• Edible paint or gel for detailing

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Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cake Batter:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Mix in the vanilla extract.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

2. Divide and Color the Batter:

1. Divide the batter evenly into six bowls.
2. Add a few drops of food coloring to each bowl to create six vibrant colors: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple. Mix well until each color is evenly distributed.
3. For the zebra effect, divide each colored batter in half. Add cocoa powder to one half of each colored batter to create a darker shade.

3. Create the Zebra Stripes:

1. To create the zebra pattern, start by placing a spoonful of one color (light shade) in the center of each cake pan. Then, add a spoonful of the corresponding darker shade directly on top of it. Repeat with the other colors, alternating between the lighter and darker shades. As you add more batter, it will naturally spread out, creating a zebra-like effect.
2. Continue this process until all the batter has been used up.
3. Tap the pans gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles.

4. Bake the Cakes:

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Remove from the oven and let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

5. Prepare the Buttercream Frosting:

1. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy and smooth, about 2 minutes.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated.
3. Add the vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream. Beat on high speed for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add more cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
4. Divide the frosting into separate bowls and add food coloring to match the cake layers. Mix well until the colors are vibrant.

6. Assemble the Cake:

1. Once the cakes are completely cool, level the tops with a serrated knife if necessary.
2. Place the first cake layer on a serving platter or cake stand. Spread a generous amount of frosting over the top using an offset spatula.
3. Place the second cake layer on top and apply a thin layer of frosting (crumb coat) over the entire cake. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set.
4. Once the crumb coat is set, frost the entire cake with the remaining buttercream. Smooth the top and sides for a neat finish.

7. Decorate the Cake:

1. To create the rainbow fish effect, use colored candies or fondant to create fish scales across the top and sides of the cake.
2. For the fish eyes, use edible silver pearls, placing them strategically on the scales.
3. Add any additional detailing with edible paint or gel, such as outlining the fins or adding a touch of sparkle with edible glitter.

8. Serve and Enjoy:

1. Slice into the cake to reveal the beautiful zebra stripes inside, showcasing the rainbow of colors.
2. Serve the Rainbow Fish Zebra Cake at your next celebration, and watch as everyone is amazed by the vibrant, creative design and delicious flavors.

This Rainbow Fish Zebra Cake is not only visually stunning but also a delightful treat for all ages. The combination of colorful layers and rich cocoa flavors makes each bite a burst of sweetness and fun. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any occasion that calls for a show-stopping dessert!