Ingredients:

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • Food coloring (red, blue, green, yellow) - gel or liquid
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • 2-3 tbsp heavy cream or milk (as needed for frosting consistency)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line cake pans with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, followed by vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually add the flour mixture and milk in three parts, starting and ending with the dry ingredients.
  6. Split the cake batter evenly into 4 bowls for coloring.
  7. Add a few drops of different food coloring to each bowl and mix until fully incorporated.
  8. In each prepared pan, drop spoonfuls of each colored batter randomly, creating a tie-dye effect.
  9. Use a skewer or knife to gently swirl the colors together without overmixing.
  10. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  11. Allow cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
  12. In a bowl, beat softened butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and cream until smooth and fluffy.
  13. Once cooled, frost the top of one layer, stack the next, and frost the sides and top of the cake.
  14. Slice and enjoy your colorful tie-dye cake!