Are you ready for Mothers Day yet? Did you know its only seventeen days away?!?!
I would love to show you a few ways you can bake your way onto mom's "Favorite Kid" list!
Granted. I am still trying to get on my own moms 'favorite kid' list. And I only have one sister.
But anywho.
I have another cake for you. This one is easy schmeezy. I promise.
And it is even a little good for you!
Well. As good as cake can be for you.
But it has fruit on it! And in it!
I cant help myself. My name is Amanda and I am addicted to rainbows.
Here is the top of the cake.
And here is one way you can honor mom this Mothers Day...
...make her a little 'garden party' with drinks and gifts and cake!
Come on. Would your mom not love to have a garden party dedicated to her?
To create the picture frame message, just grab any old picture at the flea market or thrift store, and paint it black with chalkboard paint. Then write anything you want!
(I chose Happy Mothers Day. I am very original.)
I just wrapped some small mason jars with paper and ribbon, then added a little sheath to the straw that says, 'love you mom'.
I sorta coordinated the cups and gifts to match the cake stand.
Not the cake.
Next time I will plan things out better. :)
This cake is covered in whipped cream.
Since I have now discovered how easy it is to cover a cake with whipped cream I will be using it on every single cake I make from now until forever.
You have been warned.
And here is the inside... its a rainbow rainbow cake.
Made with actual fruit instead of just tinting the layers with food coloring*. Not that I am opposed to that. I love that. I try to do that every single time I bake a cake.
But this was not about me! I know some moms like to try and eat right and don't need massive amounts of sugar to make them feel happy. At least, I heard that once. It might be a myth. I'm having a hard time believing it.
Anyway, I printed out six different recipes so that I could make six different cakes for this one rainbow cake.
Then I realized how much work that was so I chickened out.
So, I made a double batch of white cake then added specific ingredients to each layer.
(To do a double rainbow cake I just cut each individual layer in half after baking)
Each cake was baked in a six inch round cake pan using 1 1/4 cups of the white cake batter.
I just added the following ingredients directly to the batter, combined, then poured into prepared pan.
Red- 1/2 cup pureed strawberries
Orange- Two tablespoons of freshly grated orange zest and 1 tsp. freshly squeezed orange juice
Yellow- Two tablespoons of freshly grated lemon zest
Green- 1/2 cup of diced kiwi
Blue-1/2 cup of blueberries, plus a few pureed for color
Purple- 1/2 cup of finely diced purple grapes, 1 tablespoon lemon zest, 1 tablespoon orange zest
*I added a few scant drops of food coloring just to make things a little more easily distinguishable, but for the most part its all just the color of the fruit!
I decided not to use frosting between the layers because this cake was already going to be so tall, so I just made a simple syrup and brushed that on between the layers.
For simple syrup:
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
Put into a pan and bring to a boil. Stir occasionally. Once boiling, remove from heat and let cool.
This meant that the cake stayed nice and moist, and also brought out the wonderful natural flavors of the fruit.
I hope you try it... and be sure to let me know if you do!
I've got (at least) one more great Mothers Day gift idea coming... and its my favorite yet!
Cant wait to share it with you!
Kiddo just said, "WHOA...I love the cakes that she makes!" Maybe he'll make one for me for Mother's Day. ;) (He's reading over my shoulder.)
Your set-up looks like it belongs on Ina Garten's show. You know, where the neighbors come over for an impromptu, perfectly pulled-together party...one brings the flowers, another the wine...you just did that all my yourself! Beautiful!
Posted by: bridget {bake at 350} | Apr 21, 2010 at 05:25 PM
Adorable: the cake, the garden party, the little cups.. everything! I'm happy that i found your blog because everytime I check it I love the new posts!
Posted by: Stephanie | Apr 21, 2010 at 05:27 PM
That cake looks amazing!!! Very pretty!!
Posted by: Lesley Yates | Apr 21, 2010 at 05:29 PM
Outstanding! Can I be your mom?? I promise you'll be my favorite! LOL. I love both fruit AND cake so this one has my name written all over it. I wonder if I can talk hubby or kiddos into making it for me so I dont have to?? Hey, I can dream right??
Posted by: Angien24 | Apr 21, 2010 at 05:31 PM
That is a beautiful, colorful, tall cake! Will you be sending me one? :)
Posted by: Renee | Apr 21, 2010 at 05:33 PM
What a beautiful (ingenious) cake and a beautiful set up. Where do you find the time?! Love all the little table adornments you did as well. You are super baker, super mom, oh and super blogger/twitter buddy! If that's your back yard I love that too:)
Posted by: Paula | Apr 21, 2010 at 05:39 PM
HOW do you do this?! I am seriously blown away more and more each time I come here. OH, and something exciting - I am finally getting your iambaker feeds in my google reader now! I used to only get your main page feeds.
Seriously, Amanda, this is gorgeous, creative, and incredible delicious-looking!
Posted by: Jessica | Apr 21, 2010 at 05:43 PM
Get OUT!!! I've seriously never seen anything like that rainbow cake before in my life! That thing is AMAZING. I'm not a sweets eater but I'd love me a big slice of that rainbow. I hope you made a wish on it before you cut into it :) Stunning Amanda, simply stunning!!!!
Posted by: Renee of Kudos Kookies | Apr 21, 2010 at 05:44 PM
I am totally going to try this recipe! Can't promise mine will look like yours, but hey, It's worth a shot! I love your stuff!
Posted by: Melissa Stockhoff | Apr 21, 2010 at 06:02 PM
that looks SO FANTASTIC!!! and i love that it's not heavily dependant on food coloring. you are a genious!
Posted by: tia | Apr 21, 2010 at 06:12 PM
wow, what a beautiful cake! you truly inspire me to do things i would have never thought i could do before. you make it look so easy! love it!
Posted by: Laci | Apr 21, 2010 at 06:26 PM
This is simply gorgeous! I love everything about it, from the fresh fruit on top, to the rainbow colored layers tinted with fresh fruit, and how TALL this cake is...you are brave! I love your garden party set up, I am sure any mother would be so happy to receive a Mother's Day gift like this! Great job!
Posted by: Lauren @ Crave. Indulge. Satisfy. | Apr 21, 2010 at 06:34 PM
Amanda, I think I am in love....with the cake or you. Not sure which I love more right now. Beautiful, well done. looks delicous! How did it taste?
Posted by: cherylene | Apr 21, 2010 at 06:39 PM
That is so awesome! I am definitely going to be trying this cake! I love fresh fruit!!!
Posted by: Joy Ellis | Apr 21, 2010 at 07:14 PM
That is a gorgeous cake!! LOVE the idea of using fruit inside. I bet it tastes AMAZING!!
I think it might be brave and try this one. ;-)
Posted by: 3rascalsmama | Apr 21, 2010 at 07:47 PM
Gorgeous, gorgeous GORGEOUS! You. Are. Amazing. Love the rainbow fruit, rainbow cake-soooo cute!
Posted by: Kelly | Apr 21, 2010 at 08:23 PM
How sweet! And, that cake does look yummy!! Now I wish my mom lived close by, so I could make one for her!
Posted by: Queen Mommy | Apr 21, 2010 at 08:28 PM
Just gorgeous!
Posted by: Julie @ Willow Bird Baking | Apr 21, 2010 at 08:40 PM
This is so beautiful and brilliant! It's nice to see that a rainbow cake can be done without food coloring...I might be trying it sometime!
Thank you!
Posted by: TabzChewy | Apr 21, 2010 at 09:01 PM
I would love to come home and see this on Mother's Day!
Posted by: Stacy Ness | Apr 21, 2010 at 09:39 PM
I have been looking for a way to make a strawberry cake and you just helped me do that! My mom's birthday is Sunday and I am making dinner for her and my dad. I just might make a strawberry cake for dessert! Thanks so much. And the cake is beautiful!
Posted by: Amanda Sikes | Apr 21, 2010 at 09:52 PM
You are such a hoot! I get such a chuckle reading your posts (that is, in between oohing and aahing over the pictures!)
Posted by: Susan S | Apr 21, 2010 at 10:04 PM
A.MAZ.ING.
You outdo yourself everytime you turn on your oven! I want to be you. Actually maybe I'll just pretend.
Oh, and I think I'm getting fatter just by looking at the pictures of all your goodies( although I'm thinking you made this one special or am I wrong in thinking this one must not have any calories since its a Mother's Day cake) Love your blog Amanda! BTW, I linked you up earlier today in my FB status.
Posted by: Joy | Apr 21, 2010 at 10:21 PM
This post is proof that you are my blog soul mate!
I had zero time to catch up on blogs tonight, so I quickly scrolled through my Reader (over 700 posts) and starred the ones I wanted to read tomorrow (based on the pictures!)
You show up in my Reader now (which I am not used to!) And of course I starred this one because it is GORGEOUS! I was even talking to myself as I did it! Saying how much I wanted that fruit plate for breakfast on Mother's Day. And I had no idea it was you. But it was.
Because you are my blog soul mate.
Posted by: Lorie | Apr 21, 2010 at 10:27 PM
What a beautiful cake, Amanda. It is absolutely stunning. I want to say that I'll try it, but I've said that about so many of your things, and I'm WAY behind. I'll just add it to the list, ok?
Posted by: Michelle Andrews | Apr 21, 2010 at 10:59 PM
Oh my gosh, I totally want to be invited to one of YOUR parties!!!
Posted by: Alicia | Apr 21, 2010 at 11:48 PM
Seriously, this is the cutest table display ever, and the cake looks out of this world beautiful!! I am so glad I found you...I'll be back often!!
I might try and make this cake for my moms birthday this Sunday...I'll let you know how it turns out..I'm a little scared to try something new for a birthday..hmmm we'll see.
Thank you for the lovely post... I want to much to share it on my blog so my friends can see your awesomeness too!
Posted by: Rene'@bargainhoot | Apr 22, 2010 at 12:07 AM
Absolutely love it! Amazing! You are one talented woman. Can't wait to see more of your creations.
Posted by: Libby | Apr 22, 2010 at 12:28 AM
So lovely! I really like the fact that it's mostly colored by the fruit and isn't super-saturated with food coloring like pretty much every other rainbow cake out there. I definitely want to attempt to make this someday. I do have a question... do you have a go-to recipe for white cake? I want to make sure that when I do make it, it'll turn out as tasty as it is pretty. :)
Posted by: V | Apr 22, 2010 at 12:54 AM
Oh my god, that is an amazingly beautiful cake!
Posted by: Sarah | Apr 22, 2010 at 01:04 AM
This is so lovely!! I love the cake, love the fruit decorations on top of the cake, love the table setting, love everything!! You are so creative and talented :)
Posted by: Aimee | Apr 22, 2010 at 03:08 AM
Beautiful and tall cake, as well as your presentation! Great job!
Posted by: Amy | Apr 22, 2010 at 05:02 AM
Beautiful...the cake and the whole garden party! Love flavoring the layers...ingenious!
Posted by: Sue | Apr 22, 2010 at 05:34 AM
What beautiful pictures ~ any mama would be proud to have that set up on Mother's Day!! You are so creative! I loved everything about that cake - it is just fantastic! :o)
Posted by: Aimee | Apr 22, 2010 at 06:02 AM
I absolutely love this cake. I have seen the other rainbow cake, but there's something special about this one. It actually looks light and refreshing too! I really want to make it, like now...too bad I'm at work. :) One question (and I apologize if I just missed this detail), did you make 6 or 12 cake layers? Wondering if you just made 6 and cut them in half, or if you actually made 12. Keep up your creativity - it rocks!
Posted by: Allison | Apr 22, 2010 at 07:50 AM
Gorgeous! I love that you used natural color :)
I'm glad you liked the segment, too!
Posted by: Kaitlin | Apr 22, 2010 at 07:52 AM
Absolutely beautiful. I want to just sit and stare at the cake layers.
Posted by: Tara | Apr 22, 2010 at 08:01 AM
That cake is amazing!!!! I love that you used fruit to tint it.
Posted by: Keisha - Cupcake Wishes & Birthday Dreams | Apr 22, 2010 at 09:49 AM
Hi! I am going to try it out tmr for my mum's birthday but before that, i wanted to ask if i can just use simple syrup to replace the frosting in this recipe? http://iammommy.typepad.com/i_am_baker/2009/10/rainbow-cake-recipe.html
it looks much easier :P however, i still need to wait for it put inside the fridge in before adding more layers right? :)
Posted by: Jasmine | Apr 22, 2010 at 09:55 AM
Mmmm...never under estimate the power of a simple syrup on cake! :) This looks so fresh and beautiful! You have one blessed mom! I hope you both get to have a wonderful day relaxing and celebrating!
Posted by: Londa | Apr 22, 2010 at 11:16 AM
Beautiful!! You are a genius! I think I might try out just a strawberry version of this for my aunt's birthday on Sat! Quick question(s) - what type of whipped cream did you use - did you use store bought - did you make your own - what's the recipe?? :)
Posted by: Michaella | Apr 22, 2010 at 11:40 AM
How annoyed will you get if I just keep leaving comments that say "AMAZING" "FANTASTIC" and "STUPENDOUS" each time you put up a new post?
Seriously... you're testing my vocabulary... I'm running out of synonyms for spectacular.
I love, love, love what you do!!!
Wow!
Beautiful!
Posted by: MommyTopics.com | Apr 22, 2010 at 01:34 PM
You continue to outdo yourself, my dear Amanda!
I love all of it - it looks like such a light treat! And I adore your outdoor table with all of your extras... such talent!
I was hoping that I would have absorbed some of your talent by now but it's not happening.
Posted by: Kate | Apr 22, 2010 at 02:06 PM
Beautiful idea! What type of frosting is used? It looks so white and fluffy...would love a recipe!
Posted by: Emily | Apr 22, 2010 at 02:20 PM
Whoa!! What a stunning cake!! I love the bits of blueberries inside! You should be the favorite for sure after making this. Goodness! I know you would be MY favorite LOL! Great job.
Posted by: Memoria | Apr 22, 2010 at 04:28 PM
oh noooo Amanda!!! Now not only do I feel compelled to make the weekend birthday cake with marshmallow fondant I feel like I need to rainbow the layers as well! :)
What a beautiful surprise (as per your norm) inside of this cake! The colours are fantastic and I love the addition of the fruit! So much fun!
Posted by: Katie | Apr 22, 2010 at 06:12 PM
I'll certainly be trying this. The question is whether or not to do it for Mother's Day, since Mother's Day is on my birthday this year... Do I want to make my own cake?? Hmmm... maybe I'll see what my husband can do with this recipe! Now THAT would be something to blog about. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Heather F | Apr 22, 2010 at 07:22 PM
Okay, you have offically outdone yourself! And, now I want to make that cake! It is so naturally beautiful and I love whip cream for frosting :) If I show this to my girls, we are going to have to make it for sure. Do I? Or do I not? That is the question :)
Posted by: Mary | Apr 22, 2010 at 07:43 PM
What white cake recipe did you use? (Don't say box, lol) I want one that isn't too sweet... any recommendations?
Posted by: Jeni | Apr 22, 2010 at 10:22 PM
BEAUTIFUL!!! I love how tall the cake is. I LOVE all of your decorations!! I LOVE the butterfly plate it is on! I have been thinking about trying a simple syrup on my cake too to keep it moist. Now a question...what types of cake pans do you use?? I'm looking to invest in some good ones... I like that mine are not the non-stick kind (I think the non-stick makes my layers too dark... or maybe it is just my oven that my hubby won't let me replace:) ) But I'm looking for a better quality pan....any suggestions??? You are simply amazing! I think I just might dream about this cake tonight!!
Posted by: Amalia Standard | Apr 22, 2010 at 11:30 PM