Tie-dyed Birthday Cake

Last year just about this time, I found a recipe in the Family Fun magazine that I really wanted to make for Taste-A-Rainbow Cupcakes.  I tore it out of the magazine before I threw it away just so I could file it away in my to-do recipes folder.  Super cute, huh!?

Well, as we approached my daughter's 7th birthday this past January, she INSISTED we make her these cupcakes.  Originally I had wanted to make them for her class and stay true to the recipe.  Then remembered that homemade treats are no longer allowed in schools.  We were sad.  So, instead we opted to make one giant cake for home.  I had envisioned this cake being perfect rainbow stripes.  

I measured the batter out equally into six bowls (I used white cake mix but you could also use yellow without problem).  Then added our Wilton food coloring for even more intense colors. If you've never tried the Wilton food coloring, I HIGHLY recommend it.  They're going to cost you a bit more, but you will be so much happier with the outcome and a little goes a LONG way!  I get mine at a local craft store.  

As you can see, the cake didn't end up with perfect stripes, but more of a tie-dyed look.   Which still looked pretty darn awesome!  I used vanilla pudding between the cake layers and a homemade buttercream frosting with a touch of cream cheese in it.  FABULOUS!!!  

{buttercream frosting}

1/2 c. butter, softened
6-7 c. powdered sugar
2 tsp. vanilla extract

1/2 tsp. almond extract

1-8oz. pkg cream cheese, softened

Whip butter and cream cheese together until light and fluffy.  Add extracts.  Slowly add powdered sugar until you get the desired consistency/flavor.  You might add a little more or less powdered sugar depending on how you like it.  

Enjoy!

If you want the directions on how to make this cake/cupcakes using store-bought food coloring drops, go HERE.  Otherwise, head on over to your favorite craft store and pickup the colors you like best to go into your cake!