There is nothing more impressive than a layer cake, like this one. Of course, it is pretty with fluffy white frosting, and it is impressively tall. But as soon as you slice into it, you can hear oohs and ahhs all around. And the only thing needed to transform this cake from boring to brilliant is some food coloring!
From clothing to hair color to home decor, the ombre trend is everywhere. What is ombre? It simply means a graduation of color, where you start with a dark color and end with a lighter shade of the same color. I decided to bring that fun idea to the kitchen!
For my Purple Ombre Layered Cake, I prefer to use gel food coloring, which is highly concentrated and which makes the colors vivid and intense. Gel food coloring can be found in bakery supply stores, craft stores and online. A small container lasts forever and can be used to color many, many things.
Start by making the cake batter as you normally would. Divide the batter evenly into four bowls.
Add food coloring to each bowl. Make one a very deep purple and use a little less in each of the other bowls to create lighter shades.
I baked the cakes in two batches because I did not have enough pans. Keep the uncooked batter in the fridge until ready to bake. Pour into prepared pans and bake. Cool completely. If your cakes are uneven, trim the tops.
Make the frosting by whisking 3 egg whites, cream of tartar and salt until peaks form.
Bring the sugar and water to a boil. Cook until a candy thermometer reaches 245°.
Slowly pour the sugar syrup into the egg whites with the mixer running on a slow speed.
Whisk until the bowl is cool to the touch, about 7 minutes. Add the vanilla.
Place the deepest purple cake layer on a serving platter. Spread a thin layer of frosting on top. Repeat with all of the layers, using the next darkest shade of purple and saving the lightest shade for last. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
Slice into this cake, and get ready to impress your guests!