Prepare to amaze your guests with a dessert that's more than meets the eye! Introducing Betty Crocker's spectacular Rainbow Surprise-Inside Cake. From its elegantly simple exterior, no one will guess the explosion of color and fun waiting within. Slice into this incredible cake to reveal a cascade of vibrant candies, creating a truly unforgettable moment for any gathering. Whether it's a birthday, holiday, or just a fun weekend treat, this recipe promises smiles and gasps of delight. It's surprisingly easy to create this show-stopping centerpiece that brings joy to all ages.
From the essential Betty Crocker cake mix to the colorful M&M's that make the "surprise" so special, we've got everything you need listed below.
Betty Crocker™ Delights Super Moist™ Party Rainbow Chip Cake Mix: The perfect foundation for an easy rainbow cake recipe.
Betty Crocker™ Whipped Vanilla Frosting: Creates a smooth, classic finish for your surprise-inside cake.
M&M's® Candy-Coated Milk Chocolate Candies: Essential for the vibrant M&M cake filling.
M&M's® Minis Candy-Coated Milk Chocolate Candies: Adds extra color and texture to the fun cake surprise.
Confetti Sprinkles: For a festive garnish on this colorful dessert.
Other Ingredients You’ll Need: Water, vegetable oil, and eggs
Creating this delightful cake is so simple, even a novice baker can achieve a spectacular result.
Make and bake as directed on the box for 8-inch round cake pans. Be sure to cool the cake pans completely, then wash, dry, and spray with cooking spray before baking the second cake mix. You will be baking 4 rounds total.
Once the four cake layers are cool, use a serrated knife to level their tops. This makes them flat for stacking. Next, take two of these leveled layers. Use a 4-inch round cutter to cut a circle from the center of each. These will be the "walls" for your candy filling. If you don't have a cutter, trace a 4-inch circle on parchment paper, cut it out, and use it as a guide for your knife.
Start with an uncut layer. Spread about 1/3 cup of frosting evenly over the top. Carefully place one of the cake layers with the center removed on top, aligning it precisely. Spread more frosting, then add the second center-removed layer, followed by frosting, building the structure that will hold your exciting surprise!
Combine your M&M's® candies, M&M's® minis, and confetti sprinkles for a vibrant, even mix (about a 1/2 cup). Pour the mixture into the center of your cake and gently press down to flatten. Place the final uncut layer on top. Generously frost the outside of the cake and consider using additional M&M's® or sprinkles for decoration.
Keep the cake loosely covered with tented plastic wrap or in a cake dome. Store at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pans). Spray the bottom and sides of two 8-inch round cake pans; line with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, beat 1 box of cake mix and the ingredients called for on the box with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes, scraping the bowl occasionally. Divide batter between pans. Bake as directed on the box for 8-inch round cake pans. Cool 10 minutes. Remove from the pans to a cooling rack; remove parchment paper. Cool completely, about 1 hour. Meanwhile, repeat mixing and baking with the second box of cake mix to make 2 more layers.
Level the cake layers by trimming off the rounded tops. In 2 of the layers, cut a circle out of the center, using a 4-inch round cutter.
Place 1 uncut cake layer on a cake stand or serving platter; spread 1/3 cup frosting on top. Top with 1 layer of cake with center removed; spread 1/3 cup frosting on top. Top with the second layer with the center removed; spread 1/3 cup frosting on top.
In a small bowl, mix chocolate candies and sprinkles.
Fill the cake with the chocolate candies and sprinkles. Gently press candies to level.
Top with the final uncut cake layer. Frost the side and top of cake with remaining frosting.
Don’t have a 4-inch round cutter for this rainbow surprise cake recipe? Cut out a 4-inch circle of parchment paper and use it as a pattern.
To hint at the hidden candy, top the cake with extra sprinkles or candy. For piped decorations, tint some frosting with Betty Crocker™ Gel Food Color, then use a decorating bag and piping tip to decorate as you wish.
| Food Component / Nutrient | Amount | % , Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Total Fat | 32g | 50% |
| Saturated Fat | 14g | 72% |
| Trans Fat | 0g | % Value Not Available |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5g | % Value Not Available |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 6g | % Value Not Available |
| Omega-3 | ½g | % Value Not Available |
| Cholesterol | 75mg | 25% |
| Sodium | 280mg | 12% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 80g | 27% |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Soluble Fiber | 0g | % Value Not Available |
| Insoluble Fiber | 0g | % Value Not Available |
| Sugars | 63g | % Value Not Available |
| Protein | 5g | % Value Not Available |
| Vitamin D | Value Not Available | 4% |
| Calcium | Value Not Available | 10% |
| Iron | Value Not Available | 6% |
| Potassium | 125mg | 4% |
| Vitamin A | Value Not Available | 4% |
| Vitamin C | Value Not Available | 0% |
| Vitamin E | Value Not Available | 6% |
| Thiamin | Value Not Available | 2% |
| Riboflavin | Value Not Available | 10% |
| Niacin | Value Not Available | 0% |
| Vitamin B6 | Value Not Available | 0% |
| Folic Acid | Value Not Available | 2% |
| Vitamin B12 | Value Not Available | 6% |
| Pantothenic Acid | Value Not Available | 4% |
| Phosphorus | Value Not Available | 8% |
| Magnesium | Value Not Available | 4% |
| Zinc | Value Not Available | 6% |
| Manganese | Value Not Available | 6% |
| Selenium | Value Not Available | 15% |
| Copper | Value Not Available | 8% |
| Beta-Carotene | Value Not Available | % Value Not Available |
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. | ||
