Cozy Quilt Patchwork Cake (Print View)

A vibrant patchwork cake made of colorful sponge squares layered with smooth buttercream frosting.

# What You'll Need:

→ Sponge Cake

01 - 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
03 - 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
06 - 4 large eggs
07 - 1 cup whole milk
08 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
09 - Food coloring gels (red, yellow, green, blue, purple)

→ Buttercream Frosting

10 - 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
11 - 4 cups powdered sugar
12 - 3 to 4 tablespoons milk
13 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
14 - Pinch of salt

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line five 8 x 8 inch square baking pans, or prepare to bake in batches if limited on pans.
02 - In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in vanilla extract.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until well blended.
04 - Alternately add the flour mixture and milk to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with the flour, mixing just until combined.
05 - Divide batter evenly into five bowls and tint each with a different food coloring gel to achieve vibrant shades.
06 - Pour each colored batter into prepared pans and spread evenly. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
07 - Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
08 - Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, beating to a fluffy consistency. Add milk as needed until desired texture is reached.
09 - Trim edges of each sponge and cut into uniform 1 1/4 x 1 1/4 inch squares.
10 - Arrange colored squares on a large tray in alternating colors creating a patchwork pattern. Use a thin layer of buttercream between squares to adhere them together, building multiple layers with color variation.
11 - Coat the top and sides with a thin layer of buttercream, smoothing the surface. Optionally pipe lines of buttercream to emphasize the patchwork design.
12 - Refrigerate the assembled cake for 30 minutes to set before slicing and serving.

# Expert Insights:

01 -
  • It's a showstopper that looks like it took professional baking skills, but the technique is surprisingly forgiving once you understand the rhythm
  • Every slice reveals a beautiful patchwork pattern that feels like edible art, and guests always ask how you managed something so intricate
  • The vanilla sponge is tender and moist, never dry, and the buttercream holds the entire structure together while keeping each bite light
02 -
  • Room temperature ingredients are non-negotiable. Cold butter won't cream properly, cold eggs won't incorporate smoothly, and this affects the final texture more than any other single factor.
  • Your oven temperature matters more than you think. An oven that runs 10 degrees hot will brown the edges while the center is still underbaked. Invest in an oven thermometer; it's one of the best kitchen purchases you'll make.
  • Gel food coloring is absolutely essential—liquid coloring will thin your batter and muddy your beautiful colors, ruining the entire aesthetic of this cake.
03 -
  • Use an offset spatula for frosting; it gives you the control and precision needed for even coverage. A regular knife works but will drag the crumb and create an uneven finish.
  • If your buttercream is too soft, chill it for 15 minutes before frosting. If it's too stiff, let it sit at room temperature and beat again; don't add more milk unless absolutely necessary.
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