Cozy Quilt Patchwork Cake (Printable Version)

Colorful sponge squares layered for a comforting patchwork dessert with creamy buttercream frosting.

# What You'll Need:

→ Sponge Cake

01 - 2 ⅞ cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
03 - 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
04 - ½ 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 ½ 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 Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and line five 8 x 8 inch square baking pans, or prepare to bake in batches if pans are limited.
02 - In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then incorporate vanilla extract.
03 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
04 - Alternately add the flour mixture and milk to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined to avoid overmixing.
05 - Divide batter evenly into five bowls and tint each portion with different food coloring gels for vibrant hues.
06 - Pour each colored batter into its prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
07 - Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes, then release onto wire racks to cool completely before further handling.
08 - Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, mixing until fluffy. Thin with milk to reach desired spreading consistency.
09 - Trim cake edges and slice each colored sponge into uniform 1¼ x 1¼ inch squares. Arrange squares in alternating colors on a large tray, adhering layers with a thin spread of buttercream to create a patchwork pattern.
10 - Build the cake by stacking patchwork layers, applying buttercream between each to secure the design and maintain even structure.
11 - Apply a thin crumb coat of buttercream over the assembled cake, smoothing sides and top. Optionally, pipe decorative lines with buttercream to accentuate the quilted appearance.
12 - Refrigerate the cake for 30 minutes to set the frosting, then slice and serve.

# Tips for Success:

01 -
  • It looks impossibly impressive but rewards careful planning with stunning results that make everyone at your table pause and smile
  • The soft, vanilla sponge paired with silky buttercream melts on your tongue in the most comforting way
  • Once you understand the system, you discover you can customize the colors to match any celebration or mood
02 -
  • Room temperature ingredients aren't just a suggestion—they make the difference between a dense cake and an airy masterpiece that melts on your tongue
  • Gel food coloring is absolutely essential; liquid coloring will thin your batter and create an uneven crumb, ruining that perfect sponge texture
  • Measure your batter portions carefully when dividing into five bowls—uneven amounts mean some cakes will bake faster than others, and you'll end up with one dry cake among four perfect ones
03 -
  • If you're nervous about five separate cakes, bake just three colors first—a smaller version is equally stunning and less daunting
  • Chill your frosting-frosted assembled cake for an hour or even overnight before serving; this helps the structure hold together when sliced
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