Cozy Quilt Patchwork Cake (Print)

Colorful sponge squares layered with buttercream create a vibrant, comforting dessert with an eye-catching patchwork effect.

# What You 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

# Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line five 8 x 8 inch square baking pans, or plan to bake in batches if you have fewer pans.
02 - In a large bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then incorporate the vanilla extract.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly blended.
04 - Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined.
05 - Divide the batter evenly into five bowls. Tint each portion with a different food coloring gel to achieve vibrant hues.
06 - Pour each colored batter into the prepared pans, spreading evenly. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
07 - Allow cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
08 - Beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, beating until fluffy. Add milk as needed to reach a smooth, spreadable consistency.
09 - Trim the edges of each sponge layer and cut into uniform squares approximately 1 1/4 inches by 1 1/4 inches.
10 - On a large serving tray, arrange the colored squares in an alternating pattern to create a patchwork effect. Use a thin layer of buttercream between squares to adhere them. Continue layering, alternating colors to mimic a quilt pattern.
11 - Spread a thin layer of buttercream over the top and sides, smoothing the surface. Optionally pipe decorative lines to enhance the patchwork design.
12 - Refrigerate the assembled cake for 30 minutes to set before slicing and serving.

# Top Tips:

01 -
  • It's a conversation starter—guests will actually gasp when you reveal the colorful squares inside
  • The buttery vanilla sponge is tender and forgiving, making it easier than you'd think for such an ambitious-looking dessert
  • You can bake it in advance and assemble when you're ready, taking the stress out of dinner party timing
  • It tastes even better the next day as the buttercream softens and the flavors meld together
02 -
  • Room temperature ingredients are essential—cold butter and eggs won't incorporate properly, and you'll end up with a denser, less fluffy cake than intended
  • Gel food coloring is truly non-negotiable; liquid coloring thins the batter and dilutes your colors, making them muddy instead of jewel-toned
  • The squares need to be as uniform as possible so the patchwork pattern looks intentional and beautiful—even a few millimeters off will show
  • Don't skip the chilling step before serving; it makes slicing infinitely easier and helps the cake hold its shape
03 -
  • Use a ruler and a sharp serrated knife when cutting squares—it takes an extra minute but transforms the final look from homemade to intentional
  • Chill the buttercream between layers if your kitchen is warm; it prevents the cake from sliding or leaning
  • If you want deeper, more saturated colors, let the colored batter sit for five minutes after adding the gel coloring—the color continues to deepen
  • Leftover buttercream makes incredible frosting for cupcakes or keeps in the fridge for a week, so never waste it
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