Cozy Quilt Patchwork Cake (Printable Version)

Colorful sponge squares layered and frosted to create a comforting patchwork cake with rich buttercream.

# Needed Ingredients:

→ 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

# Preparation 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 pans are limited.
02 - Beat unsalted butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then incorporate vanilla extract.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
04 - Alternately add flour mixture and whole milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
05 - Divide batter evenly into five bowls. Tint each with a different food coloring gel to achieve vibrant hues.
06 - Pour each colored batter into prepared pans and spread evenly. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
07 - Allow cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
08 - Beat unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt, continuing to beat until fluffy. Add milk slowly to reach desired spreading consistency.
09 - Trim edges and slice each colored sponge into uniform 1 1/4 x 1 1/4 inch squares.
10 - Arrange sponge squares on a large tray in an alternating color pattern to form a patchwork. Use a thin layer of buttercream to adhere squares together. Build multiple layers maintaining the quilted effect.
11 - Apply a thin layer of buttercream over the assembled cake, smoothing the top and sides. Optionally pipe buttercream lines to enhance the patchwork appearance.
12 - Refrigerate the assembled cake for 30 minutes to set before slicing and serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's a guaranteed conversation starter that makes you look like a pastry chef, even though the technique is surprisingly forgiving.
  • The colorful squares mean you can serve a slice that feels personal and unique every single time.
  • It stays moist and delicious for days, and honestly gets better as the flavors settle together.
02 -
  • Room temperature ingredients are not optional—they really do make a difference in how smoothly everything combines and how tender the final cake is.
  • Gel food coloring is worth seeking out at baking supply stores; liquid colors will thin your batter and make the cake gummy, which I learned during an unfortunate first attempt.
  • Don't skip the cooling step. Assembling this cake while the sponges are still warm is a recipe for crumbling corners and frustration.
03 -
  • If you don't have five square pans, you can absolutely bake in batches—just keep the first layers well wrapped and at room temperature until you're ready to assemble everything.
  • The serrated knife is your best friend when cutting those sponges into squares; a dull knife will compress the cake and ruin the clean edges you're after.
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