When a client requested a custom cake inspired by an Italian Rainbow Cookie, also known as a Seven Layer Cookie, I was up for the challenge! I let the client know that I had never baked or tasted one before, but after reviewing several different recipes, I was open to trying it if she was. Even if the cake didn't taste exactly like the original, I felt confident I could make a delicious and unique cake the client would love.
To make this custom cake, I started with my standard vanilla cake recipe, but added in almond extract and almond paste to give it the classic Seven Layer Cookie flavor. I divided the batter into thirds and dyed 1/3 pink and 1/3 green, leaving the remaining third untinted. The three colors in the cookies are meant to represent the white, green and red colors of the Italian flag. Because I wanted the cake to turn out perfectly, I made more batter than I needed so that I could try it out first. Finally, I was ready to start baking!
Once the cakes were baked and cooled, assembly was next. I spread a layer of apricot preserves between each layer, just like in the traditional cookies. (Note that some recipes use raspberry jam in addition to or in place of the apricot.) The cookies are usually covered with a thin layer of chocolate on the top and bottom, but this being a cake, I opted for my decadent chocolate Swiss meringue frosting instead.
The end result was what looked like a very simple chocolate cake. But on the inside was a colorful and tasty surprise. My official taste testers (my husband
and children) and I had a taste of the extra cake. My husband said he wanted more, and you can’t hope for a better
result than that when you’re baking!
Unless it’s what the client said after I delivered the cake, which was “You NAILED the 7 layer cookie cake, add it to your menu!” So tell me friends, would you like to see this cake on my menu?