Me vs Grandma Cooking Challenge
Me vs Grandma Cooking Challenge is a medium Fusion recipe that serves 8. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Multi DO Joy on YouTube.
Prep: 45 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 1 hr 30 min
Cost: $30.29 total, $3.79 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 8‑inch round Ready‑Made Sponge Cake (store‑bought vanilla or plain sponge, kept at room temperature)
- 1/2 cup Strawberry Jam (smooth, no seeds)
- 1/2 cup Nutella (hazelnut‑chocolate spread)
- 8 oz Cream Cheese (softened, room temperature)
- 1/4 cup Powdered Sugar (sifted)
- 2 cups Heavy Whipping Cream (cold, for whipping)
- 6 drops Food Coloring (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple)
- 100 g Chocolate Bars (dark or milk, chopped for drizzle)
- 1 cup Skittles (assorted colors, for topping)
- 2 tbsp Sprinkles (optional, for extra sparkle)
Instructions
Prepare Cake Layers
Place the ready‑made sponge cake on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut a 2‑inch wide outer ring and a 3‑inch inner circle. You will end up with two rings (outer and inner) and a small central disc.
Time: PT10M
Make Cream‑Cheese Frosting
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 1 cup of cold heavy cream until smooth and fluffy (about 2‑3 minutes). Divide the frosting into six equal portions in separate bowls.
Time: PT8M
Color the Frosting
Add a few drops of each food‑coloring to the six bowls, stirring until the desired hue is achieved. Adjust intensity with more drops if needed.
Time: PT5M
Whip Remaining Cream
In a clean bowl, whip the remaining 1 cup of heavy cream until soft peaks form. Set aside for later layering.
Time: PT5M
Assemble the Base Layer
Place the outer ring on the cake stand. Spread a thin layer of strawberry jam over the top, followed by a thin layer of Nutella. Spread a generous amount of the red‑colored frosting over the Nutella, then add a layer of whipped cream.
Time: PT7M
Add Middle Layers
Place the inner circle on top of the base. Repeat the jam‑Nutella‑colored‑frosting‑cream sequence using orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple frostings in that order, creating a rainbow stack.
Time: PT10M
Top with Central Disc
Finish with the small central disc as the cake’s “cap.” Spread a thin layer of strawberry jam, then a final drizzle of Nutella, and top with a dollop of white‑colored frosting.
Time: PT5M
Chill the Cake
Cover the assembled cake loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to set the layers.
Time: PT30M
Temperature: 4°C
Melt Chocolate for Drizzle
Place the chopped chocolate in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Low heat
Decorate
Drizzle the melted chocolate over the top and sides of the cake in a zig‑zag pattern. Sprinkle Skittles and optional sprinkles over the chocolate while it is still soft. Allow the chocolate to set (about 5 minutes).
Time: PT7M
Serve
Slice with a clean, warm knife (dip in hot water, wipe dry) to get neat wedges. Serve chilled.
Time: PT3M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 5 g
- Carbohydrates
- 45 g
- Fat
- 18 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian
Allergens: Milk, Eggs (in sponge cake), Gluten, Tree nuts (hazelnut in Nutella), Soy (in some chocolate)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Ready‑Made Sponge Cake: Homemade vanilla sponge, Store‑bought pound cake
- Instead of Strawberry Jam: Fresh strawberry puree, Raspberry jam
- Instead of Nutella: Chocolate hazelnut spread, Chocolate butter
- Instead of Cream Cheese: Neufchatel cheese, Greek yogurt (for lighter version)
- Instead of Powdered Sugar: Granulated sugar (blended)
- Instead of Heavy Whipping Cream: Half‑and‑half (less stable)
- Instead of Food Coloring: Natural colorings (beet juice, turmeric, spirulina)
- Instead of Chocolate Bars: Chocolate chips, Baking chocolate
- Instead of Skittles: M&Ms, Jelly beans
- Instead of Sprinkles: Edible glitter
Equipment Needed
- Round Cake Stand
- Sharp Knife
- Cutting Board
- Mixing Bowls
- Hand Mixer
- Spatula
- Piping Bag or Plastic Zip‑Lock Bag (optional)
- Small Saucepan
- Plastic Wrap
- Syringe or Small Squeeze Bottle (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Cutting the cake layers evenly
- Coloring the frosting uniformly
- Assembling layers without shifting
- Chilling the cake to set the structure
- Drizzling chocolate before it hardens
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra shine, brush the chocolate drizzle with a tiny amount of neutral oil.
- Use a warm, damp cloth to wipe the knife between cuts for cleaner slices.
- If you want a stronger nutty flavor, add a tablespoon of toasted hazelnut crumbs between layers.
Troubleshooting
Cake layers crumble when cutting.
Chill the sponge cake for 15 minutes before cutting; use a serrated knife and a gentle sawing motion.
Frosting is too runny.
Add a tablespoon of powdered sugar at a time until the desired consistency is reached, or chill the frosting for 10 minutes.
Chocolate drizzle hardens too quickly.
Re‑warm the chocolate gently over a double boiler or in short microwave bursts, stirring between intervals.
Colors bleed into each other.
Use separate bowls and clean utensils for each color; add food coloring gradually.
Storage
Refrigerator: Cover tightly with plastic wrap; lasts up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in fridge before serving.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours due to dairy content.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the colored frosting up to 24 hours ahead; store in airtight containers in the fridge.
- The assembled cake can be chilled up to 2 days before decorating.
- Melt chocolate just before serving for a glossy finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of a rainbow cake in modern dessert culture?
Rainbow cakes became popular in the early 2000s as a playful, Instagram‑ready dessert, symbolizing celebration, joy, and inclusivity. They are often used for birthdays, pride events, and any occasion that calls for a burst of color.
What are the traditional regional variations of rainbow‑style cakes in Western cuisine?
In the United States and Europe, rainbow cakes are usually made with vanilla sponge and buttercream dyed in layers. Some variations use genoise sponge, Swiss meringue buttercream, or incorporate fruit purees for flavor between the colorful layers.
How is a rainbow cake traditionally served in American celebrations?
It is typically sliced into wedges and served chilled, often accompanied by coffee, tea, or milk. The bright colors make it a centerpiece for birthday parties, baby showers, and pride celebrations.
What occasions or celebrations is a rainbow cake traditionally associated with in contemporary culture?
Rainbow cakes are popular for birthdays, graduation parties, Pride Month events, gender‑neutral baby showers, and any festive gathering where a vibrant visual impact is desired.
What makes the Rainbow Nutella Cream Cake special or unique in Fusion dessert cuisine?
This version combines classic rainbow layers with Nutella and strawberry jam for a rich, nutty‑fruity flavor, while the cream‑cheese frosting adds a tangy balance. The addition of Skittles and chocolate drizzle gives it a playful, candy‑like finish not found in traditional cakes.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the Rainbow Nutella Cream Cake?
Common errors include cutting uneven cake layers, over‑mixing the frosting so it becomes runny, letting chocolate harden before drizzling, and not chilling the cake long enough for the layers to set. Following the critical steps listed will help prevent these issues.
Why does this Rainbow Nutella Cream Cake recipe use ready‑made sponge cake instead of baking a fresh one?
Using a ready‑made sponge saves time and ensures a uniform texture, allowing the focus to be on the colorful frosting, fillings, and decorative elements. It also reduces the risk of an uneven crumb that could affect the stability of the layered design.
Can I make the Rainbow Nutella Cream Cake ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Assemble the cake up to the chocolate drizzle, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Add the chocolate drizzle and Skittles just before serving to keep the toppings fresh and crisp.
What does the YouTube channel Multi DO Joy specialize in?
The YouTube channel Multi DO Joy specializes in whimsical, creative cooking challenges that blend playful presentation with easy‑to‑follow home cooking techniques, often featuring colorful desserts, imaginative plating, and fun family interactions.
How does the YouTube channel Multi DO Joy's approach to dessert creation differ from other cooking channels?
Multi DO Joy focuses on rapid, improvisational challenges using everyday ingredients and ready‑made components, encouraging viewers to think creatively and experiment with bold colors and decorations, whereas many other channels emphasize classic techniques and precise measurements.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
