Name: Sri Lankan Ribbon Cake Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Sri Lankan
Ingredients: 250g salted butter, softened; 225g sugar; 5 eggs; 225g all-purpose flour; 2 tsp baking powder; 3 tsp vanilla extract; 1/4 cup milk (or 2 tbsp milk powder + 3 tbsp cold water); Green and pink food colouring; 200g salted butter, softened; 500g icing sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2-3 tbsp milk or heavy cream

If you have yet to experience the dazzling delight of layered cakes, let me introduce you to the vibrant world of the Sri Lankan Ribbon Cake Recipe. This cake is a feast for both the eyes and the palate, showcasing colorful, buttery layers stacked to perfection. Traditionally made for joyous celebrations, this cake brings a touch of Sri Lankan culture and festivity right to your table. The hypnotizing ribbons of pastel pink, green, and golden layers deliver a subtly sweet, rich, and moist sensation with every bite, making it a showstopper dessert you will want to bake again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows three white bowls placed on a white marbled surface. Each bowl contains a smooth, thick batter of different pastel colors: the bowl on the left holds a light peach-colored batter, the bowl on the right has a pale green batter, and the bowl at the bottom contains a creamy beige batter. Behind the bowls, there is a wooden board with black text and a green leafy plant in a white pot. The lighting highlights the soft texture of the batter, making the colors stand out clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of the Sri Lankan Ribbon Cake Recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of its basic ingredients. Each component plays an essential role in crafting the cake’s delicate texture, rich buttery flavor, and those irresistible colorful layers that define the dish.

250g salted butter (softened): Provides richness and tenderness to the cake crumb for a moist finish.
225g sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps create a light, airy texture when creamed with butter.
5 eggs: Bind the ingredients together while lending structure to the cake.
225g flour: The foundation for the cake’s body; sifted for extra softness and fluffiness.
2 tsp baking powder: Gives lift and volume to the cake layers.
3 tsp vanilla: Infuses warmth and aroma, balancing out the sweetness elegantly.
1/4 cup milk (or 2 tbsp milk powder + 3 tbsp cold water): Adds moisture and helps in mixing ingredients smoothly.
Green and pink food colouring: Creates the eye-catching ribbon layers that make this cake so famous.
200g salted butter (for frosting): Forms the silky, rich buttercream essential for layering between cakes.
500g icing sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect spreadable consistency.
1 tsp vanilla (for frosting): Adds fragrance and depth to the buttercream flavor.
2-3 tbsp milk or heavy cream (for frosting): Adjusts the buttercream’s smoothness for easy spreading.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Sri Lankan Ribbon Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 150°C (300°F). Allow it to reach an even baking temperature by waiting approximately 10 minutes. Meanwhile, line three identical 15cm round cake pans with parchment paper or grease them well. This ensures your layers bake evenly and release effortlessly.

Step 2: Sift Dry Ingredients

Sift the all-purpose flour and baking powder together twice. This simple step aerates the flour and evenly distributes the leavening agent, which is crucial for the feather-light layers that characterize the Sri Lankan Ribbon Cake Recipe.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light, fluffy, and creamy. This can take a few minutes, but patience here ensures a tender crumb by incorporating air into the batter. A well-creamed base is what gives this cake its soft texture and lovely rise.

Step 4: Add Eggs Gradually

Add the eggs one by one to the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition. This gradual process helps maintain the emulsion, keeping the batter smooth and preventing any curdling. The batter should stay silky and homogenous.

Step 5: Incorporate Flour Gently

Fold the sifted flour and baking powder into the batter gently using a spatula. This step is all about preserving the air you’ve worked so hard to whip in. Overmixing can develop gluten, which would make the cake tough instead of tender.

Step 6: Add Vanilla and Milk

Mix vanilla extract into milk or the prepared milk substitute. Pour this into your batter, folding it in carefully until the mixture is smooth and lump-free, maintaining that precious lightness in the batter.

Step 7: Divide and Colour the Batter

Separate the batter evenly into three bowls. Add pink food coloring to one bowl, green to another, and leave the last one natural, showcasing the cake’s golden buttery hue. Stir gently so that each batch is perfectly colored without overmixing.

Step 8: Bake the Layers

Pour each colored batter into its respective prepared cake pan and bake for about 45 minutes at 150°C. Use a toothpick to check doneness—when it comes out clean, your layers are ready to cool. Let them rest in the pans for several minutes, then gently remove and cool completely on wire racks.

Step 9: Prepare the Buttercream Frosting

While the cake cools, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add icing sugar and continue beating until fluffy. Stir in vanilla extract, then slowly add milk or heavy cream to achieve a thick, spreadable buttercream. This luscious filling is the glue that holds your ribbon cake masterpiece together.

Step 10: Assemble the Ribbon Cake

Use a bread knife to level the tops of each cake layer if uneven. Place the first layer on your serving plate, spreading a thin, even layer of buttercream over it. Stack the next layer carefully on top and repeat until all layers are assembled. This layering reveals the signature striped ribbon effect once sliced.

How to Serve Sri Lankan Ribbon Cake Recipe

A tall, round cake with three visible layers is shown on a white plate on a white marbled surface. The cake is covered in smooth, light yellow cream frosting that thinly covers the sides, allowing some of the dark brown cake layers to peek through. The top of the cake has a thick layer of the same light yellow frosting, with a woman's hand sprinkling colorful round sprinkles over one side near the edge. The background has a small wooden sign and green leaves. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A garnish should complement without overpowering this cake’s visual charm and delicate flavor. Fresh edible flowers, a light dusting of icing sugar, or a few colorful sprinkles add the perfect celebratory touch to your Sri Lankan Ribbon Cake Recipe.

Side Dishes

Pair this treat with a steaming cup of Sri Lankan tea or a fragrant coffee for an inviting afternoon snack or a festive dessert. Light fruit salads or coconut chutneys can subtly balance the cake’s sweetness and provide a refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For celebrations, slice thin, uniform pieces to reveal the vibrant ribbon layers. Serve cake slices alongside small bowls of fresh fruit or gently whipped cream for a luxurious, eye-catching presentation that will wow your friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the buttercream fresh. It will stay delicious for up to 4 days, making it perfect for those who want to enjoy the layered beauty over several occasions.

Freezing

The Sri Lankan Ribbon Cake Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to protect it from freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving to maintain texture and flavor.

Reheating

Since this is a buttercream layered cake, reheating isn’t necessary. If you prefer your cake slightly less chilled, simply bring it to room temperature for 30 minutes before slicing and serving. This ensures the buttercream softens nicely without melting.

FAQs

Can I use other food coloring instead of pink and green?

Absolutely! The fun of the Sri Lankan Ribbon Cake Recipe lies in its vibrant colors. Feel free to experiment with any food coloring shades you love to create a ribbon cake personalized for your celebration.

Is salted butter necessary for this recipe?

Using salted butter adds a subtle savory balance that enhances the cake’s sweetness thoughtfully. However, if you only have unsalted butter, simply omit any added salt to keep the flavor balanced.

Can I make this cake without an electric mixer?

Yes, you can. Creaming the butter and sugar by hand will take more effort but is doable with a sturdy whisk or wooden spoon. Just be patient to achieve the light, fluffy texture essential for this recipe.

What is the best way to cut this cake to show the ribbon layers?

A sharp serrated knife works best to slice through the layers cleanly without compressing the cake. Cutting straight down instead of sawing side to side helps preserve the vivid stripes beautifully.

Can I substitute the milk with a dairy-free alternative?

Yes, plant-based milks such as almond or oat milk work well. Use the same quantity and ensure the milk is at room temperature for the best batter consistency.

Final Thoughts

Making the Sri Lankan Ribbon Cake Recipe is like creating a little masterpiece of color and flavor—a cake that not only tastes sublime but is a true celebration for the eyes. If you’re looking to impress loved ones with something uniquely beautiful and delicious, this cake will become one of your favorites in no time. So grab your apron and let those vibrant layers shine in your kitchen!