Unicorn cake – sounds magical, right? I remember the first time I tried to bake one for my little cousin’s birthday. She was obsessed with unicorns, so when her mom (my aunt) casually dropped the hint that a unicorn cake would be perfect, I thought, “How hard can it be?” Well, let me tell you—it was a lot harder than I expected!
But after hours of mixing, frosting, and decorating, I ended up with a cake that looked like something out of a fairytale. The look on my cousin’s face when she saw it? Totally worth it.
If you’re ready to make your own magical unicorn cake that will wow your guests, stick with me! In this step-by-step guide, I’m sharing all the tips, tricks, and little secrets to make your unicorn cake the showstopper of the party. Let’s get started! ✨🦄
Table of Contents
Gather Your Ingredients and Tools for the Perfect Unicorn Cake
Essential Ingredients for a Unicorn Cake
To create the perfect unicorn cake, you’ll need a few basic ingredients to start. A solid unicorn cake recipe begins with flour, sugar, butter, and eggs, the essential building blocks for a moist, flavorful cake. Next, consider the magic of buttercream frosting for unicorn cake—its smooth texture and rich taste are key for covering and decorating your cake. For the finishing touches, use fondant to craft a shimmering unicorn horn and delicate ears, while edible glitter adds that extra sparkle, turning your cake into a true showstopper.
The Tools You’ll Need
When I start baking a unicorn cake, I gather all my essential cake-decorating tools. First, I choose the right cake pans to ensure even layers. A cake turntable makes decorating effortless, allowing me to rotate the cake smoothly as I work. I also rely on piping bags and various decorating tips to create intricate designs with frosting. To perfect the layers, I use a cake leveler to trim the tops, then smooth the edges with a cake scraper for a professional, polished finish. These tools make all the difference in achieving a flawless result.
Where to Find Unicorn Cake Decorations
When it comes to decorating my Unicorn Cake, I always start by exploring both online and local stores. For specialty items like fondant, sprinkles, and edible glitter, I head to popular cake supply brands or shops. Websites like Amazon and Etsy offer a vast selection of unicorn-themed decorations, from shimmering horns to rainbow sprinkles. If I prefer shopping in person, local baking supply stores often carry unique unicorn cake toppers and colorful edible items. With so many options, it’s easy to find everything I need to make my cake truly magical.
Bake the Base of Your Magical Unicorn Cake
Preparing Your Cake Layers
To bake the base of your unicorn cake, I start by preheating the oven and preparing my pans with parchment paper. When I’m ready, I pour the batter evenly into the pans, making sure the layers are about the same thickness to ensure uniformity. How to bake a unicorn cake properly requires careful attention to time and temperature. I set a timer and avoid opening the oven door too often, as this can cause the layers to sink. Once the cakes are done, I let them cool completely on a wire rack before I begin to layer a cake. This helps prevent any melting or uneven stacking.
How to Color Your Cake Layers
To create colorful cake layers for my Unicorn Cake, I start by dividing the batter into separate bowls. I use gel food coloring for the most vibrant, even colors. For a rainbow unicorn cake, I add a few drops of each color to the batter and gently fold them in, being careful not to overmix. I aim for soft, uniform colors that won’t bleed into each other. For pastel tones, I use a lighter touch with the food coloring, adding just a small amount. The key is to achieve bold, distinct colors that make each layer pop without compromising the cake’s texture.
Tips for Layering Your Unicorn Cake
When it’s time to layer a cake for my Unicorn Cake, I start by ensuring each layer is level. I use a cake icing technique like crumb-coating to seal in any loose crumbs before applying a thicker layer of frosting. I spread a generous amount of frosting between each layer, making sure it’s even all around. To keep my cake straight, I gently press down on each layer as I stack, ensuring they align properly. I repeat this process, taking my time to build a solid, stable structure. The key is patience—every layer should be smooth and evenly stacked to avoid any wobbling.
Magical Unicorn Cake Recipe
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups sugar
- 1 stick salted butter room temperature
- 5 large egg whites
- ¾ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup shortening
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup rainbow sprinkles
For the frosting:
- Vanilla buttercream frosting store-bought or homemade
- Food coloring purple, pink, blue
For the decorations:
- White marshmallow fondant
- Gold edible highlighter dust
- Almond extract for mixing with gold dust
Instructions
Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter, shortening, and sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Gradually add egg whites, mixing one at a time.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
- Add vanilla and almond extracts to the wet mixture. Then, alternate adding dry ingredients and milk, mixing well after each addition.
Add Rainbow Sprinkles:
- Gently fold in rainbow sprinkles using a spatula to avoid breaking them apart.
Bake the Cake:
- Divide the batter evenly between three greased 6" round cake pans. Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool and Level the Cakes:
- Let cakes cool completely, then level the tops using a cake leveler or sharp knife.
Assemble the Cake:
- Pipe and spread vanilla buttercream frosting between layers, and smooth the top and sides with an offset spatula.
Decorate:
- Pipe colorful frosting rosettes, kisses, and dollops around the cake to create a unicorn mane. For the eyes, pipe simple arches and lashes with black icing.
Make the Unicorn Horn and Ears:
- Use white marshmallow fondant to create unicorn ears and a horn. Paint the horn and ears with gold edible highlighter dust.
Finish the Cake:
- Add the fondant horn and ears to the cake. Place in the fridge to set before serving.
Notes
- Optional: Customize the frosting colors based on your preferences. You can also add edible glitter for extra magic!
- The cake can be made a day in advance, but be sure to store it in a cool place.
Decorate Your Unicorn Cake with Magical Designs
Covering the Cake with Buttercream Frosting
To cover my Unicorn Cake with smooth, even buttercream frosting, I first apply a thin layer of frosting all over the cake. This initial layer, known as crumb-coating, helps lock in any crumbs and creates a smooth surface for the final frosting. I chill the cake for about 15 minutes to set the crumb coat before applying the next layer. Using cake icing techniques, I spread a generous amount of buttercream frosting over the cake, smoothing it out with an offset spatula. I continue working around the cake, ensuring every side is perfectly covered and free of any imperfections for a flawless finish.
Creating a Unicorn Horn and Ears
To create the perfect Unicorn Cake, I start by rolling out fondant to make the unicorn horn. I shape it into a cone, twisting as I go to create a spiral effect. Once I’m happy with the size, I let it firm up before adding subtle shimmer with edible glitter. For the ears, I shape two small teardrop pieces of fondant and gently flatten the bottom. I add delicate details for the inner ear and set them aside to harden. To make a unicorn horn and ears that stay in place, I use a bit of fondant glue to secure them to the cake, ensuring they are centered and stable.
Adding Colorful Details
To bring my Unicorn Cake to life, I start by adding a touch of magic with edible glitter. I gently sprinkle it across the cake’s top and around the unicorn horn to create a sparkling effect. Then, I add colorful sprinkles in pastel hues, scattered evenly for a cheerful look. For the finishing touches, I use a piping bag to create small flowers and swirls with buttercream, carefully placing them to enhance the unicorn theme. These unicorn cake decorations tie everything together beautifully. I also draw inspiration from various cake decoration ideas to ensure every detail is whimsical and fun.
How to Make Your Unicorn Cake Stand Out
Creating a Magical Unicorn Effect with Colorful Buttercream
To create a magical unicorn cake, I use the buttercream rosette technique to bring the cake to life with a stunning rainbow effect. I divide my buttercream into separate bowls and color each one with vibrant shades. Then, using a large piping tip, I pipe the buttercream rosettes in a flowing pattern, blending the colors seamlessly for a dreamy, magical look. I focus on creating smooth transitions between colors, ensuring they look like a beautiful, soft rainbow. The rainbow cake decoration brings a burst of color to the cake, giving it a whimsical, enchanting finish that’s perfect for any unicorn-themed celebration.
Using Sugar Flowers and Sprinkles for Extra Magic
To add extra magic to my Unicorn Cake, I turn to sugar flowers and cake sprinkles. I place delicate, edible flowers on top of the cake to give it a soft, natural touch, enhancing the whimsical theme. Sugar flowers add a refined elegance, making the cake feel more enchanting. I also scatter cake sprinkles across the frosting to create a playful, sparkling effect. For special occasions like birthdays or baby showers, I personalize the decorations with matching colors or theme-specific shapes. This helps make the cake truly unique and adds a dash of magic to the event. I always love looking for unicorn cake design inspiration for new, creative touches!
Personalizing Your Unicorn Cake
To make my Unicorn Cake truly special, I love adding personalized touches. I use icing to pipe the name and age on the cake in a fun, whimsical font. If I want something more polished, I roll out fondant to create letter shapes and affix them to the cake for a clean, professional look. For a personalized unicorn cake, I incorporate themed elements like a small unicorn figurine or fondant flowers around the edges. Adding these small details transforms the cake into a custom unicorn cake that’s perfect for any celebration, making it extra memorable for the guest of honor.
Tips for Serving and Storing Your Unicorn Cake
How to Slice and Serve Your Unicorn Cake
When it comes to cutting a unicorn cake, I focus on presenting it in the most Instagram-worthy way. I use a sharp knife, heated under hot water, to make clean, smooth cuts through the layers. This helps keep the Unicorn Cake intact and ensures each slice reveals the beautiful layers of color. To serve, I place each piece on a plate, making sure the vibrant rainbow layers are visible. For the perfect look, I slice the cake gently and avoid pressing down, allowing the layers to shine. This method helps when figuring out how to serve a unicorn cake with a show-stopping effect.
Storing Your Unicorn Cake
To keep my Unicorn Cake fresh, I always store it in an airtight container, especially if it’s for a few days. If I’m storing a unicorn cake for just a few hours, I cover it with plastic wrap and leave it at room temperature. For longer storage, I refrigerate the cake to prevent the frosting from softening. I also make sure to wrap any leftover fondant or buttercream in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container. These cake storage tips help preserve the cake’s texture and flavor, so it stays just as delicious when served later.
Tips for Transporting Your Unicorn Cake
When it comes to transporting a unicorn cake, I make sure to take extra care to prevent it from falling apart. First, I place the cake on a sturdy, flat cake board, which makes handling much easier. I also use a cake box that’s tall enough to accommodate the layers and secure the cake in place. For added stability, I insert a few wooden dowels through the cake to hold the layers together. When I’m following cake transport tips, I keep the cake cool by placing ice packs around the box. This ensures my Unicorn Cake stays fresh during the journey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the typical flavor of a unicorn cake?
Unicorn cakes often feature vibrant colors and are typically made with a vanilla base, providing a light, sweet flavor. Some variations include different flavors like chocolate or strawberry for added richness. The key is to balance flavor with the cake’s colorful and whimsical appearance.
What can I use to create a unicorn horn on my cake?
A unicorn horn can be made using fondant, which is molded into a cone shape, or you can use a pre-made candy or ice cream cone. Some bakers also opt for modeling chocolate or a waffle cone covered in edible glitter for a magical touch. The fondant option allows for more control over the design and texture.
What does a unicorn cake symbolize or represent?
A unicorn cake often symbolizes magic, wonder, and whimsy, representing themes of fantasy and creativity. It’s a popular choice for celebrations like birthdays, especially for those who love the mythical, enchanting nature of unicorns. It’s also used as a symbol of joy and uniqueness.
When did unicorn cakes start trending?
Unicorn cakes began trending around 2015 when social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest helped popularize visually stunning and imaginative cake designs. Their vibrant, multi-colored layers and whimsical decorations quickly became a hit for birthday parties and special events. The trend grew as more cake decorators shared their creative versions of unicorn-themed desserts.
Why have unicorn-themed cakes become so popular?
Unicorn cakes have gained popularity due to their association with fantasy and magic, sparking a sense of nostalgia and excitement. Their bold, colorful designs are visually striking, making them ideal for celebrations that call for something extraordinary. The versatility in decoration and appeal to all ages have helped them remain a go-to choice for themed parties and events.
Conclusion
I hope this unicorn cake tutorial has sparked your creativity and inspired you to create your own magical masterpiece. Whether you’re making a DIY unicorn cake for a birthday or just to brighten someone’s day, the possibilities for decoration are endless. I’d love to see how your cake turns out, so don’t forget to share your stunning creations and unicorn cake ideas on social media—tag me on Instagram or Pinterest! Let’s keep the magic alive and inspire others with our whimsical designs. Happy baking, and may your unicorn cakes always be as sweet as they are beautiful!