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Final decorated unicorn cake with edible glitter and sugar flowers.

Magical Unicorn Cake Recipe

sophie
Learn how to make a whimsical unicorn cake with a fun Funfetti base, rainbow frosting, and fondant decorations. Perfect for any unicorn lover!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 10 servings
Calories 450 kcal

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.
Keyword DIY unicorn cake, Funfetti cake, homemade Funfetti cake, unicorn cake decorations, unicorn cake tutorial