Unicorn cakes are a whimsical, fun, and colorful addition to any celebration, whether it’s a birthday, a special event, or just a day that needs a little magic. These delightful cakes, known for their pastel colors, glittery decorations, and iconic unicorn horns, have become a trend that’s loved by both kids and adults alike. In this guide, you’ll learn how to make your very own unicorn cake, from baking the perfect layers to decorating it like a pro.
Essential Ingredients and Tools
Before you begin, it’s crucial to gather all the necessary ingredients and tools to make your unicorn cake a success.
Ingredients
- For the Cake Layers:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- For the Buttercream Frosting:
- 2 cups unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 tablespoons milk
- Food coloring (pastel shades like pink, blue, and purple)
- For Decorating:
- White fondant
- Edible gold dust
- Edible glitter
- Various sprinkles
- Piping bags with star and round tips
Tools
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- 8 or 9-inch round cake pans
- Offset spatula
- Piping bags
- Cake turntable (optional but recommended)
- Fondant rolling pin
Having the right ingredients and tools is the first step toward creating a stunning unicorn cake. Once everything is prepped, you can move on to the fun part—baking and decorating!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Unicorn Cake
1. Prepare the Cake Batter
Your journey to a beautiful unicorn cake begins with the batter.
- Choosing Your Cake Base: Vanilla is a popular choice for the unicorn cake base because it provides a neutral backdrop that complements the colorful decorations. However, you can also experiment with flavors like chocolate, strawberry, or funfetti.
- Mixing the Batter:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture.
- Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Baking the Cake:
- Grease and flour your cake pans.
- Evenly divide the batter between the prepared pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Make the Buttercream Frosting
The buttercream frosting is what makes your unicorn cake truly magical.
- Buttercream Preparation:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy and smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in the vanilla extract and milk, beating on high speed until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Divide the frosting into several bowls and tint each one with food coloring to match your desired unicorn color scheme.
- Creating a Smooth Finish:
- Apply a thin layer of frosting (known as a crumb coat) to the cake, sealing in any crumbs.
- Chill the cake in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before applying the final layer of frosting.
Assembling Your Unicorn Cake
1. Stack the Cake Layers
With your cake layers baked and frosting ready, it’s time to assemble your unicorn cake.
- Layering the Cake:
- Place one cake layer on your cake board or serving plate.
- Spread an even layer of buttercream frosting on top.
- Place the second cake layer on top and repeat the process.
- Smooth out the sides and top with an offset spatula for an even finish.
2. Final Frosting and Smoothing
Achieving a smooth and professional-looking finish is key to a beautiful unicorn cake.
- Smoothing the Buttercream:
- Use an offset spatula to apply the final layer of buttercream, working in long, smooth strokes to achieve a polished appearance.
- If you have a cake turntable, gently rotate the cake while smoothing the frosting with your spatula.
3. Design Your Unicorn Cake
Now comes the most exciting part—decorating your unicorn cake!
Crafting the Unicorn Horn
The unicorn horn is the centerpiece of your cake’s decoration.
- Materials Needed:
- White fondant
- Edible gold dust
- Toothpick or skewer
- Creating the Horn:
- Roll a small piece of fondant into a cone shape.
- Insert a toothpick or skewer into the base for support.
- Lightly brush the horn with edible gold dust for a magical shimmer.
Making the Unicorn Ears and Eyes
- Creating the Ears:
- Roll out white fondant and cut out two ear shapes.
- Attach the ears to the top of the cake using a small amount of buttercream.
- Forming the Eyes:
- Draw closed eyes with black icing or shape small pieces of black fondant to create them.
4. Adding the Mane and Decorations
The mane is where you can truly showcase your creativity with vibrant colors and textures.
- Piping the Mane:
- Fill piping bags with your colored buttercream, fitted with star tips.
- Pipe swirls and rosettes along the top and side of the cake to create a flowing mane.
- Adding Finishing Touches:
- Decorate the mane with edible glitter and sprinkles for extra sparkle.
- Consider adding fondant flowers or stars for an extra touch of magic.
Creative Variations of the Unicorn Cake
1. Rainbow Unicorn Cake
For a surprising twist, create a rainbow unicorn cake by layering different colors of cake batter.
- Layering the Colors:
- Divide the cake batter into several bowls and tint each with a different food coloring.
- Pour the colored batters into the cake pans in layers, creating a beautiful rainbow effect when the cake is sliced.
2. Mini Unicorn Cupcakes
Mini unicorn cupcakes are a perfect, individual-serving alternative to a full cake.
- Miniaturizing the Design:
- Use the same batter and frosting recipe, but bake in a cupcake pan.
- Decorate each cupcake with a tiny unicorn horn and a swirl of buttercream for the mane.
3. Vegan and Gluten-Free Unicorn Cake
For those with dietary restrictions, you can still enjoy a unicorn cake by making a vegan or gluten-free version.
- Substitute Ingredients:
- Replace the eggs with flax eggs or an egg replacer.
- Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
- Ensure all decorations, including fondant and edible glitter, are vegan and gluten-free.
Tips for a Flawless Unicorn Cake
Creating a perfect unicorn cake requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out beautifully:
- Avoid Common Mistakes:
- Overmixing the batter can result in a dense cake.
- Skipping the crumb coat can lead to crumbs in your final layer of frosting.
- Using too much food coloring can affect the taste and appearance of your cake.
- Time-Saving Tips for Beginners:
- Pre-colored fondant can save time and ensure consistent results.
- Prepare decorations like the unicorn horn and ears a day or two in advance.
- Advanced Techniques for Experienced Bakers:
- Airbrushing can create a seamless gradient effect on the buttercream.
- A tiered unicorn~cake adds a grander presentation, perfect for larger celebrations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Unicorn Cakes
What Size Cake is Best for a Unicorn Cake?
Typically, an 8 or 9-inch round cake is ideal for a unicorn cake, serving a small to medium-sized gathering. For larger events, consider making a two-tiered cake or scaling up the recipe.
Can I Make a Unicorn Cake Without Using Fondant?
Yes, you can! Instead of fondant, use modeling chocolate or even create a paper horn and ears as decorations. The buttercream can be colored and piped to create the mane and other features.
How Far in Advance Can I Prepare a Unicorn Cake?
You can bake the cake layers up to two days in advance. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature. The buttercream can also be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Assemble and decorate the cake on the day of or the day before the event for the best results.
What’s the Best Way to Store a Unicorn Cake?
Store your unicorn~cake in a cool, dry place. If it contains perishable fillings, like fresh fruit, it should be kept in the refrigerator. Allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
How Can I Make a Unicorn Cake for a Large Group?
For a large gathering, consider making a tiered unicorn cake or multiple smaller cakes. Alternatively, you could create a large sheet cake with a unicorn theme to serve more guests.
Final Thoughts on Creating a Unicorn Cake
Crafting a unicorn cake is about more than just baking; it’s about bringing a touch of fantasy and delight to any celebration. By following this guide, you’ll be able to create a unicorn cake that’s not only visually stunning but also delicious. Whether you stick with the classic design or add your own unique twists, your unicorn~cake is sure to be the highlight of any event.
Don’t forget, the magic is in the details – from the smooth buttercream to the carefully placed decorations. So go ahead, gather your supplies, and start creating your very own unicorn cake. And when you’re done, share your masterpiece with the world – you never know who you might inspire!