Unicorn cakes are not just visually appealing; they are a magical centerpiece that will steal the show at any party. Whether you’re making a unicorn cake for a birthday party, baby shower, or just because it’s fun, this guide will show you step by step how to bake and decorate a stunning unicorn cake.
While creating a unicorn cake might seem like a daunting task, with the right approach, anyone can do it. Featuring vibrant colors, buttercream frosting, and a bit of creativity, you’ll have a cake that wows your guests. Before diving into the details, make sure you have all the tools and ingredients on hand.
For those just starting with cake decoration, it’s helpful to review cake decorating tips for beginners. Mastering basic techniques will make the entire process smoother. Moreover, picking the right kind of frosting is crucial for success. Many bakers prefer using buttercream frosting for unicorn cakes because of its versatility and ability to hold vibrant colors well.
Part 1: Introduction to Unicorn Cake
What is a Unicorn Cake?
A unicorn cake is a multi-layered cake that features colorful sponge layers, often rainbow-colored, and is covered in smooth buttercream frosting. The decorations typically include a unicorn’s horn made from a sugar cone, piped buttercream rosettes for the mane, and edible glitter for a magical touch. These cakes have gained popularity in recent years, thanks to social media and the love for unicorn-themed parties.
Why Are Unicorn Cakes So Popular?
Unicorn cakes have skyrocketed in popularity because they combine two things people love: magical creatures and cake. The colorful, whimsical design of a unicorn cake makes it the perfect centerpiece for any celebration, from children’s birthdays to adult-themed parties. Moreover, the unicorn symbolizes beauty, mystery, and fun—qualities that are reflected in the bright, pastel colors and intricate designs of the cake. With the rise of social media, especially Instagram and Pinterest, unicorn cakes have become the go-to for those looking to create an eye-catching dessert that’s as fun to eat as it is to post online.
Ingredients and Tools You Need for Making a Unicorn Cake
Before you begin, make sure you have the following essential tools and ingredients:
- For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- Food coloring (pastel shades for the unicorn theme)
- For the Frosting:
- 3 cups butter, softened
- 6 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Edible glitter or sprinkles for decoration
- Tools:
- Offset spatula
- Piping bags with different tips (for rosettes and mane)
- 6-inch round cake pans
- Parchment paper
- Gold edible spray (for the unicorn horn)
Overview of the Step-by-Step Unicorn Cake Process
Creating a unicorn cake involves three key steps:
- Baking the cake layers – While vanilla or funfetti sponge are the most common choices, you can customize the flavor.
- Preparing the buttercream frosting – This step includes coloring the frosting for the unicorn’s mane and ensuring it’s smooth for decoration.
- Decorating – From assembling the layers to adding the iconic unicorn horn, this is where the fun begins!
This guide will walk you through each step, ensuring your cake turns out both beautiful and delicious.
Part 2: Baking the Unicorn Cake Layers
Choosing the Right Cake Flavor for Your Unicorn Cake
When it comes to unicorn cakes, vanilla or funfetti cake is the most popular base because they have a neutral flavor that pairs well with any frosting. Additionally, funfetti, with its colorful sprinkles baked right into the batter, adds to the whimsical theme. However, you can certainly use other flavors such as chocolate, lemon, or even red velvet to personalize your cake.
Choosing the right flavor for your unicorn cake can depend on your audience. For children’s birthday parties, vanilla and funfetti are often the safest choices. On the other hand, if you’re making the cake for adults or someone with a more refined palate, you may want to try something different, like lemon or chocolate. Regardless of the flavor, the most important thing is that the cake is light and fluffy, making it the perfect base for buttercream frosting.
Essential Ingredients for the Cake Base
Here’s a list of the essential ingredients you’ll need to create a delicious unicorn cake:
- Dry Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (at room temperature)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs (at room temperature)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- Food coloring (pastel shades)
Start by sifting the dry ingredients together. This step is important to prevent lumps in the batter. Using room-temperature butter and eggs ensures a smooth mixture when creaming the butter and sugar together. Finally, add gel-based food coloring to create the vibrant unicorn cake layers.
Step-by-Step Cake Batter Preparation
Here are the step-by-step instructions for preparing your cake batter:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line three 6-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- Sift the dry ingredients – In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt, then set aside.
- Cream the butter and sugar – In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until it becomes light and fluffy. This should take around 4-5 minutes on medium speed.
- Add the eggs one by one, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Mix in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk – Start by adding one-third of the dry mixture, followed by half of the milk. Repeat this process until everything is combined.
- Divide the batter – If you’re planning to create rainbow layers, divide the batter evenly into multiple bowls. Use pastel food coloring to dye each bowl of batter a different color.
- Bake – Pour the batter into the prepared cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes. Use a toothpick to check for doneness; it should come out clean when the cakes are ready.
Let the cakes cool completely before moving to the next step.
Baking the Cake Layers
Once your batter is ready, it’s time to bake. Unicorn cakes typically have multiple layers, which contribute to their height and make them visually stunning. To ensure even baking, it’s recommended to use an oven thermometer, as oven temperatures can vary.
Place the cake pans on the center rack and bake for 25-30 minutes. After 25 minutes, check the cakes with a toothpick. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your cakes are done. Overbaking can result in a dry cake, so keep an eye on the time.
After baking, allow the cakes to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial because decorating a warm cake can cause the buttercream frosting to melt and ruin the decorations.
Cooling and Storing Cake Layers
Once your cakes are completely cool, you can proceed with decorating. If you’re not planning to decorate immediately, wrap the cake layers tightly in plastic wrap. Store them at room temperature for up to 24 hours. For longer storage, you can freeze the cake layers by wrapping them in both plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Allow frozen cakes to thaw at room temperature for a few hours before decorating.
Cake Layer Storage Tips
To keep your cake layers fresh, it’s essential to store them properly. Wrapping each layer tightly in plastic wrap will prevent them from drying out. If you’re freezing them, wrapping the cakes twice—first in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil—will ensure they stay moist. When you’re ready to assemble the cake, thaw them at room temperature for about 2-3 hours.