Unicorn cakes have taken the world by storm, becoming a magical centerpiece at birthday parties, weddings, and special events. These whimsical cakes, often decorated with rainbow-colored buttercream, edible glitter, and fondant unicorn horns, are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to create your own unicorn cake masterpiece, from baking tips to the latest design trends.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, the art of making a unicorn cake is as delightful as it is satisfying. You can customize it with your favorite flavors, colors, and decorations, making it perfect for any occasion. But first, let’s dive into the history of the unicorn cake and why it has become such a beloved dessert at celebrations worldwide.
For a more comprehensive, check out this unicorn cake recipe that includes detailed instructions for funfetti layers and buttercream frosting.
History of Unicorn Cakes
The rise of unicorn cakes coincides with the growing popularity of unicorn-themed products and parties over the past decade. Unicorns have long been symbols of magic and wonder, and this fantasy creature has inspired everything from toys to clothes. Naturally, this trend extended to the world of baking, where unicorn cakes emerged as the ultimate dessert for parties and events.
The colorful mane, golden horn, and expressive eyes of a unicorn cake make it an instant hit, especially for children’s birthday parties. The design can be as simple or elaborate as you want, offering endless possibilities for creativity. From the classic fantasy cake with fondant horns to intricate 3D unicorn cakes, bakers have embraced the opportunity to bring this magical creature to life in cake form.
For visual inspiration, take a look at these unicorn cake design inspirations, showcasing some of the most beautiful unicorn cakes on Pinterest.
Types of Unicorn Cakes
Not all unicorn cakes are created equal! There are several styles to choose from, depending on your level of expertise and the occasion. Let’s explore the most popular types of unicorn cakes:
- Classic Unicorn Cake: The most iconic design, featuring a single-layer or tiered cake with a fondant unicorn horn, ears, and rainbow-colored buttercream mane.
- Drip Unicorn Cake: Combining the trendy drip cake with unicorn designs, this cake features a dripping effect with vibrant icing and a detailed unicorn head on top.
- 3D Unicorn Cake: For the more ambitious baker, 3D unicorn cakes involve sculpting the entire cake into the shape of a unicorn, complete with legs, a body, and a flowing mane.
- Unicorn Cupcakes: Miniature unicorn cakes that are perfect for parties. These cupcakes often feature tiny fondant horns and swirled buttercream in bright colors.
Each of these cakes brings a unique flair to the table, and you can customize them based on the occasion and your preferred flavor profile.
Unicorn Cake Ingredients and Supplies
To create a stunning unicorn cake, you’ll need a combination of basic baking ingredients and specialized decorative supplies. Here’s a breakdown of everything you’ll need:
Essential Cake Ingredients
- Flour: Cake flour or all-purpose flour.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar for the cake, powdered sugar for the buttercream.
- Eggs: Room temperature eggs help with the structure and moisture.
- Butter: Unsalted, softened butter for both the cake and buttercream.
- Milk: Whole milk or buttermilk adds moisture.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds flavor depth to both the cake and buttercream.
Decorative Elements
- Fondant: Used to make the unicorn’s horn, ears, and other details.
- Buttercream Frosting: The base for creating the unicorn’s colorful mane. You’ll need a variety of food coloring to get the right shades.
- Food Coloring: Gel food colors are best for vibrant, bold colors.
- Piping Tips and Bags: Essential for creating the swirling buttercream mane.
- Sprinkles and Edible Glitter: Adds a magical finishing touch to your cake.
Baking Tools
- Cake Pans: Depending on your design, you may need multiple sizes.
- Spatulas and Smoothing Tools: Helps to create a smooth, clean finish on the cake.
- Cake Turntable: Makes it easier to frost and decorate your cake evenly.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make a Unicorn Cake
Now that you have all your ingredients and supplies, it’s time to dive into the process of making your very own unicorn cake. This step-by-step guide will walk you through each part of the cake-making process.
1. Bake the Cake Layers
Start by baking the cake layers. You can opt for funfetti cake, which adds a playful touch with its colorful sprinkles, or go with a classic vanilla, chocolate, or even a marble cake. Follow these steps:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour your cake pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Alternate adding flour and milk, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool completely before decorating.
2. Make the Fondant Horn and Ears
While the cakes are cooling, work on the fondant decorations. The unicorn’s horn and ears are key features of any fantasy cake, and they’re easier to make than you might think.
- Roll white fondant into a cone shape for the horn.
- Twist two smaller ropes of fondant together to form the spiral.
- Paint the horn with edible gold dust or gold food paint for a magical effect.
- For the ears, cut out two pieces of fondant in the shape of leaves and add a smaller pink piece for the inner ear.
3. Prepare the Buttercream Mane
The unicorn’s mane is arguably the most fun part of the cake! Use different colors of buttercream to create a rainbow effect.
- Divide the buttercream into bowls and add a few drops of gel food coloring to each.
- Use piping bags fitted with various tips to create swirls, rosettes, and stars along the top and sides of the cake.
- Alternate colors to mimic a flowing rainbow mane.
4. Assemble and Decorate the Cake
Once the cake layers have cooled and your decorations are ready, it’s time to put it all together.
- Stack the cake layers, applying a thin layer of buttercream between each layer.
- Smooth a crumb coat (a thin layer of frosting) over the entire cake and chill for 15 minutes.
- Apply a second, thicker layer of buttercream and smooth it out using a spatula.
- Position the fondant horn and ears on top of the cake, and pipe the buttercream mane around them.
- Add sprinkles and edible glitter for extra sparkle.
Tips for Perfecting Your Unicorn Cake
Creating a unicorn cake can be a rewarding experience, but like any baking project, it comes with its challenges. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out perfectly:
- Chill the Cake Layers: Chilling the layers before assembling helps prevent the cake from crumbling or collapsing.
- Use Gel Food Coloring: Gel-based food coloring gives you vibrant colors without thinning out your buttercream.
- Practice Piping: If you’re new to using piping bags, practice on a piece of parchment paper before decorating the cake.
- Keep Fondant Covered: Fondant dries out quickly, so keep it covered in plastic wrap when not in use.
Top Design Inspirations for Unicorn Cakes
The design of your unicorn cake can be as unique as your imagination allows. From minimalist designs to bold, over-the-top creations, here are some popular design trends for inspiration:
- Minimalist Unicorn Cake: A simpler design featuring just the unicorn’s horn and ears with a pastel-colored mane.
- Unicorn Drip Cake: Combine the popular drip cake trend with unicorn decorations for a modern and trendy look.
- Bold Rainbow Mane: Use bright, saturated colors for the mane to create a statement-making cake.
- Unicorn Cupcakes: Perfect for parties, unicorn cupcakes offer an easy-to-serve alternative to a full cake.
FAQs About Unicorn Cakes
Here are some common questions people have about making and serving unicorn cakes:
What is a unicorn cake made of?
A unicorn cake typically consists of cake layers (often funfetti or vanilla) and is decorated with buttercream, fondant, and edible glitter.
How do you make a unicorn cake from scratch?
Making a fantasy cake from scratch involves baking the cake layers, shaping fondant decorations, and piping a colorful buttercream mane.
Can you use store-bought fondant for unicorn cake decorations?
Yes, store-bought fondant is a great option for creating the unicorn’s horn and ears. Just make sure to knead it well before shaping.
How much does a unicorn cake typically cost?
The cost of a unicorn cake varies depending on the size and complexity of the design, but custom cakes can range from $50 to $150 or more.
Can you make a gluten-free unicorn cake?
Yes, you can make a gluten-free unicorn cake by substituting gluten-free flour in your favorite cake recipe.
How far in advance can you make a unicorn cake?
You can bake the cake layers up to two days in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Decorations should be added the day of the event for the freshest look.
With these tips, tricks, and inspirations, you’re ready to create your very own magical unicorn-themed cake. Whether you’re baking for a child’s birthday party or simply want to try something fun and colorful in the kitchen, this guide will help you achieve a beautiful, professional-looking cake that’s sure to impress.