Introduction
Ever seen a cake so dreamy that it looks like it was baked in a fairy tale? Enter the unicorn cake—a whimsical, colorful, and magical dessert that has taken over birthdays, baby showers, and Instagram feeds! With its signature golden horn, pastel swirls, and buttercream mane, this cake isn’t just a treat—it’s an experience.
But how do you make a unicorn cake that’s as stunning as it is delicious? Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a total beginner, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from essential ingredients to expert decorating tips. You’ll learn how to bake, assemble, and decorate a unicorn cake like a pro. Plus, we’ll explore common mistakes to avoid, creative variations, and even where to buy a pre-made unicorn cake if baking isn’t your thing.
Ready to bring some magic into your kitchen? Let’s get started!
What is a Unicorn Cake?
The History and Popularity of Unicorn Cakes
The unicorn cake craze isn’t just a passing trend—it’s a full-blown baking revolution! But where did it all begin? Unicorns have symbolized magic, mystery, and fantasy for centuries. However, their place in the baking world skyrocketed thanks to social media. Pinterest, Instagram, and TikTok are overflowing with gorgeous rainbow unicorn cakes, inspiring bakers around the globe to recreate these edible masterpieces.
Bakers and cake lovers are drawn to unicorn cakes because of their versatility. You can create a classic pastel unicorn cake, a bold and vibrant rainbow version, or even a mini unicorn cupcake for bite-sized magic. Plus, they’re perfect for any celebration, from kids’ birthdays to themed parties.
Why Unicorn Cakes Are a Top Trend for Celebrations
So, why is the unicorn cake still one of the most requested cakes for special occasions? Here’s why people can’t get enough of them:
- They’re Instagram-worthy – The dreamy buttercream swirls, golden horns, and edible glitter make for jaw-dropping photos.
- They work with any cake flavor – Whether you love chocolate, vanilla, red velvet, or even strawberry, you can customize a unicorn cake to match your favorite taste.
- They’re fun to decorate – Even beginner bakers can create a magical DIY unicorn cake with a little practice and creativity.
Unicorn cakes are all about imagination, color, and fun. Whether you go for pastel tones or a bold, rainbow-layered masterpiece, this cake is sure to be the centerpiece of any party.
Now that you know what makes a unicorn cake so special, let’s dive into the key ingredients and tools you’ll need to bring your magical cake to life!
Essential Ingredients and Tools for a Unicorn Cake
Before you dive into baking a unicorn cake, you need to gather the right ingredients and tools. A well-prepared baker is a successful one! Let’s explore the essentials.
Best Cake Flavors for Unicorn Cakes
A unicorn cake should be as delicious as it is beautiful. Here are some popular flavor options:
- Vanilla cake – A classic choice that’s easy to customize with food coloring.
- Funfetti cake – Adds a festive touch with colorful sprinkles baked inside.
- Chocolate cake – A rich and indulgent option for chocolate lovers.
- Strawberry cake – A light and fruity alternative for a refreshing taste.
If you want a show-stopping rainbow unicorn cake, try baking multiple colored cake layers using gel food coloring.
➡ “Want to explore more cake flavor ideas? Check out this Cake Flavors Guide for inspiration!”
Choosing Between Buttercream and Fondant for Frosting
Your frosting choice impacts both the look and taste of your unicorn cake.
- Buttercream frosting:
- Creamy, soft, and easy to pipe for the unicorn’s mane.
- Can be flavored and colored in endless ways.
- Works best for DIY unicorn cakes.
- Fondant frosting:
- Smooth, professional finish.
- Great for sculpting unicorn horns, ears, and decorations.
- Requires more skill to handle properly.
Many bakers use a mix of buttercream and fondant to get the best of both worlds!
Must-Have Baking and Decorating Tools
To create a stunning unicorn cake, you’ll need:
- Cake pans – Three 6-inch or 8-inch round pans for stacked layers.
- Mixing bowls and electric mixer – For preparing your cake batter and frosting.
- Gel food coloring – To create vibrant pastel hues for the mane and cake layers.
- Piping bags and tips – Essential for making swirls, rosettes, and stars on the unicorn’s mane.
- Fondant or modeling chocolate – For sculpting the unicorn’s horn and ears.
- Edible glitter and sprinkles – To give the cake a magical sparkle.
Once you have all your ingredients and tools, you’re ready to start baking! Let’s move on to the step-by-step process of making a unicorn cake.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Unicorn Cake
Now, it’s time to turn your ingredients into a breathtaking unicorn cake! Follow these steps carefully for the best results.
Baking and Preparing the Cake Layers
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line your cake pans with parchment paper.
- Prepare the batter:
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy, then add eggs and vanilla.
- Mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with milk.
- Divide and color the batter: Pour the batter into separate bowls and tint each one with different pastel food colors.
- Bake the layers for 25-30 minutes. Let them cool completely before frosting.
How to Assemble and Crumb Coat the Cake
- Trim and level each cake layer using a serrated knife. This ensures even stacking.
- Stack the layers: Place the first cake layer on a cake stand, spread buttercream on top, and repeat for the remaining layers.
- Crumb coat the cake: Apply a thin layer of frosting to trap loose crumbs. Chill for 15 minutes.
- Final coat: Add a smooth, even layer of buttercream for the base.
Unicorn Cake Decorating Techniques
Creating the Signature Unicorn Horn and Ears
- Make the horn: Roll a long piece of fondant into a cone shape, twisting it slightly to create a spiral effect. Insert a skewer for stability.
- Paint the horn: Use edible gold dust mixed with a bit of clear vanilla extract or vodka. Let it dry.
- Shape the ears: Cut two fondant teardrop shapes and add pink fondant for the inner ear.
Piping a Colorful Buttercream Mane
- Divide buttercream into separate bowls and tint each one with different pastel colors.
- Fill piping bags with star and rosette tips.
- Pipe swirls and rosettes along the top and side of the cake to create the mane.
Adding Final Touches with Sprinkles and Edible Glitter
- Sprinkle edible glitter lightly over the mane for a magical shimmer.
- Use colorful sprinkles for extra flair around the base of the cake.
- Pipe small details like eyes using black frosting or edible marker.
And just like that, you’ve made a stunning unicorn cake! 🎂✨
Creative Unicorn Cake Ideas and Variations
If you love baking, why not experiment with different designs and flavors to make your unicorn cake truly unique? Whether you prefer soft pastel colors, bold rainbow layers, or even bite-sized versions, there’s a style for everyone!
Pastel Unicorn Cake with Ombre Mane
One of the most popular unicorn cake designs features a dreamy pastel color palette. Here’s how to achieve this elegant look:
- Choose soft pastel shades like lavender, baby pink, light blue, and mint green for the buttercream mane.
- Use an ombre effect by gradually blending lighter to darker shades of the same color while piping the mane.
- Add gold accents on the unicorn horn and ears for an extra touch of magic.
This design is perfect for baby showers and elegant birthday parties!
Rainbow Layered Unicorn Cake
For those who love bold colors, a rainbow unicorn cake is the ultimate showstopper! Here’s how to make it:
- Divide your cake batter into six bowls and dye each portion a different color (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple).
- Layer the cakes in rainbow order for a surprise inside when you slice the cake.
- Decorate with a bright buttercream mane using multiple colors for a playful effect.
This cake is a fantastic choice for kids’ birthdays or fun-themed parties.
Mini Unicorn Cupcakes for Parties
If a full-size unicorn cake feels like too much, why not go for unicorn cupcakes instead? These adorable treats are easy to serve and just as magical.
- Bake vanilla or funfetti cupcakes as a base.
- Pipe a swirl of colorful buttercream to resemble a mini unicorn mane.
- Top with mini fondant horns and ears for a perfect finishing touch.
These cupcakes are great for party favors or dessert tables!
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced bakers can run into issues when making a unicorn cake. Here are some common mistakes and how to fix them.
Preventing Cake Collapse and Structural Issues
Stacking multiple layers can sometimes lead to a wobbly cake. To prevent this:
- Use cake dowels or sturdy straws inside the layers for extra support.
- Chill your cake layers before stacking to make them firmer and easier to handle.
- Avoid overloading with frosting—too much buttercream can make the cake unstable.
How to Achieve Perfect Color Blending for the Mane
The unicorn’s mane should look smooth and blended, but sometimes colors can mix unevenly. Here’s how to fix it:
- Use gel-based food coloring instead of liquid dyes to get vibrant, non-runny colors.
- Practice piping swirls and rosettes on parchment paper before decorating the cake.
- Switch between different piping tips to add texture and dimension to the mane.
Fixing Fondant Cracks and Buttercream Mishaps
Fondant decorations like the unicorn horn and ears can sometimes crack or dry out. To avoid this:
- Knead fondant well before shaping to make it more pliable.
- Use a little shortening or glycerin if fondant starts to dry out while working.
- Store fondant pieces in an airtight container until ready to place on the cake.
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll create a unicorn cake that looks as good as it tastes!
Where to Buy a Unicorn Cake
Not everyone has the time (or patience) to bake a unicorn cake from scratch. Thankfully, there are plenty of places where you can buy a beautifully decorated one without the hassle. Whether you want a custom creation from a bakery or a quick supermarket option, there’s something for everyone!
➡ “Looking for a ready-made unicorn cake? Browse through Goldbelly’s unicorn cake selection for nationwide delivery.”
Best Online Bakeries That Sell Unicorn Cakes
If you’re looking for a handcrafted unicorn cake, online bakeries offer excellent options. Many provide nationwide delivery, making it easy to get a high-quality cake without leaving your home. Here are some top choices:
- Goldbelly – Ships custom cakes from famous bakeries across the U.S.
- Klein’s Bakery – Offers gorgeous unicorn cakes with edible decorations.
- Etsy – Many talented bakers sell homemade cakes for delivery or local pickup.
When ordering online, be sure to check the delivery time and freshness guarantee.
Finding Local Bakers for Custom Unicorn Cakes
If you want a personalized unicorn cake, consider supporting a local bakery. Many offer:
- Custom flavor options – Choose from vanilla, chocolate, red velvet, or funfetti.
- Handmade fondant details – Get a unique unicorn horn, ears, and mane.
- Themed designs – Many bakers can match your party’s color scheme.
Search for “unicorn cake near me” or visit local bakeries to see what’s available.
Supermarket and Pre-Made Unicorn Cake Options
For a last-minute option, supermarkets and big-box stores often sell ready-made unicorn cakes. Popular stores include:
- Walmart – Affordable cakes with pastel-colored decorations.
- Costco – Large sheet cakes that can be customized with a unicorn theme.
- Target – Fun, colorful unicorn cupcakes for smaller gatherings.
These cakes are great for quick celebrations but may not have the same level of detail as a custom order.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When it comes to making or buying a unicorn cake, people often have a lot of questions. Here are some of the most common ones!
1. How do you make an easy unicorn cake at home?
If you’re short on time but still want a homemade unicorn cake, try this simple method:
- Bake a basic vanilla or funfetti cake in two or three layers.
- Frost it with buttercream in pastel colors.
- Use a store-bought fondant horn and ears (or make them yourself with marshmallow fondant).
- Pipe a colorful mane using a star tip and multiple colors of buttercream.
This method is great for beginners and doesn’t require advanced decorating skills.
2. What’s the best frosting for a unicorn cake?
The best frosting depends on your preference and design:
- Buttercream – Soft, easy to pipe, and full of flavor.
- Swiss meringue buttercream – Smooth, silky, and less sweet than traditional buttercream.
- Fondant – Ideal for a sleek, professional look but not as creamy as buttercream.
Most unicorn cakes use buttercream for the mane and fondant for the horn and ears.
3. Can you make a unicorn cake without fondant?
Yes! If you prefer not to use fondant, try these alternatives:
- Use modeling chocolate to shape the unicorn horn and ears.
- Pipe buttercream rosettes to create the illusion of a mane.
- Use candy decorations like white chocolate pieces for the ears.
This creates a fully buttercream-decorated unicorn cake without the need for fondant.
4. How long can a unicorn cake stay fresh?
A unicorn cake stays fresh for:
- Up to 2 days at room temperature (covered).
- Up to 5 days in the fridge (in an airtight container).
- Up to 3 months in the freezer (wrapped in plastic and foil).
For best results, store the cake in a cool place and avoid direct sunlight, which can melt the decorations.