Let’s be real: what young girl does not like a unicorn cake now? This cake can be for a birthday or any special occasion, you just feel like having some magic in your day then this cake isjust ideal for you and your friends and family Just… Honestly, whenever you slice into that little piece of rainbow of joy which is enclosed in a pastel-colored cake, you are slicing into a different world as it were. Well, if you’ve ever asked yourself how a unicorn cake can be made, let alone by you, you’re in for a ride! This is how I’ve got you covered step by step – the process is much less complicated than you would imagine.
Gather Your Ingredients: The First Step to a Sweet Fantasy
Setting out the ingredients and tools for this magical masterpiece is a crucial step, or we won’t even be able to begin with the next essential steps – mixing, baking, and decorating. A unicorn cake is all about color, texture, and a touch of whimsy, so make sure you have these essentials on hand:
For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 cups unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 2 cups sugar
- 5 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk (or buttermilk for extra fluffiness)
- Food coloring (I recommend pink, purple, blue, and yellow for that perfect pastel vibe)
For the Frosting:
- 2 cups unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 5-6 cups powdered sugar (depending on desired consistency)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream (for smoothness)
- Food coloring (same pastel shades for consistency)
- Gold or silver edible glitter (optional but SO worth it)
For the Decorations:
- Marshmallow fondant (for the unicorn horn)
- Sugar flowers or fondant flowers (or edible glitter, again, it’s a unicorn, so go crazy!)
- Rainbow lollipops (optional but fun)
Pro tip: Before you get started, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature—trust me, it makes a difference! The butter will cream better, and the eggs will mix in smoothly.
Step 1: Baking the Unicorn Cake Layers
Okay, it’s time to make the magic happen. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and line your cake pans. You’ll need at least two 8-inch cake pans for the classic two-layer unicorn cake, but feel free to go all out and use three or four layers for extra drama!
Mixing the Cake Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set it aside for now because we’re about to get into the fun part!
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes, so don’t rush it. Seriously, don’t. If you skip this step, you’ll regret it because your cake won’t be as light and airy as it should be.
Next, add the eggs one at a time, making sure each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract, and you’re pretty much halfway to unicorn cake magic.
Slowly add in the dry ingredients, alternating with the milk (or buttermilk). Start and end with the dry ingredients—this helps the cake come together without being too dense.
Dividing the Batter
Now, let’s turn this basic cake batter into a pastel wonderland! Divide the batter into four bowls (or however many colors you want your cake to have). Drop a few drops of food coloring into each bowl. Mix gently, and remember: pastel is the goal here, so don’t go overboard.
Once your batter is beautifully colored, scoop a spoonful of each color into the center of the cake pans. You don’t need to spread them—just let the batter settle and gently swirl the colors together. The beauty of this is that it doesn’t have to be perfect; that’s the charm of the unicorn cake!
Baking Time
Pop the pans in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, and then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 2: Making the Frosting The Magic Is in the Frosting
Now comes the really fun part: frosting! No unicorn cake is complete without fluffy, dreamy frosting that’s just begging to be slathered on.
How to Make Buttercream Frosting
In a large bowl, beat the butter until it’s creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until the frosting is smooth and thick. Add the vanilla extract, and if the frosting feels too thick, add a little heavy cream to loosen it up.
At this point, you can divide your frosting into separate bowls to color each one. Use the same pastel shades of food coloring you used for the cake batter. Once your frosting is as pretty as a rainbow, it’s time to get your hands dirty (well, figuratively).
Step 3: Assembling the Cake: Where the Magic Comes Together
So, you’ve got your cake layers, your frosting, and a whole lot of excitement. Let’s put this beauty together.
Start with the first cake layer and spread a generous amount of frosting over the top. Don’t be shy with it—this is the layer that holds everything together. Then carefully place your second cake layer on top.
Now, it’s time for the crumb coat. This is a thin layer of frosting that covers the entire cake. The goal is to seal in any crumbs so your final layer of frosting looks smooth and professional. Once the cake is covered, chill it in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes. This will help set the crumb coat, making it easier to apply the final layer of frosting.
Frosting the Cake
Once your cake is nice and chilled, it’s time for the magic. Start with one color of frosting and spread it over the top and sides. Don’t worry about it being perfect—you’re going for a fun, whimsical look, not a perfect, smooth finish. You can mix and match colors, pipe little swirls and rosettes, or even leave some parts of the cake a little rough around the edges for that “rustic” look.
It’s all about the vibe here. Think about how a unicorn cake would look in the most magical version of a pastel dream. You can even sprinkle edible glitter over the frosting to add some extra sparkle.
Step 4: Decorating Your Unicorn Cake Because Unicorns Are All About the Details
Okay, the cake looks amazing already, but it’s time to add the pièce de résistance—the unicorn horn. Roll out a small amount of marshmallow fondant into a cone shape to create the horn. Don’t stress about it being perfect; a slightly twisted, asymmetrical horn looks more natural anyway. Dust the horn with edible gold or silver glitter to give it that magical shimmer.
Once your horn is ready, place it in the center of the cake. Now it’s time to make the unicorn’s mane. This can be done with buttercream, fondant, or even candy! Pipe colorful swirls of frosting around the top of the cake to mimic a flowing mane. Add some fondant flowers or sugar flowers on top, or stick a few rainbow lollipops into the cake for a pop of fun.
Step 5: Serving Your Unicorn Cake And the Best Part—Eating It!
You’ve done it! Your unicorn cake is a stunning work of art. Now, all that’s left is to cut into it and see the magic unfold. Watch the rainbow-colored layers reveal themselves, and I guarantee the “oohs” and “aahs” from your guests will be worth every second you spent making it.
And honestly, the best part? You can always customize it. Add a dash of creativity here and there to make the cake truly your own. Maybe you want to make it with a chocolate cake base, or add some fun toppings like sprinkles or a few more edible glitter accents. The possibilities are endless!
Tips for a Unicorn Cake That’s Truly One of a Kind:
- Don’t stress the mess: Unicorn cakes are meant to be fun and whimsical. If the frosting gets a little messy, just call it “artistic” and move on.
- Make it ahead: This cake can be made a day or two in advance. Just keep it covered and in the fridge. The cake will stay fresh, and the flavors will even improve overnight.
- Get creative with the horn: If you want to go all out, try making the horn with edible sugar crystals or a mix of different edible glitter shades. This adds an extra “wow” factor.
- Use a cake board: For an easier time transporting the cake, place it on a cake board or platter. This way, you can move it without worrying about ruining the design.
A Slice of Magic
Making a unicorn cake is a journey, but trust me—it’s a journey worth taking. From the rainbow batter to the swirling frosting and sparkly decorations, it’s a fun project that brings the magical world of unicorns to life. Whether you’re baking it for a birthday, a celebration, or just because you feel like making something whimsical, this cake will be the star of any occasion. So, grab your ingredients, get your hands messy, and have fun making your very own unicorn masterpiece. After all, life’s too short not to eat cake, especially if it’s as magical as this!
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