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mermaid cakes​

mermaid cakes​

A Mermaid Cake is a magical, ocean-inspired dessert featuring pastel ombré layers, shimmering decorations, and fondant seashells. Perfect for birthdays and special celebrations!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Rest time (chilling & decorating) 1 hour
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American, Fantasy
Servings 14

Equipment

  • 8-inch round cake pans (3 layers)
  • Mixing bowls –
  • Electric mixer
  • Offset spatula
  • Piping bags & tips
  • Fondant rolling pin
  • Food-safe paintbrush

Ingredients
  

For the Cake:

  • 3 ½ cups cake flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 2 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups buttermilk
  • Food coloring teal, lavender, pink, purple

For the Buttercream Frosting:

  • 2 cups unsalted butter softened
  • 6 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • Gel food coloring blue, teal, lavender, purple

For Decoration:

  • Fondant seashells & starfish store-bought or homemade
  • Edible pearls
  • Edible glitter or luster dust
  • White chocolate mermaid tails molded
  • Piping gel for a water effect

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease three 8-inch round cake pans.
  • In a bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking powder, and salt.
  • In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy.
  • Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
  • Gradually add dry ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, mixing until combined.
  • Divide batter into three bowls and color each with teal, lavender, and pink food coloring.
  • Pour each color into a separate cake pan and bake for 25-30 minutes.
  • Let cakes cool before assembling.

Step 2: Make the Buttercream Frosting

  • Beat butter until smooth.
  • Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream, beating until fluffy.
  • Divide frosting into four bowls, tinting them blue, teal, lavender, and purple.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

  • Place the teal cake layer on a stand and spread a layer of buttercream.
  • Add the lavender layer, frost, then place the pink layer on top.
  • Apply a crumb coat (thin layer of frosting) and chill for 30 minutes.
  • Use a spatula to create an ombré effect, blending blue, teal, lavender, and purple frosting from bottom to top.

Step 4: Decorate Like a Mermaid!

  • Pipe waves and swirls around the cake using a star tip.
  • Attach fondant seashells, edible pearls, and mermaid tails.
  • Brush luster dust for a shimmer effect.
  • Add piping gel to mimic ocean water.
  • Chill the cake for 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Easy Version: Use pre-made cake mix and store-bought frosting.
  • No Fondant? Use chocolate seashells instead!
  • Storage: Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Keyword Birthday Cake, fondant decoations, mermaid cakes​, ocean cake