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Unicorn Cake

Unicorn Cake

A magical and colorful unicorn cake perfect for birthdays, celebrations, and special occasions. Made with layers of fluffy cake, vibrant buttercream, and a stunning unicorn horn decoration!
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Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Rest time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine European, Latin American
Servings 13

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls –
  • Electric mixer
  • Three 6-inch or 8-inch round cake pans
  • Cooling rack
  • Offset spatula
  • Piping bags with star tips
  • Fondant rolling pin
  • Gold edible paint
  • Cake turntable (optional

Ingredients
  

For the Cake:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • Gel food coloring pink, blue, purple, yellow

For the Buttercream Frosting:

  • 1 ½ cups unsalted butter softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3-4 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
  • Gel food coloring pink, blue, purple, yellow

For Decorations:

  • 6 oz white fondant
  • 2 oz black fondant
  • Gold edible paint or luster dust
  • Edible pearls or sprinkles

Instructions
 

Step 1: Bake the Cake

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 6-inch or 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
  • In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  • In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
  • Stir in vanilla extract.
  • Alternately add dry ingredients and buttermilk, mixing until smooth.
  • Divide the batter into four bowls and color each portion with a different gel food color.
  • Pour each color into the cake pans, swirling slightly for a marbled effect or layering for a rainbow effect.
  • Bake for 28-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.

Step 2: Make the Frosting

  • Beat butter until smooth and fluffy.
  • Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and heavy cream, mixing until fluffy.
  • Divide frosting into four portions and color each with gel food coloring.
  • Place into separate piping bags with star tips.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

  • Trim cake layers if needed for even layers.
  • Stack layers, spreading a thin layer of frosting between each.
  • Apply a crumb coat (thin frosting layer) and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
  • Frost the entire cake smoothly with white or pastel-colored buttercream.

Step 4: Create the Unicorn Decoration

  • Roll white fondant into a cone shape for the unicorn horn. Insert a skewer in the center and paint with edible gold paint. Let dry.
  • Shape small pieces of black fondant into eyes with lashes.
  • Use remaining fondant to create small ears and let them dry.

Step 5: Decorate the Cake

  • Pipe colorful buttercream rosettes and swirls around the top to form the unicorn’s mane.
  • Attach the fondant eyes to the front of the cake.
  • Insert the fondant horn and ears at the top.
  • Add edible pearls, sprinkles, or shimmer for extra magic.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!

  • Let the cake set for 10 minutes before slicing.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Notes

  • Flavor Variations: Try adding strawberry or lemon extract for a fruity twist.
  • Storage: Keep in the fridge but allow to come to room temperature before serving.
  • Best For: Birthdays, baby showers, fantasy-themed parties, or any magical event!
Keyword Birthday Cake, magical cake, rainbow cake, Unicorn cake