Unicorn Cake: Decoration Ideas & DIY Guide

Unicorn cakes have taken the baking world by storm. These whimsical, colorful, and often glittery cakes bring magic to any celebration, whether it’s a birthday, baby shower, or festive gathering. But what makes a unicorn cake so special? Is it the pastel rainbow hues, the fondant unicorn horn, or the intricate buttercream mane? In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about unicorn cakes—from popular designs and recipes to expert decorating tips and where to buy them.

What is a Unicorn Cake?

Unicorn cakes aren’t just desserts—they’re edible works of art that bring a touch of fantasy to any occasion. These cakes typically feature pastel-colored layers, a golden fondant horn, and a buttercream mane piped in swirls of pink, purple, and blue. Some versions include sprinkles, edible glitter, and even rainbow layers inside.

A Brief History of Unicorn Cake

While unicorns have been popular mythical creatures for centuries, unicorn cakes became a viral sensation around 2016. Social media, especially platforms like Pinterest and Instagram, played a huge role in spreading this trend. Initially crafted by professional cake artists, the trend quickly became mainstream, with home bakers and bakeries worldwide offering their own creative versions.

For more fun and colorful cakes, you might also love our Happy Birthday Chocolate Cake, another perfect option for celebrations!

How to Make a Unicorn Cake at Home

Baking a unicorn cake at home may seem challenging, but with the right ingredients and techniques, it’s easier than you think. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, follow this step-by-step guide to create a stunning unicorn cake from scratch.

Essential Ingredients and Tools

Before you begin, gather these essentials:

Cake Ingredients:

• Cake flour (for a light and fluffy texture)
• Butter and sugar (for a rich taste)
• Eggs and vanilla extract
• Milk or buttermilk
• Baking powder and salt
• Gel food coloring (for pastel layers)

Frosting & Decoration:

• Buttercream frosting (for piping the mane)
• Fondant (for the unicorn’s horn and ears)
• Gold edible dust or luster spray
• Piping bags and star tips

Step-by-Step Recipe for a Basic Unicorn Cake

1. Prepare the Cake Batter:
   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Cream together butter and sugar until fluffy.
   • Add eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
   • Alternate adding dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt) with milk.
2. Color and Bake the Layers:
   • Divide the batter into bowls and add pastel gel food coloring to each.
   • Pour each color into separate cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes.
   • Let the cakes cool completely before assembling.
3. Assemble and Frost the Cake:
   • Layer the cakes, spreading a thin coat of vanilla buttercream between each layer.
   • Apply a crumb coat, then a smooth layer of white buttercream over the entire cake.
4. Decorate with a Unicorn Mane and Features:
   • Use a piping bag with a star tip to create swirls of pink, blue, and purple buttercream.
   • Roll fondant into a horn shape, dust it with edible gold, and attach it to the top.
   • Add fondant ears, eyes, and edible pearls for a finishing touch.

Tips for Perfect Buttercream and Fondant Decorations

• Use gel food coloring instead of liquid for vibrant colors.
• Chill the cake before piping buttercream to prevent melting.
• Knead fondant well before shaping to avoid cracks.
• Experiment with flavors like strawberry, chocolate, or funfetti for a unique twist.

Making a unicorn cake at home is rewarding and fun. With the right approach, you can create a bakery-quality masterpiece.

Decorating Your Unicorn Cake Like a Pro

The secret to a stunning unicorn cake lies in the decorations. From a silky buttercream mane to a dazzling fondant horn, the right details make all the difference. Follow these expert tips to give your cake a flawless finish.

How to Pipe a Beautiful Unicorn Mane with Buttercream

A unicorn’s mane is one of its defining features. To achieve the perfect buttercream swirls and rosettes, use a piping bag fitted with a star tip (Wilton 1M or 2D).

Steps to Pipe a Unicorn Mane:

1. Divide buttercream into separate bowls and add pastel food coloring (pink, blue, purple, or yellow).
2. Fill piping bags with different colors, ensuring a smooth consistency.
3. Start piping swirls, stars, and rosettes from the top of the cake down one side to resemble flowing hair.
4. Add edible pearls or shimmer dust for a sparkling effect.

Creating a Fondant Unicorn Horn and Ears

The horn is what truly makes a cake a unicorn cake. You can sculpt a golden horn from fondant or gum paste.

Steps to Make a Fondant Horn:

1. Roll out a long piece of white or gold-dyed fondant into a rope shape.
2. Twist it into a spiral and let it dry for at least 12 hours to hold its shape.
3. Brush with edible gold dust or luster spray for a metallic finish.
4. Attach to the top of the cake with a small wooden skewer for stability.

For the ears, cut fondant into teardrop shapes, press a smaller pink fondant piece in the center, and allow them to dry before placing them on the cake.

Using Edible Glitter and Sprinkles for a Magical Effect

A little sparkle goes a long way. Here’s how to enhance the magic:

• Edible glitter: Lightly dust the horn and buttercream mane for shimmer.
• Sprinkles: Use unicorn-themed sprinkles to decorate the cake board or base.
• Gold leaf accents: Add small pieces of edible gold leaf for a luxurious look.

For those who love creamy, indulgent desserts, you may also enjoy this Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake, another delicious treat that stands out on any dessert table.

Nutritional Information of Unicorn Cake

While unicorn cakes are undeniably delicious and visually stunning, they are typically high in sugar and fats. However, the exact nutritional values can vary based on ingredients, portion size, and preparation methods. Below is an estimated nutritional breakdown of a standard vanilla unicorn cake with buttercream frosting per 100g serving:

Nutritional Breakdown (Per 100g Serving)

Factors That Affect Nutritional Values

• Fondant Decorations & Fillings – Additional fondant, edible glitter, or cream fillings can increase sugar and calorie content.
• Buttercream vs. Whipped Frosting – Buttercream frosting is richer in fat and sugar, whereas whipped frosting can be a lighter option.
• Cake Flour vs. Almond Flour – Using almond flour instead of refined white flour increases fiber and healthy fats, making it a lower-carb alternative.

Healthier Alternatives for a Guilt-Free Unicorn Cake

If you want to enjoy a unicorn cake while reducing the calorie intake, consider these swaps:

• Use almond or whole wheat flour instead of refined white flour for more fiber.
• Replace sugar with honey, coconut sugar, or sugar substitutes like stevia.
• Substitute butter with Greek yogurt or unsweetened applesauce to lower fat content.
• Opt for dairy-free buttercream made with plant-based butter and coconut milk.
• Use natural food colorings from fruit and vegetable powders (e.g., beetroot for pink, matcha for green, and turmeric for yellow) instead of artificial dyes.

Final Thoughts on the Nutrition of Unicorn Cake

A unicorn cake is best enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than an everyday dessert. While it’s a fun and creative addition to celebrations, making small adjustments to ingredients can help reduce sugar and fat without compromising flavor.

FAQs About Unicorn Cakes

To wrap up, let’s answer some of the most frequently asked questions about unicorn cakes.

What Flavor is a Unicorn Cake?

A unicorn cake can be any flavor, but the most common options are:

• Vanilla Funfetti – A classic vanilla cake with rainbow sprinkles inside.
• Strawberry – Light and fruity, often paired with buttercream.
• Chocolate – Rich and indulgent, sometimes layered with vanilla.
• Rainbow Layer Cake – Each layer is a different color, creating a stunning visual effect.

How Much is Half a Kg of Cake?

Cake prices vary based on the bakery, design, and ingredients. On average:

• A half-kg (500g) unicorn cake costs $10–$30 at most supermarkets.
• Custom cakes can range from $40–$100+, depending on decorations and flavors.

How to Make a Unicorn-Themed Cake?

To create a unicorn-themed cake at home:

1. Bake a cake in your favorite flavor.
2. Frost with pastel-colored buttercream for a magical effect.
3. Add a fondant unicorn horn and ears.
4. Pipe swirls of buttercream to form the mane.
5. Finish with edible glitter and gold accents.

What Size is the Coles Rainbow Cake?

The Coles Rainbow Cake is a popular store-bought option in Australia. It typically:

• Weighs around 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs).
• Serves 12–16 people.
• Features six colorful layers with vanilla frosting.

Unicorn cakes remain a top choice for celebrations, thanks to their magical designs and delicious flavors. Whether you bake one yourself or order from a bakery, a unicorn cake is sure to impress.

Conclusion: The Magic of Unicorn Cakes Lives On

The unicorn cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a symbol of creativity, fun, and celebration. With its pastel colors, intricate designs, and endless customization options, this whimsical cake has captured the hearts of bakers and cake lovers worldwide. Whether you’re making one at home or ordering from a bakery, a unicorn cake guarantees to bring magic to any occasion.

From classic buttercream unicorn cakes to galaxy-themed and drip cakes, there’s a style for everyone. The rise of social media has only added to its popularity, inspiring home bakers and professionals alike to push the boundaries of cake decorating.

If you’re planning a birthday party, baby shower, or special event, a unicorn cake is a timeless choice that will wow your guests. Whether you prefer a simple DIY version or an elaborate 3D sculpted cake, the key is to have fun and let your creativity shine.

So, why not try making your own unicorn cake? With the right recipe, a little patience, and some colorful buttercream, you can create a cake that’s as magical as a unicorn itself.

Unicorn Cake: Decoration Ideas & DIY Guide

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• Author: Sandra
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: Serves 12–16
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This magical unicorn cake is the perfect centerpiece for birthdays or special celebrations. Featuring vibrant pastel buttercream swirls, a golden fondant horn, and moist vanilla layers, this cake is as delicious as it is beautiful.

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Ingredients

For the Cake:

2 ½ cups cake flour

2 tsp baking powder

½ tsp salt

1 cup unsalted butter (softened)

1 ¾ cups granulated sugar

4 large eggs

2 tsp vanilla extract

1 cup whole milk

Gel food coloring (pink, blue, yellow, purple)

For the Buttercream:

1 cup unsalted butter (softened)

4 cups powdered sugar

2 tsp vanilla extract

2–3 tbsp heavy cream

Gel food coloring (same as above)

For Decoration:

Fondant for the unicorn horn and ears

Edible gold dust

Candy pearls, edible glitter, or sprinkles

 

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Instructions

Prepare the Cake Layers:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line 3 round 8-inch cake pans.

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.

Gradually alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.

Divide the batter into separate bowls and color each with gel food coloring. Pour into the prepared pans.

Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.

Make the Buttercream:

Beat the butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream. Mix until creamy and fluffy.

Divide into bowls and color with gel food coloring.

3. Assemble the Cake:

Place one cake layer on a stand and frost the top. Repeat with remaining layers.

Apply a crumb coat to the entire cake and chill for 20 minutes.

Use colored buttercream to pipe swirls and rosettes, creating the unicorn mane.

Add Decorations:

Shape fondant into a horn and ears. Dust the horn with edible gold dust.

Attach the horn, ears, and candy decorations to complete the design.

 

Notes

Use gel food coloring for vibrant shades without altering the consistency of the batter or frosting.

Chill the buttercream for easier piping.

Fondant decorations should be prepared a day in advance to allow them to harden.

Apply edible glitter sparingly for a dazzling effect without overpowering the design.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American