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.
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
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