Unicorn cakes have become a sensation, enchanting partygoers with their colorful layers and whimsical designs. Whether you’re baking for a child’s birthday or just want to add a magical touch to a special celebration, a stunning unicorn cake is sure to impress. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of creating a mesmerizing cake that will have everyone in awe. By the end of this article, you’ll have the knowledge and confidence to make a rainbow unicorn cake that’s not only delicious but also a true work of art.
Table of Contents
What You’ll Need to Make a Unicorn Cake
Before we dive into the steps, let’s ensure you have all the necessary ingredients and tools. Having everything prepared in advance makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Baking Supplies
- Cake Pans: You’ll need 5 or 6 cake pans to bake the different colored layers. Alternatively, you can bake in batches if you only have a couple of pans.
- Mixing Bowls: For dividing the batter into separate colors.
- Spatula & Knife: For mixing and smoothing the cake.
- Turntable: Ideal for decorating the cake with ease.
- Piping Bags: For precise frosting application.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accuracy when measuring ingredients.
Ingredients for the Cake
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 ½ cups |
| Granulated sugar | 2 cups |
| Baking powder | 2 ½ tsp |
| Salt | ½ tsp |
| Milk | 1 ½ cups |
| Butter (unsalted) | 1 cup |
| Eggs | 4 large |
| Vanilla extract | 2 tsp |
| Gel food coloring (rainbow) | As needed |
Decorating Tools
- Fondant Tools: For shaping the unicorn ears and horn.
- Fondant: For the unicorn horn and ears.
- Gel Food Coloring: To achieve the rainbow colors for the cake layers.
- Buttercream Frosting: Use homemade or store-bought frosting for a smooth finish.
Step 1: Bake Your Cake Layers
Now that you’ve gathered everything, it’s time to start baking. The key to a stunning unicorn cake lies in vibrant, evenly baked layers. Follow these steps to create your rainbow cake base.
Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for the batter. Grease your cake pans with butter or non-stick spray to prevent the cakes from sticking.
Prepare the Cake Batter
In a bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, beat the wet ingredients: eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.Slowly incorporate the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring until smooth.Make sure not to overmix, as this could result in a dense cake.
Divide and Color the Batter
Once your batter is ready, divide it into 5 or 6 smaller bowls, depending on how many colors you want for your rainbow unicorn cake. Add gel food coloring to each bowl, starting with just a drop of color and gradually adding more until you achieve the desired shades. Keep the colors vibrant but avoid over-saturating the batter.
Bake and Cool
Pour each colored batter into separate cake pans, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake the cakes for 25-30 minutes. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 15 minutes before transferring them to to cool completely.
Step 2: Assemble the Rainbow Unicorn Cake
Once your cake layers are fully cooled, it’s time to assemble your unicorn masterpiece. This stage is crucial to ensure your cake has the right structure and appearance.
Level the Cake Layers
Using a serrated knife, carefully trim the tops of the cakes to level them. This ensures that each layer is even and the final cake will stand tall without any uneven bumps. If you’re using round cake pans, trim them into perfect circles if needed.
Frost Between Layers
Place your first layer of cake on a cake board or platter. Apply a thin, even layer of buttercream frosting on top of the first cake layer. Repeat this step for each subsequent layer, using different colors for each layer to maintain the rainbow effect. Once all layers are stacked, refrigerate the cake for 30 minutes to set the frosting.
Apply the Crumb Coat
After the cake has chilled, apply a thin layer of buttercream frosting all over the cake. This is known as the crumb coat, which helps seal in any loose crumbs and provides a smooth base for the final layer of frosting. Refrigerate the cake again for 15-20 minutes.
Step 3: Frost and Decorate Your Unicorn Cake
Now comes the fun part—decorating your unicorn cake! This is where your creativity shines through, transforming your cake into a whimsical work of art.
Apply the Final Coat of Frosting
Using a spatula or bench scraper, apply a thick layer of white buttercream frosting all over the cake. Spread the frosting as evenly as possible to achieve a smooth, clean finish. You can also create a textured look if preferred.
Create the Unicorn’s Face
For the unicorn’s face, you’ll need to use fondant to shape the ears and horn. Roll out white fondant and cut out two triangle shapes for the ears. For the horn, roll a piece of fondant into a cone shape and twist it to create a spiral effect. Place the horn on top of the cake, slightly tilted, and position the ears on either side.
To make the unicorn’s eyes, you can either use black fondant or an edible marker to draw large, expressive eyes on the cake. These features will give the unicorn its magical look.
Pipe the Unicorn’s Mane
For the unicorn’s colorful mane, use piping bags filled with buttercream frosting in various colors. Start at the top of the cake and pipe swirls of frosting in different sizes using a star tip. You can also add small flowers or stars for extra detail. Don’t forget to add edible glitter or sprinkles for that magical touch!
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Unicorn Cake
Creating a unicorn cake might seem daunting, but with a few tips and tricks, you’ll ensure everything goes smoothly:
- Avoid Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can lead to a dense and dry cake. Mix just until everything is combined.
- Use Gel Food Coloring: Gel food coloring gives vibrant colors without watering down the batter.
- Chill Between Layers: Refrigerating the cake between layers helps keep everything firm and easy to work with.
- Add Texture with Buttercream: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different textures in the frosting to add dimension and interest to your unicorn cake.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Unicorn Cakes
- Skipping the Crumb Coat: This step is essential for creating a smooth, clean finish.
- Using Too Much Food Coloring: While vibrant colors are essential, too much food coloring can affect the cake’s taste and texture.
- Not Letting the Cake Cool Completely: If you don’t let the cake cool enough before frosting, the frosting will melt and slide off.
FAQ About Making Unicorn Cakes
Q: Can I use a cake mix ?
Yes, you can use a boxed cake mix if you’re short on time. However, homemade cake batter often produces a fluffier, more flavorful result.
Q: How do I make the unicorn horn stand up?
To keep the horn in place, insert a skewer or toothpick into the fondant horn and carefully insert it into the center of the cake.
Q: How can I make my cake more stable for stacking?
You can use cake dowels or straws between layers to help support the weight of the stacked cake and prevent it from sinking.
Conclusion: Ready to Create Your Magical Unicorn Cake?
vWith the right tools, ingredients, and techniques, you can create a rainbow unicorn cake that’s not only delicious but also a true showstopper. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply because you love to bring a little magic into the world, this cake is sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, unleash your creativity, and enjoy the process. Your stunning unicorn cake is just a few steps away!