Unicorn Cake

Unicorn cake is a whimsical, colorful cake that brings magic to any celebration. People love it for its vibrant layers, creamy frosting, and playful decoration. Perfect for birthdays, family gatherings, or just a fun weekend treat, it’s easy to make at home. I usually start by prepping the cake layers and colors so everything is ready to assemble quickly. This cake combines soft sponge, pastel layers, and smooth frosting for a treat that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat.

a unicorn cake on a plain white

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This unicorn cake recipe is fun, approachable, and customizable. The soft sponge layers and creamy frosting are easy to make and can be colored with your favorite shades, making it visually stunning. It’s cozy and satisfying for family celebrations or festive gatherings. Pinterest users will love how you can prep layers ahead of time, freeze portions, or make a simple version without sacrificing the wow factor. This recipe is budget-friendly, uses common ingredients, and offers flexibility to add sprinkles, edible glitter, or decorations to make it uniquely yours.

a unicorn cake on a plain white 1

Ingredients

Tip: Use unsalted butter for better control over sweetness and flavor.

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • Food coloring (pink, blue, purple, or preferred colors)
  • 2 cups buttercream frosting
  • Sprinkles and edible glitter, for decoration
all the ingredients of unicorn cake recipe

Instructions

Step 1: Preparation
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans. Sift flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Measure sugar, butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla so everything is ready for mixing.

Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in vanilla. Alternate adding flour mixture and milk until smooth. Divide batter into separate bowls for coloring.

Step 3: Combining Ingredients
Add desired food coloring to each portion and mix gently until uniform. Pour each colored batter into prepared pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake 25–30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.

Step 4: Finishing & Final Simmer
Layer the cooled cakes with buttercream between each layer. Cover the top and sides evenly with frosting. Decorate with sprinkles, edible glitter, or pastel piping to create a magical unicorn effect. Chill briefly before slicing to set frosting.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Days

You can bake the layers in advance and store them in the fridge or freezer, making assembly quick. The frosting can also be prepared ahead of time. This flexibility allows Pinterest users to prep for parties or treat-yourself days without last-minute stress, keeping the process simple and fun.

Tips & Tricks

  • Level your layers: Use a serrated knife to trim rounded tops for even stacking, preventing a lopsided cake.
  • Use gel food coloring: Gel colors give vibrant hues without thinning the batter, unlike liquid colors.
  • Frosting consistency: Keep frosting at medium stiffness to easily spread and pipe details without sliding.
  • Chill before decorating: Cooling layers slightly makes assembly easier and helps frosting hold decorations in place.

Variations

Chocolate Unicorn Cake
Add ½ cup cocoa powder to the sponge batter for a chocolate twist. Pair with pastel frosting for a fun contrast.

Vegan option
Use plant-based butter, milk, and egg replacements. The layers and frosting remain soft and colorful while staying entirely vegan-friendly.

Ingredient swap
Try cream cheese frosting instead of buttercream for a tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with sweet layers.

Flavor or herb boost
Add a teaspoon of almond extract or lemon zest to the batter. It enhances flavor without overpowering the playful look.

Serving Suggestions

  • Birthday centerpiece: Display on a decorative cake stand with extra sprinkles around the plate.
  • Casual family treat: Serve slices with fresh berries or whipped cream for a fun weekend dessert.
  • Party platter: Cut into small squares and serve on a platter for a colorful buffet option.
  • Pinterest-ready photo: Arrange pastel decorations neatly and sprinkle edible glitter for an eye-catching presentation.

Storage Instructions

  • Fridge storage: Keep covered in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain moisture.
  • Reheating: Serve at room temperature. Avoid microwaving as frosting may melt.
  • Freezing: Wrap layers tightly in plastic and foil. Freeze up to 1 month. Frost after thawing.
  • Make-ahead tips: Bake layers and prepare frosting ahead. Assemble and decorate a few hours before serving for best results.

Recipe Timing

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
  • Rest Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Calories per serving: 350–400
Protein: 4–5 grams
Key nutrients: calcium from milk and eggs, some iron from flour. Values are estimates and may vary by ingredients and portion sizes.

FAQs

Yes, bake layers and make frosting a day or two ahead. Assemble before serving.

Not cooling layers completely before frosting can cause melting and sliding.

Gel coloring works best for vibrant layers. Liquid may thin batter.

Chill for a few minutes or add powdered sugar to stiffen.

Store in the fridge up to 3 days. Avoid freezing after frosting for best texture.

Conclusion

This unicorn cake is fun, colorful, and easy to personalize for any celebration. With soft layers, creamy frosting, and magical decorations, it’s a dessert that delights both kids and adults. Make it in advance or customize the colors and flavors, and you’ll have a dessert that’s as joyful to create as it is to eat. It’s a whimsical addition to any party table that’s sure to make everyone smile.

Unicorn Cake
Print

Unicorn Cake

Recipe by Edan SalamonCourse: Cake Recipes
Servings

10

servings
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking time

30

minutes
Calories

375

kcal

A magical, colorful cake with soft layers, creamy frosting, and whimsical decorations. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or a fun weekend treat.

Ingredients

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

  • 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

  • 2 cups granulated sugar

  • 4 large eggs

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1 cup whole milk

  • Food coloring (pink, blue, purple, or preferred colors)

  • 2 cups buttercream frosting

  • Sprinkles and edible glitter, for decoration

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line cake pans. Sift flour, baking powder, and salt.
  • Cream butter and sugar, add eggs one at a time. Stir in vanilla. Alternate adding flour mixture and milk.
  • Divide batter, add food coloring, pour into pans, smooth tops, and bake 25–30 minutes. Cool completely.
  • Layer with frosting, cover top and sides, decorate with sprinkles and edible glitter. Chill before slicing.

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