What Does Unicorn Cake Taste Like?

Unicorn cake is typically a light, moist dessert with a flavor profile that can vary based on personal preferences. The most common flavors are vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry, often paired with buttercream frosting. Many unicorn cakes feature multi-colored layers that use food coloring, but the taste is usually consistent with the base flavor. For an extra twist, some bakers add fruit fillings, rainbow sprinkles, or even edible glitter for a delightful crunch.

How Tall Should a Unicorn Cake Be?

The height of a unicorn cake depends on the occasion and design. A single-tier unicorn cake is usually 4 to 6 inches tall , while multi-tiered versions can reach up to 12 inches or more . The unicorn horn, which typically extends an additional 3 to 6 inches above the cake, adds a dramatic and magical effect. For larger events, a taller cake with additional tiers is often chosen to accommodate more servings and visual impact.

How Long Does a Rainbow Cake Last?

Rainbow cakes, like most layered cakes, can stay fresh for 2-3 days at room temperature if kept in a cool, dry place. When refrigerated, they last up to 5-7 days , especially if stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, rainbow cakes can be frozen for up to 3 months . Ensure that the cake is well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn and preserve its vibrant colors and flavors.

Who Invented the Unicorn Cake?

While the exact origin of the unicorn cake is unclear, its popularity skyrocketed in the mid-2010s due to social media. Canadian baker Adriana Rivera is often credited for creating one of the first widely recognized unicorn cakes. Social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest played a significant role in making the design a global trend, inspiring bakers worldwide to create their own magical variations.

Unicorn Cake: The Best Magical Dessert You’ll Ever Try

Description

This magical unicorn cake combines vibrant rainbow layers, smooth buttercream frosting, and whimsical fondant decorations. Perfect for birthdays, weddings, or any celebration, this cake is as delicious as it is beautiful. Follow our step-by-step instructions to create a show-stopping dessert everyone will love!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

3 cups all-purpose flour
2 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk
Gel food coloring (pink, blue, yellow, and purple)

For the Buttercream Frosting:

2 cups unsalted butter (softened)
5 cups powdered sugar
2 tbsp heavy cream
2 tsp vanilla extract
Gel food coloring for the mane

For the Decorations:

8 oz white fondant
Edible gold dust
Sprinkles or candy pearls

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare the Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and line 4 round cake pans with parchment paper.

2. Make the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet ingredients, starting and ending with the dry mixture.

3. Color and Bake the Layers

Divide the batter evenly into four bowls. Add a different gel food color to each bowl and mix until vibrant.
Pour each batter into the prepared pans and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool the cakes completely before assembling.

4. Make the Buttercream Frosting

Beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract.
Divide the frosting into bowls and tint with food coloring for the mane.

5. Assemble the Cake

Level the cake layers if needed. Place the first layer on a cake board and spread a thin layer of frosting. Repeat with all layers.
Apply a crumb coat, then a smooth final coat of frosting.

6. Decorate the Cake

Shape the fondant into a horn and ears. Dust the horn with edible gold dust.
Attach the horn and ears to the cake. Pipe the buttercream mane using star and rosette tips, alternating colors.
Add sprinkles and candy pearls for extra magic.

Notes

Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Freezing: Freeze undecorated cake layers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before assembling.
For a vegan version, replace butter with vegan butter, buttermilk with almond milk + 1 tbsp vinegar, and eggs with flaxseed meal (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg).

Prep Time: 45
Cook Time: 25
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 450
Sugar: 38g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 65g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: unicorn cake