Name: Unicorn Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box French vanilla cake mix; 3 egg whites (or ⅔ cup if using boxed egg whites); 1 cup water; 2 drops bubblegum flavoring; 1/32 cup vegetable oil (approx. 1 tablespoon); Gel food coloring: pink, blue, purple; 1 cup butter, softened (2 sticks); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 5-6 cups powdered sugar; 3 tablespoons half and half; Gel food coloring: pink, blue, purple (for tinting frosting); Optional decorations: unicorn horn, ears, lashes (for assembly)

Print Recipe·4 from 7 reviews

If you are on the hunt for a cake that is as mesmerizing to look at as it is delightful to eat, this Unicorn Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. With its layers of vibrantly colored sponge and whimsical swirling frosting, every bite offers a magical blend of fun flavors and soft textures. This recipe perfectly captures the enchantment of a classic unicorn theme while being surprisingly straightforward to prepare, making it an absolute showstopper for birthdays, celebrations, or any time you want to sprinkle a little joy into your dessert table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A slice of cake with four vertical layers, each a bright color: red, then white frosting, blue, white frosting, and purple, with thick white frosting between each layer and on the sides. The slice sits on a white plate with a colorful, star-patterned design. The background is a white marbled texture with scattered small pastel decorations in blue, pink, and white. To the right of the plate is a gold fork next to a white cloth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this Unicorn Cake Recipe plays a crucial role, whether it’s to bring flavor, moisture, or that enchanting pop of color that defines the cake’s signature look. These basic yet essential components come together seamlessly to create a baked masterpiece that tastes and looks absolutely magical.

French vanilla cake mix: The perfect base for a light and fluffy cake that bakes evenly every time.
Egg whites: They add structure and lift without the richness of whole eggs, keeping the cake airy.
Water: Keeps the batter smooth and balances moisture for a tender crumb.
Bubblegum flavoring: Adds a subtle, playful twist that complements the sweet frosting beautifully.
Vegetable oil: Ensures a moist texture while keeping the cake soft and tender.
Food coloring (pink, blue, purple): These vibrant colors create the enchanting multi-hued layers that give the cake its whimsical charm.
Butter (softened): The creamy base for the frosting that makes every bite silky and rich.
Vanilla extract: A classic flavor enhancer that deepens the overall sweetness and rounds out the frosting.
Powdered sugar: Provides the perfect smooth texture and sweet balance for the frosting.
Half and half: Adds creaminess and helps achieve the ideal frosting consistency for piping and spreading.

How to Make Unicorn Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Cake Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and greasing three 6-inch cake pans so that your vibrant layers won’t stick. In a large bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, egg whites, cake mix, water, and bubblegum flavoring until the batter is smooth. This combination will deliver a moist texture with a hint of playful sweetness that fits perfectly with the unicorn theme.

Step 2: Coloring the Batter

Divide the batter evenly into three separate bowls. Add two drops of pink gel food coloring to one bowl, two drops of purple to the second, and two drops of blue to the third. Mix each thoroughly so the colors become vivid and uniform. This step is where your Unicorn Cake Recipe starts to really take shape—those bright colors are the heart of the magic.

Step 3: Baking the Cake Layers

Pour each colored batter into the prepared pans and pop them into the oven. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cakes to cool completely on a wire rack. Patience here will pay off; the cool cakes are easier to frost and stack neatly.

Step 4: Preparing the Frosting

Beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, blending well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract and half and half until you achieve a fluffy, spreadable frosting. Then set aside one portion for the cake base and keep the rest for decorating the dazzling unicorn mane.

Step 5: Assembling and Decorating

Start by frosting the outside of the cooled cakes with your base frosting using an offset spatula, smoothing it out with an icing scraper. Tint the reserved frosting with drops of pink, blue, and purple food coloring, then fill piping bags fitted with tips 17, 21, or 70. Now the fun part: pipe whimsical swirls, stars, and flowers across the top and one side of the cake to resemble a magical unicorn mane. Finally, add the horn, ears, and lashes to bring your Unicorn Cake Recipe to life!

How to Serve Unicorn Cake Recipe

A small round cake covered in smooth white icing is displayed on a white stand with a scalloped edge and a tall base. The cake has two white ears with shiny gold centers on top, and a tall gold spiral horn stands in the middle. Around the top edge, colorful icing flowers in bright pink, purple, and turquoise green swirl together with small white star-shaped accents. On the front of the cake, two black eyelashes add a cute face detail. A band of white piped icing circles the base of the cake. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Add edible glitter or sprinkles in colors that match the frosting to amplify the magical vibe. Fresh edible flowers or pastel-colored candies also elevate the presentation and playfulness of your Unicorn Cake Recipe.

Side Dishes

Serve your cake with light accompaniments like fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to balance the sweetness. A refreshing fruit salad with citrus notes works beautifully to cleanse the palate between bites.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider placing the cake on a shimmering cake board or a pastel cake stand to enhance its whimsical appeal. For parties, surround the cake with rainbow-colored macarons or meringue kisses for an extra dash of delight.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Unicorn Cake Recipe covered tightly in the fridge for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and texture. Use an airtight container or wrap the cake carefully with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze individual cake layers before frosting by wrapping them in plastic and foil. Freeze for up to one month and thaw completely in the fridge before assembling. Frosted cakes can also be frozen but cover them carefully to protect the delicate decorations.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy, bring the cake to room temperature by letting it sit out for about 30 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it may melt the frosting. This allows the flavors to fully develop and the texture to soften.

FAQs

Can I use whole eggs instead of egg whites in the Unicorn Cake Recipe?

Yes, you can substitute whole eggs for egg whites, but the texture may be slightly denser. For a lighter, fluffier cake that holds its shape well for layering, egg whites are preferred.

What if I don’t have bubblegum flavoring?

If bubblegum flavoring isn’t available, you can omit it or substitute with a small amount of vanilla or almond extract. The bubblegum adds a unique playful note, but the cake will still be delicious without it.

How do I prevent the colors from bleeding while baking?

Using gel food coloring rather than liquid helps keep the colors vibrant and prevents them from running. Also, be sure not to overmix the batter after adding colors to maintain distinct layers.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?

You can make some adjustments like using dairy-free butter substitutes and non-dairy milk instead of half and half. Just ensure your powdered sugar and other ingredients are also dairy-free for a fully compatible cake.

What is the best way to pipe the mane decorations?

Use a variety of piping tips to create different textures and shapes like swirls and stars. Practice on parchment paper first if you’re new to piping, and don’t be afraid to get creative with colors and shapes to match the Unicorn Cake Recipe’s magic.

Final Thoughts

This Unicorn Cake Recipe is an absolute treasure to make and share. Its colorful layers and enchanting frosting create a dessert that’s as joyful to look at as it is to eat. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to treat yourself to something extraordinary, this cake promises delightful magic in every slice. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite indulgence!