Unicorn cakes are the epitome of whimsy and magic, making them the perfect centerpiece for any celebration. While they may seem complex, creating a unicorn cake can be a fun and rewarding experience. With the right tools, ingredients, and a step-by-step guide, you can craft your own unicorn masterpiece. Let’s dive into the process and discover how you can create a stunning unicorn cake that will impress everyone.
Step 1: Gather Your Tools and Ingredients
Essential Tools
Before you start, make sure you have the following tools:
- Cake pans (various sizes)
- Turntable
- Offset and straight spatulas
- Piping bags and tips
- Smoothers and scrapers
- Rolling pin
- Fondant tools
- Edible glue or water
Ingredients
For the cake:
- Cake mix or your favorite cake recipe
- Buttercream frosting
For the decorations:
- Fondant (white and colored)
- Modeling chocolate
- Gel food coloring
- Edible glitter
- Edible gold paint or gold luster dust
Step 2: Bake the Cake Layers
- Prepare Your Batter: Follow your chosen cake recipe or cake mix instructions to prepare the batter.
- Color the Batter (Optional): If you want colorful layers, divide the batter into separate bowls and add different gel food coloring to each.
- Bake the Layers: Pour the batter into greased and floured cake pans and bake according to the recipe instructions. Allow the cakes to cool completely before decorating.
Step 3: Level and Stack the Cake
- Level the Layers: Use a serrated knife or cake leveler to trim the tops of the cakes so they are even.
- Apply the Filling: Place the first cake layer on a cake board or plate. Spread a layer of buttercream frosting on top.
- Stack the Layers: Repeat with the remaining layers, ensuring each is evenly aligned. Apply a crumb coat (a thin layer of frosting) to seal in the crumbs and let it set in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
Also Read: Unicorn Cake Decorating: Tips from the Experts
Step 4: Apply the Final Coat of Frosting
- Smooth the Frosting: Apply a thicker layer of buttercream frosting over the crumb coat. Use a bench scraper and cake smoother to achieve a smooth finish.
- Chill the Cake: Place the cake in the refrigerator to let the frosting set.
Step 5: Create the Unicorn Horn
- Shape the Horn: Roll white fondant or modeling chocolate into a long, even rope. Twist it around a wooden dowel or skewer to form a spiral horn shape.
- Add Gold: Paint the horn with edible gold paint or dust it with gold luster dust. Let it dry completely.
Step 6: Make the Unicorn Ears
- Shape the Ears: Cut out two large triangles from white fondant or modeling chocolate for the ears. Cut smaller triangles from a contrasting color for the inner ears.
- Assemble the Ears: Attach the inner ear pieces to the outer ear pieces using a small amount of water or edible glue. Let them dry slightly before positioning on the cake.
Step 7: Add the Unicorn Eyes
- Pipe the Eyes: Use black royal icing or buttercream to pipe the eyes directly onto the cake. You can create sweet, sleepy eyes with curved lines or more detailed open eyes.
- Add Lashes (Optional): Pipe small lashes above the eyes for added detail.
Step 8: Decorate with the Unicorn Mane
- Prepare the Buttercream: Divide buttercream into separate bowls and color each with different gel food colors.
- Pipe the Mane: Using star or rosette tips, pipe the mane in swirls and curls around the top and sides of the cake. Layer the colors to create a rainbow effect or blend them for a cohesive look.
Step 9: Add Edible Glitter and Pearls
- Apply Glitter: Lightly dust edible glitter over the mane and horn for a magical sparkle. Use a dry brush to gently tap the glitter onto the desired areas.
- Add Pearls: Place edible pearls around the mane or as accents on the cake to enhance the magical theme.
Step 10: Final Touches and Presentation
- Attach the Horn and Ears: Carefully insert the horn into the top center of the cake. Position the ears on either side of the horn.
- Smooth Out Any Imperfections: Use a cake smoother or spatula to touch up any areas that need refinement.
- Display Your Cake: Present your unicorn cake on a decorative cake stand. Consider adding themed decorations around the base to complement the unicorn design.
Conclusion
Creating a unicorn cake is a delightful and rewarding experience. With these step-by-step instructions, you can craft a beautiful and magical unicorn cake that will be the highlight of any celebration. So gather your tools, unleash your creativity, and start decorating your own unicorn masterpiece!
Also Read: Unicorn Cake Decorating: Tips from the Experts
FAQs
How long does it take to decorate a unicorn cake?
Decorating a unicorn cake can take anywhere from a few hours to a full day, depending on the complexity of the design and your skill level. Allow extra time for drying and setting decorations.
Can I make a unicorn cake without fondant?
Yes, you can use buttercream for many of the decorations, although fondant is preferred for the horn and ears due to its moldability. Buttercream can be used for the mane, eyes, and base frosting.
What’s the best way to store a unicorn cake?
Store the cake in a cool, dry place. If it has perishable fillings, keep it refrigerated and bring it to room temperature before serving. Cover the cake to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other odors.
How far in advance can I make the decorations?
You can make fondant decorations several days in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Ensure they are fully dried before applying them to the cake.
What are some alternative themes similar to unicorns?
Consider themes like mermaids, fairies, or dragons for a similar magical and whimsical effect. These themes also allow for creative use of colors, glitter, and imaginative decorations.
