Unicorn Cake Recipe: A Magical Rainbow Layer Cake
A whimsical, multi-layered vanilla sponge cake featuring pastel rainbow colors and fluffy buttercream frosting. Decorated with an edible fondant horn, glitter, and sprinkles, this showstopping dessert delights both children and adults at any celebration. Moist, flavorful, and visually enchanting.
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Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 520kcal
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 3 eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (alcohol-free)
- Pastel gel food coloring (pink, purple, yellow, green, blue)
- 8 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 5 cups unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract (alcohol-free)
- Water as needed (for consistency)
- Edible glitter or dust
- Rainbow sprinkles, edible
- Fondant, rolled and hardened for horn and magical effects
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C)
- Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and ½ cup sugar
- In another bowl, cream butter and remaining 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition
- Stir in vanilla extract
- Alternate adding flour mixture and milk, beginning and ending with flour
- Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing
- Divide batter into 5 portions and tint each with pastel gel (adjust intensity)
- Spoon colored batters alternately into prepared pan; do not mix
- Bake 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean
- Cool completely, then level the top with a serrated knife
- In a stand mixer, combine powdered sugar, softened butter, and vanilla extract
- Gradually add water to reach desired frosting consistency
- Frost the cake and place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up
- Once firm, add edible glitter and sprinkles to the exterior
- Shape fondant into a horn and attach it to the top
Notes
Ensure food coloring is oil-based for vibrant results without affecting texture
Use room-temperature eggs for a lighter sponge
Stabilize frosting with a bit more baking powder if needed
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days
Freeze unbaked batter in portions to create ombre stackability for advanced designs
Use room-temperature eggs for a lighter sponge
Stabilize frosting with a bit more baking powder if needed
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days
Freeze unbaked batter in portions to create ombre stackability for advanced designs
Nutrition
Serving: 1g | Calories: 520kcal | Carbohydrates: 75g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 90mg | Sodium: 200mg | Sugar: 55g