Unicorn Cake Designs: 10 Stunning Cakes You Can Make at Home

Unicorn cakes have taken the world by storm, becoming one of the most sought-after desserts for celebrations. These whimsical cakes, with their vibrant colors, magical decorations, and signature unicorn horn, are perfect for bringing a touch of fantasy to birthdays, parties, and special occasions. Whether you’re planning an extravagant celebration or a small gathering, a unicorn cake can easily become the centerpiece of the event, dazzling both kids and adults alike.

What’s even better is that you don’t need to be a professional baker to create your own stunning unicorn cake at home. With the right tools, a bit of creativity, and some easy-to-follow designs, you can craft a cake that’s not only delicious but also Instagram-worthy. In this guide, we’ll explore 10 stunning unicorn cake designs that cater to all skill levels, from simple buttercream styles to elaborate fondant masterpieces. Let’s bring some magic to your kitchen!

Why Unicorn Cakes Are the Perfect Party Centerpiece

Unicorn cakes have become a go-to choice for celebrations, offering a unique blend of joy and creativity. With their vibrant pastel decorations and intricately crafted horns and ears, they instantly captivate attention and become the focal point of any event.

These cakes are incredibly adaptable, perfect for occasions ranging from children’s birthdays to baby showers and even elegant adult gatherings. Decorated with edible glitter, rainbows, or floral accents, they balance elegance and playfulness beautifully.

Unicorn cakes go beyond being just desserts—they create unforgettable moments. Their grand reveal sparks admiration, conversations, and photo opportunities, leaving lasting memories for guests of all ages.

Bakers also enjoy creative freedom, offering flavors like vanilla, chocolate, red velvet, or lemon to suit any palate. A unicorn cake not only delights the taste buds but also embodies celebration and magic, making any event truly special.

Unicorn Cakes Bring Magic to Celebrations

Symbolizing Whimsy and Magic

Unicorn cakes are the embodiment of whimsy and enchantment, making them an irresistible choice for celebrations. These cakes symbolize a sense of wonder and magic, reminiscent of fairy tales and mythical creatures. Their design evokes the joy of childhood dreams, where imagination knows no bounds. A unicorn cake at a party transforms the atmosphere, adding an air of fantasy that captivates guests of all ages.

Popular Themes and Design Elements

Rainbows

Rainbows are one of the most popular elements in unicorn cakes. Often featured as layered interiors or decorative toppers, they symbolize happiness and positivity. The vibrant burst of colors adds energy and excitement to the cake, making it a showpiece that uplifts the celebration.

Pastel Colors

Soft pastel tones are a staple of unicorn cake designs. These muted yet charming colors bring an elegant and dreamy quality to the cake. Pastels are versatile, fitting for various events, from lively birthday parties to sophisticated baby showers, ensuring the cake feels special yet adaptable.

Glitter

Edible glitter enhances the magic of unicorn cakes, adding sparkle and shine that catches the eye. Whether adorning the horn, the frosting, or the decorations, glitter gives the cake an otherworldly glow. It embodies the fantasy of unicorns, creating a sense of awe and delight for everyone at the celebration.

Versatility of Unicorn Cake Designs

One of the most magical aspects of unicorn cakes is their incredible versatility. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, you can create a unicorn cake that suits your skill level and the occasion perfectly. From simple, rustic buttercream designs to intricate, multi-tiered fondant creations, there are endless possibilities to explore.

1. Simple Buttercream Unicorn Cakes

If you’re new to cake decorating, a buttercream unicorn cake is a fantastic place to start. Buttercream frosting can be easily piped to create colorful, whimsical effects, like the classic pastel swirls often seen in unicorn designs. For a beginner-friendly approach, focus on smooth, even layers of frosting and add a unicorn horn topper to give the cake that signature magical touch.

You can experiment with different buttercream techniques like ombre effects, rosettes, or ruffles to enhance the design. These techniques are simple yet stunning, and they allow for a personalized touch—whether you want to create a soft, pastel rainbow or bold, vibrant colors. A simple one-tier buttercream unicorn cake can be the perfect centerpiece for a birthday or any celebration, without requiring too much time or complicated tools.

2. Intricate Fondant Unicorn Cakes

For those who want to take their unicorn cake to the next level, fondant is the perfect medium. Fondant allows for more intricate and detailed decorations, like unicorn horns, ears, and facial features. With a bit of patience and skill, you can shape fondant into realistic-looking decorations that will make your cake truly stand out.

Fondant gives you the ability to create smooth, sleek surfaces, making it ideal for more polished, elegant unicorn cake designs. You can cover the entire cake in fondant and add personalized elements like edible flowers, jewels, or even sculpted unicorn manes. Fondant also provides a great foundation for adding colorful accents like edible glitter, sprinkles, or metallic highlights, giving the cake a magical, fairy-tale look.

3. One-Tier Unicorn Cakes

One-tier unicorn cakes are a great option for smaller gatherings or as a simple yet beautiful dessert centerpiece. A single-tier design can still pack a punch with bold decorations and fun colors. Whether you’re using buttercream or fondant, one-tier cakes allow for more freedom with decorations like unicorn ears, horns, and rainbow swirls.

These cakes are also ideal for trying out different design styles without overwhelming yourself with the complexity of multi-tiered cakes. One-tier unicorn cakes are the perfect choice for smaller parties or as a fun, whimsical dessert for themed celebrations like birthdays or baby showers.

4. Multi-Tier Unicorn Cakes

For larger events or those looking to create a show-stopping dessert, multi-tier unicorn cakes are the way to go. These cakes often feature several layers, stacked high to create an impressive and stunning visual. Each tier can be decorated differently, allowing for a dynamic and eye-catching presentation. For example, one tier could feature a smooth fondant finish, while another could showcase a whimsical buttercream design.

Multi-tier cakes also allow for more creativity in terms of design, as you can play with different colors, textures, and decorations across the tiers. These cakes are perfect for big birthday parties, weddings, or any large event where you want to impress your guests with a magical, unicorn-themed dessert.

Essential Tools and Ingredients for Unicorn Cake Designs

Creating the perfect unicorn cake requires more than just creativity—it’s essential to have the right tools and ingredients at your disposal. Whether you’re crafting a simple buttercream design or an intricate fondant masterpiece, having the proper equipment and ingredients will make the process smoother and more enjoyable. Below, we explore the key tools and ingredients you’ll need to bring your magical unicorn cake vision to life.

1. Cake Decorating Tools You’ll Need

A well-equipped kitchen is vital when it comes to decorating unicorn cakes. Here are the must-have tools to ensure your cake turns out beautifully:

Piping Bags and Nozzles:

Piping bags are an absolute necessity for adding texture and detail to your unicorn cake. You’ll use them to pipe smooth buttercream, intricate rosettes, swirls, or even the unicorn’s mane. Nozzles come in different shapes and sizes, such as round tips for borders or star tips for creating rosettes and swirls. Make sure to have a variety of nozzle types to achieve different effects.

Cake Turntable:

A cake turntable allows you to rotate the cake smoothly while you decorate, ensuring an even distribution of frosting. This is especially helpful when working with buttercream or fondant, as it helps you maintain symmetry and apply the decorations more evenly.

Fondant Rolling Pin:

If you’re using fondant to decorate your unicorn cake, a smooth, non-stick rolling pin is essential. It helps you roll the fondant out evenly and get the right thickness for covering your cake or making unicorn features like ears and horns.

Edible Glitter and Sprinkles:

No unicorn cake is complete without a touch of sparkle! Edible glitter adds a magical, shimmering effect that mimics the enchantment of a unicorn’s world. Rainbow sprinkles, pastel-colored sugar crystals, or metallic pearls are excellent choices for giving your cake that extra pop of color and magic.

Sculpting Tools:

If you plan on creating detailed fondant decorations, like the unicorn’s horn or ears, you’ll need sculpting tools. These tools help shape and smooth the fondant to create realistic, three-dimensional features.

Cake Smoother or Spatula:

To achieve a flawless buttercream finish or a smooth fondant layer, a cake smoother or an offset spatula is crucial. It helps you smooth out the frosting or fondant, removing any imperfections and giving your cake a professional finish.

2. Key Ingredients for a Flawless Unicorn Cake

Choosing the right ingredients is just as important as having the right tools. The following ingredients will help you create a cake that is not only visually stunning but also delicious:

Cake Mix or Homemade Cake Batter:

Depending on your time and preference, you can use either a pre-made cake mix or bake your cake from scratch. A fluffy vanilla or pastel-colored cake base is often the best option for unicorn cakes, as it pairs beautifully with colorful frosting and decorations. For an added twist, you can even incorporate rainbow layers to enhance the magic of the design.

Buttercream Frosting:

Buttercream frosting is a versatile and easy-to-use choice for decorating unicorn cakes. You can color it with pastel shades or create vibrant rainbow hues. Buttercream provides a smooth texture for piping and spreading, and it holds up well when creating decorations like swirls and rosettes.

Fondant:

Fondant is the ideal ingredient for achieving clean, polished finishes, especially when making the unicorn horn, ears, or other detailed decorations. It comes in a variety of colors, or you can color it yourself using food coloring. Fondant is pliable, making it perfect for sculpting and shaping intricate features.

Pastel Food Coloring:

Unicorn cakes are known for their pastel hues, so it’s important to have a selection of food coloring. Gel food colors are preferred, as they are more concentrated and provide vibrant, long-lasting colors. You can create soft pinks, purples, blues, and yellows that mimic the gentle shades of a unicorn’s mane and tail.

Rainbow Sprinkles:

Rainbow sprinkles are a fun and easy way to add color and texture to your cake. They’re perfect for covering the sides of your cake or sprinkling on top for a festive, whimsical look. You can also use metallic or shimmering sprinkles for a more magical, elegant touch.

Unicorn Cake Toppers and Decorations:

To give your cake that signature unicorn look, consider using pre-made unicorn cake toppers. These can include unicorn horns, ears, eyes, and even figurines. You can find these in stores or online, or you can make them yourself using fondant or modeling chocolate. Toppers like these can save you time while adding an extra touch of personality to your cake.

3. Optional Add-Ons for Extra Magic

Edible Flowers:

To add a touch of nature and elegance to your unicorn cake, consider using edible flowers like pansies, violets, or roses. These can be incorporated around the base of the cake or placed on top as a delicate accent.

Candy Accents:

For a playful touch, you can add candy elements like lollipops, gumdrops, or colorful candy melts. These can enhance the unicorn theme and make your cake even more fun and festive, especially for children’s parties.

Modeling Chocolate:

Modeling chocolate is a great alternative to fondant for creating decorations. It’s softer and easier to work with, and it can be molded into various shapes, including unicorn features. It’s also less likely to dry out or crack, making it perfect for detailed work.

10 Stunning Unicorn Cake Designs to Try at Home

Creating a unicorn cake at home can be a fun and rewarding experience, no matter your skill level. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, there are countless ways to design a magical unicorn cake that will wow your guests. Below are three unique unicorn cake designs that range from beginner-friendly to slightly more advanced, offering something for everyone.

1. Simple Buttercream Unicorn Cake

If you’re just starting out in the world of cake decorating, a simple buttercream unicorn cake is the perfect way to ease into the craft. This design is incredibly versatile and allows you to be creative while keeping things straightforward.

Buttercream Base:

Begin by frosting your cake with a smooth layer of buttercream. Make sure your cake layers are even and leveled before you start applying the frosting. For a neat finish, you can apply a thin crumb coat first to lock in any loose crumbs, followed by a final smooth layer of buttercream.

Creating a Pastel Color Swirl Effect:

One of the key features of a unicorn cake is its beautiful pastel colors. To achieve the pastel swirl effect, divide your buttercream frosting into several bowls, each for a different color (typically pink, purple, blue, and yellow). Add a few drops of gel food coloring to each bowl and mix well. Using a spatula or piping bag, gently swirl the colors together, starting from the base of the cake and working your way up. Don’t overblend; a little streakiness will help create the magical, whimsical effect.

Decorative Tips:

For a finishing touch, you can pipe small rosettes or swirls along the top edge of the cake to mimic the look of the unicorn’s mane. Consider adding small edible glitter or sprinkles for extra sparkle!

2. Fondant Unicorn Cake with Horn and Ears

Fondant cakes offer a more polished and professional look, making them perfect for those who want to take their unicorn cake designs to the next level. This design includes a cute unicorn horn and ears, giving your cake a true “magical” feel.

Shaping and Decorating the Fondant Horn and Ears:

Unicorn Horn:

Roll a small piece of white fondant into a cone shape. Then, gently twist the fondant as you shape it to create a spiral effect. To give the horn some added dimension, you can brush it with a little gold or silver edible paint. Insert a small wooden skewer or lollipop stick into the base of the horn to help it stand upright when placed on the cake.

Unicorn Ears:

Roll two small balls of fondant for the ears, then flatten them slightly and form them into a teardrop shape. Use a small tool or your fingers to create a slight curve on the bottom edge of each ear. Once shaped, you can add a delicate pink fondant inner ear and place them at the top of your cake.

Adding Rainbow Sprinkles or Glitter:

To enhance the whimsy of the design, sprinkle some rainbow-colored sprinkles along the bottom edge of the cake or on the unicorn’s mane. Alternatively, lightly dust the entire cake or the horn with edible glitter to give it an extra magical touch.

Assembly:

After the fondant and decorations are ready, assemble the cake by placing the horn and ears on top of the buttercream-covered cake. Be sure to press them gently into the cake to ensure they stay in place.

3. Rainbow Layer Unicorn Cake

This vibrant and colorful design is sure to be a showstopper at any celebration. With its multi-colored cake layers, this unicorn cake will impress guests with both its taste and appearance.

Baking Multi-Colored Layers:

Start by preparing your cake batter and dividing it evenly into several bowls (usually 4-5 bowls for a rainbow effect). Add a few drops of gel food coloring to each bowl to create different colors (red, orange, yellow, green, and blue). Carefully layer each color into your cake pans, pouring the batter in equal layers to ensure the colors stay distinct. Follow the recipe’s instructions to bake the cake. Once the cake is baked, allow the layers to cool fully.

Assembling the Layers:

Begin stacking the cake layers, starting with the bottom layer. Spread a light layer of frosting between each cake layer to bind them together. Make sure to align each layer carefully for a smooth, level stack.

Frosting the Cake:

Once all the layers are assembled, apply a crumb coat to lock in any stray crumbs. Then, frost the cake with a smooth layer of white buttercream or your preferred frosting. You can also go for a swirl effect, where you lightly blend colors into the frosting to make the rainbow layers visible on the sides.

Decorative Details:

Finish off the cake with colorful sprinkles, edible glitter, or even fondant decorations to enhance the theme. You can create a mane effect using piped buttercream, or, for a fun twist, add a small fondant unicorn horn and ears on top to complete the look.

For more creative ideas and step-by-step guides, check out this article

Tips for Perfecting Your Unicorn Cake Design

Achieving the perfect unicorn cake design requires a mix of creativity, technique, and attention to detail. Whether you’re aiming for a smooth buttercream finish or adding intricate fondant details, following some key tips will ensure your unicorn cake turns out as magical as you envision. Below are expert techniques to elevate your unicorn cake-making skills.

Achieving Smooth Frostin

Smooth, even frosting is one of the hallmarks of a beautifully decorated cake. Here are some techniques to help you achieve a flawless buttercream finish:

Prepare Your Cake Layers:

Before applying any frosting, make sure your cake layers are completely cooled and level. Uneven layers can lead to a bumpy finish when frosting. If necessary, use a serrated knife to trim the tops of the layers to make them flat.

Apply a Crumb Coat:

One of the most important steps in achieving smooth frosting is the crumb coat. A crumb coat is a thin layer of frosting applied to the entire cake to seal in any crumbs. It serves as a base layer, ensuring that the final layer of frosting adheres evenly and doesn’t trap crumbs. Apply the crumb coat using a spatula or an offset spatula, and then refrigerate the cake for 15-30 minutes to let the frosting firm up before adding the final coat.

Smooth the Buttercream:

After your crumb coat has set, apply a thicker layer of buttercream. Use a bench scraper or an offset spatula to smooth the frosting around the entire cake. For a super smooth finish, use a cake turntable while applying the frosting and constantly rotate the cake as you work. For stubborn areas, dip your spatula in warm water and wipe it off before smoothing out the buttercream. This will help create an even, polished look.

Avoid Overworking the Frosting:

Don’t overmix or overwork your frosting once it’s applied. Too much smoothing can cause it to lose its smooth texture and may even lead to air bubbles or streaking.

Creating the Perfect Unicorn Horn and Ears

The unicorn horn and ears are key features of your unicorn cake. They can be made from various materials, including fondant and modeling chocolate. Here’s how to ensure these elements are stable and look flawless:

Choosing the Right Material:

Fondant and modeling chocolate are both excellent options for making stable, edible unicorn decorations. Fondant is easy to work with and holds its shape well, while modeling chocolate has a smoother texture and is slightly more pliable, which makes it perfect for detailed work.

Shaping the Unicorn Horn:

• Start by rolling a small piece of fondant or modeling chocolate into a long, cone-shaped piece. Twist the fondant as you roll it to create a spiral pattern. The length and thickness of the horn will depend on the size of your cake, but a standard unicorn horn is usually about 6-8 inches tall.
• For a professional touch, you can brush the horn with edible gold or silver paint to add shimmer and give it an extra magical effect.
• Making the Unicorn Ears:
  • Shape the ears by rolling small balls of fondant into teardrop shapes. Flatten them slightly and then use a tool (such as a small knife or fondant tool) to carve the ear’s shape, creating the delicate inner part of the ear. To make the inner ear, you can use pink or purple fondant.
  • Attach the ears to the cake at the top, making sure they are positioned symmetrically.
• Inserting a Support Stick for Stability: To keep the horn upright and stable, insert a small support stick (like a lollipop stick or wooden dowel) into the base of the horn before attaching it to the cake. This ensures the horn doesn’t collapse under its weight. Once inserted, gently place the horn into the center of the cake, and press it in until it feels secure.

Using Edible Glitter and Sprinkles Effectively

A little sparkle goes a long way when it comes to unicorn cakes. Edible glitter and sprinkles are essential for adding a magical touch to your cake, but it’s important to use them strategically to avoid overloading the design.

Choosing the Right Glitter and Sprinkles:

There are various types of edible glitter and sprinkles available, including fine glitter, chunky glitter, and colored sprinkles. You can also find rainbow-themed sprinkles or metallic glitter, both of which fit perfectly with the whimsical unicorn theme.

Applying Glitter and Sprinkles Sparingly:

• Lightly dust edible glitter over the top of the cake, focusing on areas where you want to add extra shine, such as the top of the horn, around the ears, or along the edges of the cake. Avoid applying glitter in large quantities, as it can overpower the other elements and distract from the overall design.
• For sprinkles, use them to accentuate specific features like the unicorn’s mane or the base of the cake. Rainbow sprinkles are a great choice for adding pops of color. If you’re using larger sprinkles, try to place them in clusters for a more balanced look.
• Highlighting the Magical Effect: Instead of covering the entire cake with glitter or sprinkles, focus on adding them to key areas that will make the cake sparkle without overwhelming the design. This technique will give your unicorn cake a more refined, magical appearance while still keeping the overall aesthetic clean and visually appealing.

By mastering these tips, you’ll be able to create a unicorn cake design that is both visually stunning and professionally executed. From smooth frosting and fondant decoration to using edible glitter in the right amounts, these small details can make all the difference in perfecting your unicorn cake and making it look truly magical!

How to Decorate a Cake (For Beginners)

Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Decorating a Unicorn Cake

Creating a unicorn cake can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it’s easy to fall into some common traps that can lead to less-than-perfect results. Avoiding these mistakes will help you achieve a cake that’s not only visually stunning but also structurally sound and delicious. Here are a few critical mistakes to watch out for when making your unicorn cake.

Uneven Layers or Decorations

One of the most noticeable mistakes when making a unicorn cake is uneven layers or decorations. This can cause the cake to look lopsided or unpolished. Here are some tips to ensure your layers and decorations are uniform and symmetrical:

Level Your Cake Layers:

To prevent uneven layers, make sure your cake is completely cooled before trimming. Use a serrated knife to level the tops of your cake layers, removing any dome-like rise so that they stack evenly. Alternatively, a cake leveler tool can help you achieve perfectly even layers. For best results, check the level of each layer as you go, and if necessary, trim slightly to keep everything aligned.

Use a Cake Turntable:

A cake turntable allows for smooth, even application of frosting and decorations. It helps you rotate the cake without lifting it, ensuring that the frosting and decorations stay symmetrical as you work. This is especially important for unicorn cakes with intricate designs like spirals or symmetrical horn placements.

Symmetry in Decorations:

Pay close attention to the symmetry of your decorations. For example, when placing the unicorn’s ears or the horn, ensure that both are positioned evenly and balanced on either side. If you’re using fondant or modeling chocolate, measure the pieces before attaching them to avoid any disproportionate or mismatched components.

Overloading the Cake with Decorations

While unicorn cakes are meant to be whimsical and fun, it’s easy to get carried away with decorations. However, overloading the cake with too many elements can make it appear cluttered and unappealing. Here’s how to find the right balance between decoration and flavor:

Keep the Cake Balanced:

Focus on highlighting key elements like the unicorn’s horn, ears, and mane, and avoid adding unnecessary decorations that can detract from the cake’s overall beauty. A few well-placed accents, such as edible glitter, rainbow sprinkles, or simple fondant flowers, can add sparkle and charm without overwhelming the design.

Let the Flavor Shine Through:

Remember, the cake’s flavor is just as important as its design. Over-decorating with heavy fondant or too much frosting can overpower the taste of the cake. Choose decorative elements that are light and flavorful, such as pastel-colored buttercream, and use candy or chocolate accents sparingly. This way, your cake will not only look beautiful but also taste delicious.

Maintain Proportions:

Keep an eye on the proportions of each element on the cake. For example, if you’re adding a fondant unicorn horn, make sure it’s the right size for the cake. If it’s too large, it can make the cake look top-heavy. Similarly, ensure that your decorations don’t cover up too much of the cake’s surface area, especially if the design includes multiple layers of frosting.

Skipping the Planning Stage

While it might seem like fun to dive straight into cake decoration, skipping the planning stage can lead to mistakes that are difficult to fix later. A little bit of preparation can go a long way in achieving a beautiful unicorn cake:

Sketch Your Design:

Before you even start baking, sketch a rough design of how you want your unicorn cake to look. Decide on the overall color scheme, placement of decorations, and which elements will be the focal point. Planning ahead will help you visualize the end result and ensure all components come together cohesively.

Prepare Your Tools and Ingredients:

Having all your cake decorating tools and ingredients prepared and within reach before you begin can make the process go much smoother. For example, ensure you have piping bags, nozzles, and the necessary food colors ready to go. Having your fondant rolled out and your decorations prepped will prevent unnecessary stress later in the process.

Allow Time for Each Step:

When planning your cake-making process, leave enough time for each stage of the design. This includes time for cooling, crumb-coating, applying the final layer of frosting, and decorating. Trying to rush through these stages can lead to uneven frosting, poor decoration placement, or a cake that doesn’t hold together well.

Anticipate Potential Problems:

Think through any challenges that could arise, like uneven frosting or shifting decorations. If you plan ahead, you’ll be able to avoid these issues or handle them gracefully when they do come up. For example, if you plan on using a fondant unicorn horn, make sure it’s sturdy and has a support stick before you apply it to the cake to avoid it collapsing.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll set yourself up for success in creating a beautiful, balanced, and delicious unicorn cake. From leveling your layers to ensuring your decorations are well-proportioned and planned in advance, these steps will help ensure that your unicorn cake turns out just the way you want it. Taking the time to focus on these details will elevate your cake-making skills and ensure that your unicorn creation is both magical and flawless!

Chef’s Note:

Creating a unicorn cake at home is truly a magical experience. From the smooth buttercream swirls to the whimsical fondant horns, every step allows you to bring your imagination to life. Whether you’re a beginner just starting out or an experienced baker, the possibilities for designing your very own unicorn cake are endless.

We hope this guide has inspired you to dive into the world of unicorn cake design and experiment with different techniques and styles. Don’t be afraid to get creative—every cake is an opportunity to add your unique touch. Whether you’re making a simple buttercream unicorn or a multi-tiered rainbow masterpiece, the process is meant to be fun and enjoyable.

We would love to see your unicorn cake creations! Share your designs and let us know your favorite unicorn cake style in the comments below. Happy baking!