Unicorn Cake

Side view of a unicorn layer cake on a cake stand

5 from 2 votes

With 6 layers of vanilla cake and a mane of buttercream frosting, this Unicorn Cake is perfect for birthday parties, baby showers, and any other unicorn-themed event. It's a beautiful and fun cake that's easier to make than you may expect!

Prep Time40

Cook Time40

Chill Time1

Total Time2 20

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: easy unicorn cake, unicorn birthday cake, unicorn dessert

Servings: slices

Calories: 2842kcal

Author: Jill

Ingredients

For the Cake

2 1/2 cups unsalted butter softened
4 1/2 cups granulated sugar
6 cups cake flour
2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
9 large eggs
3 cups whole milk
3 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Buttercream Frosting for Icing the Cake

6 cups unsalted butter room temperature
12 cups powdered sugar sifted
6 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1-2 tablespoons whole milk

Buttercream Frosting for Decorating the Cake

3 cups unsalted butter room temperature
6 cups powdered sugar sifted
1/2 to 3/4 cup whole milk
3 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
food coloring - purple, pink, dark purple, blue, and black

Instructions

Make the Cake Layers

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease sides of 8 inch round cake pans with butter and then line the bottom with parchment paper.
Using an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar until creamy for 5 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and vanilla extract.
Add flour and egg mixture alternately to butter mixture. Mix on low speed and scrape sides of the bowl as needed until thoroughly combined.
Pour 1/6 of the batter into each cake pan.
Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let it cool for 10 minutes. Wrap each layer in plastic wrap and freeze.

Make the Buttercream for the Cake Layers

In a stand mixer, add the butter and beat for 5 minutes.
Gradually add the sugar 1/2 cup in batches beating between each addition.
Slowly add vanilla extract and milk. Beat on high for 3 minutes, until fully combined.

Make the Buttercream for Decorating the Cake

Mix frosting ingredients as listed above.
Divide buttercream evenly into 5 bowls and another small bowl with 3 tablespoons. Add different colors to each mixing bowl. Add black food coloring into a small bowl.
With a large spoon, add buttercream into a large piping bags.

Decorate the Cake

Using a revolving cake stand, put a dollop of buttercream on the bottom (this will prevent the cake from sliding).
Place 1 frozen cake layer in the center. Spoon 1 cup of buttercream frosting on top and spread evenly with a cake spatula.
Place the second frozen cake layer upside down on top of the first layer. Repeat the process till all layers are stacked.
Place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Crumb coat the outside of the cake with a thin layer of buttercream frosting and spread evenly. Place the cake back into the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Take out of the fridge and frost with a thicker layer of buttercream icing.
Pipe different color rosettes to create a mane. Pipe on the eyes with black icing.

Nutrition