Unicorns have captured our imaginations for centuries, and now they’re taking over our cake designs too! Unicorn cakes have become a popular trend in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. With their whimsical and enchanting designs, unicorn cakes are perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to weddings to baby showers. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about unicorn cakes, from their origins to the best decorating tools and supplies, and provide step-by-step instructions for making your own unicorn cake masterpiece. So saddle up your imagination, and let’s dive into the magical world of unicorn cakes!
The history of unicorn cakes – where did they come from?
Unicorns have always been associated with mystical and mythical creatures. They have been a part of human lore for centuries, inspiring stories and legends about their beauty, grace, and power. However, the first known unicorn cake was made in 2017, when a baker in Sydney, Australia created a stunning and magical cake to celebrate her daughter’s 4th birthday. The cake featured a beautiful unicorn head, complete with a colorful mane and a golden horn. The design quickly went viral on social media, inspiring other bakers to create their own unicorn cake shapes and designs. Since then, unicorn cakes have continued to be a popular trend, with new and exciting designs popping up every day.
Unicorn cakes have become so popular that they are now a staple at many celebrations, including birthdays, weddings, and baby showers. They are often used as the centerpiece of the dessert table, and can be customized to fit any theme or color scheme. Some bakers have even started creating unicorn cake toppers, which can be used to decorate cupcakes, cookies, and other desserts.
Despite their popularity, unicorn cakes have also faced some criticism for being too trendy and over-the-top. Some people argue that the focus should be on the taste and quality of the cake, rather than its appearance. However, many bakers continue to push the boundaries of unicorn cake design, creating even more elaborate and impressive cakes that are sure to wow any crowd.
Step-by-step guide to making a unicorn cake
Now that you know a little bit about the history of unicorn cakes, let’s dive into the fun part – making your own! Here’s a step-by-step guide to making a basic unicorn cake:
- Bake two 9-inch round cakes and let them cool completely.
- Cut each cake in half horizontally to create 4 layers.
- Spread frosting between each layer and stack the cakes on top of each other.
- Cover the entire cake with a layer of frosting.
- Create the unicorn horn using a sugar cone covered in fondant or modeling chocolate and attach it to the top of the cake.
- Create the unicorn ears using fondant or modeling chocolate and attach them to the sides of the cake.
- Pipe frosting around the base of the horn to create the unicorn’s forehead.
- Create the unicorn’s mane using colored frosting or fondant.
- Add any additional decorations, such as sprinkles, edible glitter, or flowers.
Top 10 unicorn cake designs to try at home
Now that you know the basics of creating a unicorn cake, it’s time to get creative and try out some new designs. Here are ten of the most popular unicorn cake designs to inspire your next baking adventure:
- Floral unicorn cake
- Mermaid unicorn cake
- Rainbow unicorn cake
- Galaxy unicorn cake
- Unicorn cake with a golden horn
- Geode unicorn cake
- Unicorn cake with a rainbow mane
- Pastel unicorn cake
- Chocolate unicorn cake
- Candy unicorn cake
How to make a rainbow unicorn cake
The rainbow unicorn cake is one of the most popular and colorful unicorn cake designs. Here’s how to make your own:
- Bake three 6-inch round cakes in different colors of the rainbow (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple).
- Cut each cake in half horizontally to create 6 layers.
- Stack the layers in rainbow order, starting with red at the bottom.
- Spread frosting between each layer and cover the entire cake with a thin layer of frosting to create a crumb coat.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes to set the crumb coat.
- Apply a second layer of frosting and smooth it out with a spatula.
- Create the unicorn horn using fondant or modeling chocolate and attach it to the top of the cake.
- Create the unicorn ears and attach them to the sides of the cake.
- Pipe colored frosting around the base of the cake to create the unicorn’s neck.
- Create the unicorn’s mane by piping frosting in rainbow colors around the cake.
Unicorn cupcakes: a magical twist on the classic cupcake
If you love the idea of unicorn cakes but don’t want to commit to making a whole cake, then unicorn cupcakes are the perfect solution. Here’s how to make your own:
- Bake a batch of cupcakes in your favorite flavor.
- Spread frosting on top of each cupcake and smooth it out with a spatula.
- Create the unicorn horn using fondant or modeling chocolate and insert it into the center of each cupcake.
- Create the unicorn ears and attach them to the sides of the cupcake using toothpicks or melted chocolate.
The best unicorn cake decorating tools and supplies
Creating unicorn cakes and cupcakes requires some essential decorating tools and supplies. Here are some of the best ones to get you started:
- Piping bags and tips
- Fondant or modeling chocolate
- Frosting spatulas
- Food coloring
- Sugar cones for unicorn horns
- Edible glitter
- Rainbow sprinkles
- Unicorn ear and horn molds
Tips for achieving the perfect unicorn horn on your cake
The unicorn horn is the centerpiece of any unicorn cake. Here are some tips for creating the perfect unicorn horn:
- Use a sugar cone or cake pop stick as a base for the horn.
How to incorporate edible glitter into your unicorn cake design
Edible glitter is a popular ingredient in unicorn cakes and cupcakes, adding a touch of sparkle and magic to your creations. Here are some tips for incorporating glitter into your unicorn cake design:
- Sprinkle glitter on the unicorn’s mane for a sparkling effect.
Vegan and gluten-free options for unicorn cakes
If you or your guests have dietary restrictions, don’t worry – you can still enjoy unicorn cakes. Here are some ideas for making vegan and gluten-free unicorn cakes:
- Use a vegan or gluten-free cake mix for the base of your cake.
Ideas for customizing your unicorn cake to fit any occasion or theme
Unicorn cakes are versatile and can be customized to fit any occasion or theme. Here are some ideas:
- Create a unicorn princess cake for a fairy tale-themed party.
The most popular unicorn cake flavors and fillings
Unicorn cakes can have different flavors and fillings, depending on your taste preferences. Here are some of the most popular unicorn cake flavors and fillings:
- Vanilla cake with vanilla frosting
- Chocolate cake with chocolate frosting
- Red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting
- Funfetti cake with buttercream frosting
- Strawberry cake with whipped cream frosting
- Lemon cake with lemon frosting
- Rainbow cake with rainbow frosting
Unicorn cakes for kids’ birthdays: tips and tricks for making them kid-friendly
Unicorn cakes are perfect for kids’ birthdays, but you want to make sure they’re kid-friendly too. Here are some tips and tricks:
Comparison of fondant vs buttercream frosting for unicorn cakes
Fondant and buttercream frosting are two popular options for covering unicorn cakes. Here’s a comparison:
- Fondant: Creates a smooth and professional-looking finish. Allows for intricate designs and details. Can be rolled out and cut into shapes. Can be more difficult to work with and can dry out quickly.
- Buttercream: Provides a creamy and delicious taste. Easier to work with and spread. Offers infinite color choices. Can melt in warm temperatures, which can affect the design.
Unique ways to use fondant in your unicorn cake design
Fondant is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of ways to create unique unicorn cake designs. Here are some ideas:
- Use fondant to create 3D flowers or unicorns to add to the cake.
That’s it for our exhaustive guide on unicorn cake ideas. Hopefully, this article has inspired you to create your own magical and mystical designs. Remember, the key to creating unicorn cakes is to let your imagination run wild and have fun along the way. Happy baking!