19 Awesome Unicorn Cake Ideas to Try at Home

Unicorn cakes are a delightful addition to any celebration, bringing magic and joy through colorful designs and creative decorations. I know my little one can’t get enough of unicorns!

These enchanting cakes often feature pastel hues, glitter, and charming details like ears, horns, and flowing manes. Whether for a birthday, a special event, or simply to bring a smile, unicorn cakes are sure to be a hit!

Browse this awesome list below and let us know your favorite!

A table filled with 19 unicorn cakes, each uniquely decorated with colorful frosting, sprinkles, and edible glitter

With a range of styles from elegant to whimsical, unicorn cakes can be customized to fit any theme or taste. From classic vanilla to adventurous rainbow layers, the options are as limitless as the imagination. They not only act as a centerpiece but also provide a memorable treat for everyone to enjoy.

1) Rainbow Layered Unicorn Cake

A tall, colorful unicorn cake with layers of rainbow-colored frosting, topped with a golden horn and surrounded by edible glitter and sprinkles

A Rainbow Layered Unicorn Cake brings vibrancy and fun to any celebration. This cake features multiple colorful layers, each a different shade of the rainbow.

To create this cake, bakers typically prepare separate bowls of cake batter. Each portion gets dyed using food coloring to achieve the desired hues.

TIP: Try this top-rated Rainbow Unicorn cake recipe from Yummy Tummy Aarthi!

Once the batter is prepared, it’s evenly distributed into different cake pans. After baking, the layers are stacked with a smooth layer of frosting in between.

The final touch is decorating the cake with whimsical unicorn elements like a fondant horn and ears.

2) Pastel Ombre Unicorn Cake

A pastel ombre unicorn cake stands on a white table, adorned with edible gold glitter and rainbow sprinkles. A golden horn and delicate fondant ears complete the magical dessert

A pastel ombre unicorn cake is a delightful treat that brings a sense of whimsy to any celebration. The cake is covered in smooth, pastel-colored frosting that fades from one hue to another, creating a beautiful ombre effect.

Each layer of the cake can feature a different pastel color, making the inside just as lovely as the outside. This type of unicorn cake often has fondant or buttercream decorations, including a unicorn horn, ears, and eyes.

TIP: Try this ombre unicorn cake recipe from That Cooking Thing!

Creating a pastel ombre effect is simple. Use a palette of soft colors such as pink, blue, and purple. Apply each color in sections and blend the edges where they meet. The pastel shades give the cake a dreamy look that is perfect for birthdays and special events.

3) Glittery Unicorn Horn Cake

A majestic unicorn cake with a glittery horn and colorful mane stands on a whimsical display table

A Glittery Unicorn Horn Cake catches the eye with its sparkling horn centerpiece. This cake design involves creating a tall unicorn horn covered in edible glitter, making it the focal point. Use fondant to shape the horn and then apply edible glitter for a dazzling effect.

The rest of the cake can be a simple vanilla or chocolate base. Decorate it with pastel-colored frosting to complement the glittery horn. Add in some fondant unicorn ears and lashes to complete the look.

For an extra touch, sprinkle edible glitter around the base of the cake to enhance its magical appearance. This cake is perfect for any unicorn-themed party and will surely impress everyone with its sparkle and charm.

4) Floral Unicorn Cake

A majestic unicorn cake adorned with vibrant flowers and golden horn stands on a pastel-colored table

A Floral Unicorn Cake combines a magical unicorn theme with beautiful floral decorations. It’s perfect for birthdays and special celebrations. Bakers can use ombre layers to give the cake a dreamy look.

Once the cake layers are baked and cooled, they can be crumb coated and iced. Then, a colorful mane is created using buttercream rosettes. Different star nozzles can be used to give the mane varying textures and colors.

To complete the look, flowers made from icing or edible fondant can be added around the cake. These floral details add elegance and charm.

5) Galaxy Unicorn Cake

A colorful galaxy background with a majestic unicorn cake as the focal point, adorned with shimmering stars and vibrant colors

A Galaxy Unicorn Cake combines the mystical elements of outer space with the enchanting features of unicorns. This cake stands out with its dark, starry colors like black, purple, and pink, making it look magical.

To start, the horn and ears are often made first using modeling chocolate. The horn can be created by twisting two cone shapes over a skewer. Ears can be made by shaping rose petals around skewers.

The cake itself usually has a black or dark-colored base. Buttercream frosting is applied to resemble the galaxy, often including hints of pink, aqua, and white for an ethereal effect. The unicorn’s mane and tail are piped using these vibrant colors to complete the look.

Some designs feature additional decorations, such as edible stars or glitter. These small touches add more depth and magic to the Galaxy Unicorn Cake, making it a memorable centerpiece for any celebration.

6) Marbled Unicorn Cake

A marbled unicorn cake sits on a table surrounded by pastel-colored frosting, edible glitter, and rainbow sprinkles

A marbled unicorn cake combines vibrant colors with a unique, swirled design. This cake features a mix of bright shades like pink, blue, and purple.

To create the marble effect, bakers mix different colored cake batters together. It results in a stunning appearance when sliced. This design adds a touch of magic to any party.

TIP: Try this awesome recipe from Baking Dairy Free!

The outside of the cake is usually decorated with smooth white or pastel frosting. Some may add a unicorn horn and ears to complete the look. The marble interior surprises guests when the cake is cut.

This cake is perfect for those who love a beautiful and whimsical theme. Simple to make, it requires just a few extra steps compared to a regular cake. Choose the colors that match the party theme for the best results.

7) Candyland Unicorn Cake

A magical unicorn cake surrounded by colorful candies and sprinkles, with a rainbow in the background

The Candyland Unicorn Cake mixes bright colors and sweet treats, creating a delightful scene. This cake combines the magic of unicorns with the charm of Candyland.

Colorful candies and lollipops decorate the cake, giving it a playful look. The unicorn theme shines through with rainbow frosting, edible glitter, and a golden unicorn horn.

Extra touches like gumdrops, candy canes, and chocolate pieces enhance the cake’s festive feel. It’s perfect for birthday parties and special celebrations.

8) Neon Rainbow Unicorn Cake

A neon rainbow unicorn cake stands on a table, surrounded by colorful sprinkles and edible glitter. The cake is adorned with a majestic unicorn horn and ears, with a flowing rainbow mane cascading down the sides

A Neon Rainbow Unicorn Cake stands out with its vibrant, electric colors. To achieve this, bakers usually start by preparing a standard white cake mix and dividing the batter into several bowls.

Electric gel colors are excellent for achieving strong, neon hues. Adding 2-3 drops of different colors to each bowl creates the desired bright effect.

Each colored batter is then poured into separate cake pans before baking. After baking, the cakes should cool completely before assembly and decoration.

For a stunning finish, use neon-colored frosting to create layers and decorate the exterior. A larger star tip on your piping bag will help in creating beautiful, consistent frosting designs. Completing the cake with unicorn-themed decorations, like edible horn and ears, brings the magical theme to life.

9) Rustic Unicorn Cake

A rustic unicorn cake sits on a wooden table, adorned with colorful frosting and edible glitter. Surrounding it are whimsical decorations like flowers and stars

A rustic unicorn cake brings a charming, natural touch to the magical unicorn theme. This design often uses simple, clean lines and earthy tones.

Decorators may opt for burlap ribbons or twine to wrap around the cake edges. Edible flowers and greenery add a beautiful, organic feel.

For the unicorn’s mane, a mix of muted pastel buttercream rosettes can be used. Instead of a shiny gold horn, a wooden or twig-like horn can complete the rustic look.

This type of cake fits perfectly for outdoor or farm-themed birthday parties or events.

10) Mermaid Unicorn Cake

A mermaid unicorn cake sits on a table surrounded by colorful sprinkles and edible glitter. The cake is adorned with a majestic unicorn horn and a mermaid tail, creating a whimsical and enchanting dessert centerpiece

A Mermaid Unicorn Cake combines the magical elements of both mermaids and unicorns. This imaginative cake often features bright colors, waves, and seashells.

To create this cake, bakers usually start with layers of vibrant, pastel-colored sponge cakes. Each layer can be a different color, giving a rainbow effect when cut.

TIP: Check out this Unicorn Fairy Mermaid Birthday Cake recipe from Lala Lunchbox!

The outside is decorated with fondant or buttercream. Mermaid tails and unicorn horns are commonly added. Pearls, edible glitter, and seashell candies enhance the fantasy theme.

This cake delightfully blends two popular themes, making it perfect for birthdays and special occasions.

11) Sparkling Unicorn Cake

A majestic unicorn cake adorned with pastel frosting, edible glitter, and a shimmering horn. Surrounding the cake are whimsical decorations such as rainbow sprinkles, fondant flowers, and golden stars

The Sparkling Unicorn Cake is perfect for celebrations. This cake often features layers of moist, flavorful batter.

One popular design includes a tier covered in colorful sprinkles with another tier decorated to look like a whimsical unicorn.

The decoration includes a mane made of buttercream rosettes and stars, as well as a horn shaped from gum paste. This cake is a magical centerpiece.

12) Minimalist Unicorn Cake

A simple, elegant unicorn cake on a white pedestal. Gold horn, pastel mane, and a sprinkle of edible glitter

A minimalist unicorn cake focuses on simplicity while still capturing the magical essence of unicorns.

This cake features a clean, white base with just a few decorative elements. The unicorn horn and ears, often made from fondant or marzipan, are placed on top.

The eyes are usually small, delicate black lashes. Colorful decorations, such as pastel flowers or a touch of gold, add a subtle yet enchanting touch. This design is perfect for those who prefer understated elegance.

13) Ethereal Unicorn Cake

A majestic unicorn cake surrounded by sparkles and pastel flowers

The Ethereal Unicorn Cake stands out with its delicate and dreamy appearance. This cake captures a sense of magic with light pastel colors and soft, flowing decorations.

Using a round cake as the base, layers of fluffy vanilla or light lemon sponge work best. The frosting is smooth buttercream in pastel hues, like lavender, mint green, and baby blue.

The mane is crafted from buttercream rosettes and delicate piping, creating a whimsical flow down the cake. Edible glitter adds a touch of sparkle, enhancing its ethereal charm.

Adding tiny star-shaped fondant accents and a golden horn completes the look. The horn can be shaped from gum paste and brushed with edible gold dust. This cake is perfect for any unicorn-themed celebration, bringing a sense of enchantment to the table.

14) Pink and Gold Unicorn Cake

A pink and gold unicorn cake sits on a table, adorned with edible gold glitter and delicate fondant unicorn horn and ears

The Pink and Gold Unicorn Cake is both elegant and fun. It features a base color of pink frosting. Gold accents highlight the unicorn’s horn, ears, and eyes. This color combination adds a touch of luxury.

To decorate, use gold edible paint for the details. Add pink and white flowers made from fondant or buttercream around the unicorn’s mane.

The cake is sure to be a showstopper at parties, combining whimsy with a touch of glamour.

15) Whimsical Unicorn Cake

A whimsical unicorn cake is perfect for a magical theme. This cake starts with a simple horse-shaped pan, turning it into a unicorn with some creative decorations.

Frost the cake using vibrant colors for the mane. Use a star tip to create texture. A fondant horn on top adds a magical touch.

Anyone can make this enchanting cake with basic tools and ingredients.

16) Buttercream Unicorn Cake

A Buttercream Unicorn Cake is both enchanting and delicious. This cake often features multiple layers, typically ranging from 3 to 6.

The steps start with baking the sponges. For a 6-layer cake, this can take around 2 hours.

Next, the buttercream frosting is prepared. The ingredients generally include butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. This mixture is beaten until smooth.

After the frosting is ready, the fun part begins—decorating. The frosting can be tinted in various colors. Using piping bags, decorators can create beautiful, detailed designs that bring the unicorn to life.

The final touch often involves adding details like the unicorn’s horn, ears, and eyes. These can be made from fondant or other edible decorations.

Creating a Buttercream Unicorn Cake requires patience and creativity, but the results are always worth it.

17) Starry Night Unicorn Cake

The Starry Night Unicorn Cake combines the magic of unicorns with the beauty of the night sky. Dark blue frosting covers the cake, creating the perfect canvas for stars and galaxies.

Gold and silver edible stars add a sparkle to the midnight-blue background. The unicorn’s horn is dusted with edible glitter to make it shine like a distant star.

This cake often features clouds made from fluffy white frosting. These clouds give the impression that the unicorn is floating in the night sky. The mane can be colored with shades of blue, purple, and silver.

Adding tiny, twinkling lights to the cake can enhance the dreamy, starry effect. This cake is great for anyone who loves stargazing and unicorns. Combining these two themes creates a unique and enchanting dessert.

18) Unicorn Sheet Cake

The Unicorn Sheet Cake is a colorful and fun dessert that’s perfect for any celebration.

Start with a basic cake mix and follow the package instructions. They recommend using different colors such as red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple. This adds a rainbow effect.

After baking, let the cake cool completely before decorating.

For decoration, make a simple buttercream frosting. Use food coloring to create bright, pastel colors. Pipe the frosting in swirls and layers to mimic a unicorn’s mane.

Add a silver or gold fondant horn in the center. Use edible glitter for extra sparkle. This detail makes the cake truly magical.

With these steps, anyone can make a Unicorn Sheet Cake that stands out at any party.

19) Rustic Woodland Unicorn Cake

A Rustic Woodland Unicorn Cake combines magical unicorn dreams with earthy, natural elements. This cake usually features neutral tones and wooden textures.

Many decorators use wooden cake stands and natural greenery to highlight this theme. Edible flowers and fondant mushrooms often adorn the cake, adding to the enchanting woodland vibe.

Buttercream in soft pastel shades helps balance the rustic elements with the unicorn fantasy.

Twine or burlap ribbons can wrap around cake tiers for a more authentic look. The cake’s horn and ears can be made from golden fondant or gum paste, maintaining the unicorn essence while keeping it rustic.

This cake perfectly suits outdoor parties or cozy indoor gatherings, blending fairy tale charm with a touch of nature.

Types of Unicorn Cakes

Unicorn cakes are beloved for their whimsical designs and vibrant colors. Some of the popular variations include classic, rainbow, and galaxy-themed unicorn cakes.

Classic Unicorn Cake

Classic unicorn cakes typically feature a white or pastel base. Decorated with a golden horn, ears, and a mane made of colorful buttercream rosettes, these cakes are elegant and enchanting.

The horn is often created from fondant or an ice cream cone coated in edible gold. The ears and eyes are also made from fondant, adding a touch of charm.

Buttercream rosettes in shades of pink, blue, and purple highlight the mane. Some cakes add a touch of edible glitter for extra sparkle. This design is perfect for those who love a touch of fairy-tale magic.

Rainbow Unicorn Cake

Rainbow unicorn cakes bring a burst of color to any celebration. The cake layers take on vibrant hues, often reflecting the colors of the rainbow.

Inside, the cake reveals multiple layers of brightly colored sponge cake. Twinkie fillings or other sweet surprises are sometimes added to these layers, making each slice a delightful experience.

The exterior is usually decorated with rainbow-colored buttercream, sprinkles, and a colorful mane. This cake is perfect for those who want a bold, eye-catching treat.

Galaxy Unicorn Cake

Galaxy unicorn cakes combine the magic of unicorns with the fascination of outer space. These cakes often feature a dark, starry background with swirls of blues, purples, and blacks.

The buttercream is blended to create a galaxy effect, sometimes using an airbrush for a smooth finish. White dots and edible glitter mimic stars, adding a cosmic touch.

The unicorn horn and mane can incorporate metallic colors like silver or gold to match the space theme. Galaxy unicorn cakes are ideal for anyone who loves the mysterious and infinite beauty of the universe.

Decoration Techniques

Creating a stunning unicorn cake involves a variety of decoration techniques that bring the magic to life. Mastering fondant decorations, buttercream frosting, and edible glitter and sprinkles will help achieve an enchanting and professional-looking cake.

Fondant Decorations

Fondant offers a smooth, polished look for unicorn cakes. Unicorn horns, ears, and eyes are often crafted from fondant. To make a unicorn horn, roll white or gold fondant into a long cone shape, then twist it to create a spiral effect.

Ears are made by cutting out fondant shapes and attaching them to the cake with toothpicks. Fondant eyes can be drawn using edible markers for precision. Fondant allows for custom colors and fine details, making it ideal for adding character to any unicorn cake.

Buttercream Frosting

Buttercream frosting is popular for its versatility and ease of use. Creating a multi-colored mane with buttercream is a common technique. Use different colored piping bags fitted with star or flower tips. Swirl the colors around the top and sides of the cake to mimic a unicorn’s mane.

The cake’s body can be covered with a smooth buttercream coat, which acts as the canvas. Buttercream rosettes add texture and depth, bringing the unicorn’s mane to life. This technique is both impressive and achievable, especially with the right piping tools.

Edible Glitter and Sprinkles

Edible glitter and sprinkles add a magical sparkle to unicorn cakes. Glitter can be sprinkled over the entire cake or used to highlight specific areas like the unicorn horn and mane.

Different types of sprinkles, such as stars, hearts, or pearls, can enhance the cake’s design. Use them to create patterns or accents on the mane or base of the cake. Edible glitter and sprinkles are not only eye-catching but also add a tactile element that kids and adults alike will love.

Happy baking!

Stephanie Creek
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