Name: Unicorn Pastel Cake
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 2 ½ tsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups granulated sugar; 4 large eggs; 1 tbsp vanilla extract; 1 cup whole milk; Gel food coloring (pink, blue, purple, yellow); 2 cups unsalted butter (for frosting); 5 cups powdered sugar (for frosting); 2-3 tbsp heavy cream (for frosting); 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting); Sprinkles, edible glitter, and fondant decorations (optional)

Jump to Recipe

A whimsical and enchanting dessert, the Unicorn Pastel Cake is the perfect centerpiece for birthdays, themed parties, or any celebration that calls for a touch of magic. Featuring soft, colorful layers and a smooth buttercream finish, this cake is as beautiful as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Unicorn Pastel Cake is a showstopper that’s surprisingly easy to create. With its airy vanilla sponge and dreamy pastel tones, it combines visual appeal with delightful flavor. Whether you’re planning a child’s birthday party or a magical gathering, this cake adds charm and creativity to any dessert table. It’s also fully customizable in color and decoration, making it ideal for creative bakers.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt
Unsalted butter
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Whole milk
Gel food coloring (pastel shades such as pink, lavender, baby blue, mint green, and yellow)
Buttercream frosting (made with unsalted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk or cream)
Optional decorations: edible glitter, sprinkles, fondant unicorn horn and ears, piping gel

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line five 6-inch round cake pans.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients.
Divide the batter evenly into five bowls. Add a different gel food color to each bowl and stir until the color is fully incorporated.
Pour each colored batter into the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
Bake for 20–25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cakes cool completely on wire racks.
Level the tops of each cake layer if necessary.
Stack and frost the cake using the buttercream between each layer. Use an offset spatula to apply a thin crumb coat, then chill the cake for 30 minutes.
Apply the final layer of buttercream and smooth it out. Decorate with pastel-colored piping, edible glitter, and fondant unicorn features as desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 12 servings.
Prep time: 40 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Assembly and decorating: 45 minutes
Total time: Approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes

Variations

Chocolate Version: Add cocoa powder to the batter and use pastel-colored chocolate ganache for a different flavor profile.
Lemon or Strawberry Flavor: Substitute some of the milk with fruit puree or juice for a fruity twist.
Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based milk and dairy-free butter for a lactose-free version.
Mini Cakes: Create individual unicorn cakes by baking in cupcake molds and decorating each one.

storage/reheating

Store the assembled cake in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
To freeze, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and foil, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Reheating is not recommended as this is a frosted layer cake, best served at room temperature.

FAQs

How do I achieve vibrant pastel colors without overmixing?

Use gel food coloring, which provides bright colors with less liquid, helping to avoid overmixing and maintaining a light batter.

Can I use box cake mix for this recipe?

Yes, a white or vanilla box cake mix can be used as a time-saving alternative. Divide and color the batter as described.

How do I make the fondant unicorn horn and ears?

Shape fondant into the desired forms and allow them to dry for several hours or overnight before decorating the cake.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the layers a day in advance and wrap them tightly in plastic. Assemble and frost on the day of serving.

What type of food coloring should I use?

Gel food coloring is preferred for vibrant color without adding too much moisture to the batter or frosting.

How do I prevent my cake from doming in the oven?

Use cake strips around your pans or bake at a slightly lower temperature (325°F) for a more even bake.

Is it necessary to crumb coat the cake?

Yes, the crumb coat helps seal in loose crumbs and creates a smooth base for the final buttercream layer.

Can I use natural food colorings?

Natural food colorings can be used, but the colors may be less vivid compared to synthetic gel food colors.

How can I make the buttercream smoother?

Beat the buttercream for several minutes to incorporate air, and add small amounts of milk or cream to achieve the desired consistency.

Can this cake be made gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for best results.

Conclusion

The Unicorn Pastel Cake is a delightful, customizable dessert that brings joy and elegance to any occasion. With its fluffy layers, dreamy colors, and enchanting decorations, it’s more than just a treat—it’s an experience. Whether for birthdays, parties, or simply to surprise a loved one, this cake is sure to impress and delight