Unicorn cakes are undeniably the star of the show at birthdays, baby showers, and even office parties. With their magical horn, pastel swirls, and whimsical eyes, they transform any event into an enchanting affair. But how can you make a unicorn cake at home, especially if you’re in London? If you’ve always dreamed of baking one yourself but felt overwhelmed by where to start, this guide has you covered. From understanding the magical toppers to gathering ingredients in London and preparing the perfect sponge, we’ll walk you through the process step-by-step. Let’s start with the essentials.
1. Key Features of Unicorn Cake Toppers
Toppers are what set unicorn cakes apart from other creative cakes. They bring that “wow” factor and infuse personality into the cake. If you’ve seen unicorn cakes online or in bakeries across London, the toppers include three standout features:
The Horn:
The unicorn horn is typically the centrepiece and is either made from fondant, gum paste, or even chocolate.
For a professional finish, the horn is often painted with edible gold lustre dust or sprayed with a shimmering edible mist.
Example: A 6-inch golden fondant horn looks incredibly magical and pairs beautifully with pastel buttercream swirls.
Ears:
Unicorn ears are crafted using fondant or gum paste, shaped into soft triangles with gently pointed tips.
The insides are usually painted with a pastel or metallic colour to match the horn.
You can use edible gold paint to add elegance or pink food colouring for a softer finish.
The Mane:
A unicorn cake’s mane consists of beautifully piped swirls and rosettes of buttercream frosting.
Colours include pastels like pink, lavender, mint green, and baby blue – all created with gel food colourings.
Different piping nozzles such as star tips or round tips help create texture.
Optional embellishments include edible glitter, sprinkles, or small sugar flowers.
Eyes (Optional):
For the whimsical unicorn “face,” black fondant or icing is shaped into closed eyelids with delicate lashes.
If desired, you can hand-paint eyes directly onto the frosting using edible black paint.
Pro Tip: You can purchase ready-made unicorn horn and ear kits from cake decorating stores in London, such as Cake Craft World in Bromley or Jane Asher Party Cakes in Chelsea.
Essential Ingredients
Before you start baking, it’s important to gather all the required ingredients. Unicorn cakes require basic baking supplies, fondant for decoration, and buttercream for piping the mane. Here’s a detailed list of what you’ll need:
For the Sponge Cake (Serves 12-15):
Unsalted Butter (Room Temperature): 300g (£2.50 – Tesco)
Caster Sugar: 300g (£1.20 – Sainsbury’s)
Self-Raising Flour: 300g (£1.40 – Waitrose)
Eggs: 6 large (£2.50 – Lidl)
Whole Milk: 60ml (£1.00 – Aldi)
Vanilla Extract: 1 tablespoon (£2.00 – M&S Food)
Baking Powder: 2 teaspoons (£1.00 – Tesco)
Pinch of Salt
For the Buttercream Frosting:
Unsalted Butter: 500g (£4.50 – Tesco)
Icing Sugar: 1kg (£1.50 – Sainsbury’s)
Vanilla Extract: 1 tablespoon
Gel Food Colouring: Pink, Lavender, Mint Green, and Yellow (£2-£3 per colour – Lakeland)
For the Decorations:
White Fondant Icing: 250g for the horn and ears (£3.00 – Hobbycraft)
Gold Edible Lustre Dust: 1 small pot (£4.00 – Cake Decorating Company)
Black Fondant: 50g for eyes (£1.50 – Cake Craft Shop)
Edible Glitter and Sprinkles: Optional (£2.50 – Waitrose)
Where to Buy Ingredients in London:London has a variety of well-stocked supermarkets and cake decorating suppliers where you can purchase high-quality baking ingredients:
Lakeland (Multiple locations, including Kingston and Stratford): Known for food colouring, cake tools, and baking essentials.
Jane Asher Party Cakes (Chelsea): A fantastic shop for fondant icing, edible paints, and toppers.
Hobbycraft (Greenwich, Croydon): Offers a wide range of cake-making supplies, including gold lustre and edible glitters.
Local Tesco or Sainsbury’s: Basic ingredients like flour, sugar, butter, and eggs are readily available here.
Average Estimated Cost: Preparing a homemade unicorn cake will cost approximately £25-£35, depending on the size of the cake and choice of decorations.
The Step-by-Step Recipe for a Perfect Unicorn Cake
Now that we’ve covered the toppers and ingredients, let’s dive into the baking process.
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and line three 8-inch round cake tins with baking parchment.
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat 300g butter and 300g caster sugar with an electric mixer until pale and fluffy (about 5-7 minutes).
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract.
Fold in Flour and Milk: Sift the self-raising flour, baking powder, and salt into the bowl. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the mixture, adding milk gradually to create a smooth, soft dropping consistency.
Step 2: Bake the Cakes
Divide the batter evenly between the three prepared tins and smooth the tops with a spatula.
Bake on the middle shelf for 25-30 minutes or until golden and springy to the touch.
Insert a skewer to test if the cakes are done – it should come out clean.
Cool the sponges in their tins for 10 minutes, then turn them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Make the Buttercream Frosting
In a large bowl, beat 500g unsalted butter until soft and creamy.
Gradually add the icing sugar, mixing well after each addition to avoid clumps.
Add 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract and a splash of milk if the buttercream is too stiff.
Divide the buttercream into four bowls and add a small amount of gel food colouring to each – pink, lavender, mint green, and yellow.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
Place the first sponge on a cake board and spread a layer of buttercream evenly over the top. Add the second sponge and repeat. Place the third sponge on top.
Apply a thin “crumb coat” of buttercream over the entire cake to seal in crumbs. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
Making the Cake
Now that we have baked our sponges, made the buttercream frosting, and prepared the base structure of our cake, it’s time for the fun part – decorating the unicorn cake. In this section, we’ll guide you through creating magical decorations, from shaping the fondant horn and ears to piping the buttercream mane. You’ll also get professional tips on achieving a flawless finish, including troubleshooting common issues and customising the cake for any occasion.
1. Creating the Unicorn Horn and Ears
The unicorn horn and ears are the stars of the cake decorations. They are best made from fondant because of its smooth, pliable texture and ability to hold shapes. Here’s how you can make them step by step:
Unicorn Horn
Prepare the Fondant: Roll out about 150g of white fondant icing into a long sausage shape. Make one end slightly thicker than the other.
Shape the Horn:
Start coiling the fondant sausage from the thick end, twisting it gently to form a spiral.
As you go, taper the top of the horn to create a pointed finish.
Add Structure: Insert a wooden skewer or cocktail stick through the base of the horn to hold its shape.
Dry and Paint: Leave the horn to air-dry for at least 2 hours (or overnight if possible). Once firm, use gold edible lustre dust mixed with a few drops of water to paint it a shimmering gold.
Unicorn Ears
Shape the Ears: Roll out about 100g of white fondant and divide it into two equal pieces. Shape each piece into a rough oval.
Add the Inner Colour: Roll out two smaller ovals from pink fondant (or paint them pink). Press the pink ovals gently into the centre of the white ovals.
Form Points: Pinch the top of each ear gently to create a pointed tip, resembling a unicorn ear.
Dry and Assemble: Leave the ears to firm up alongside the horn.
Tip: If you’re short on time, you can purchase pre-made edible unicorn horns and ears from cake suppliers like Lakeland, The Cake Decorating Company, or online stores like Amazon UK.
2. Piping the Unicorn Mane with Buttercream
The buttercream mane is what makes the unicorn cake look magical and unique. The trick is to use multiple colours of buttercream and different piping tips to create beautiful swirls, rosettes, and stars. Here’s how to do it like a pro:
Step 1: Prepare the Piping Bags
Divide your prepared buttercream frosting into four bowls and tint each one with gel food colouring (e.g., pink, lavender, mint green, and yellow).
Fit four piping bags with different nozzles. For example:
Star Tip (e.g., Wilton 1M) for rosettes
Round Tip for simple swirls
Drop Flower Tip for delicate stars
Step 2: Assemble the Cake
Place the cooled cake on a turntable (if available) or a flat surface.
Using a palette knife, spread a smooth layer of white buttercream over the entire cake as a base.
Step 3: Pipe the Mane
Start by placing the golden horn into the centre of the cake and position the ears on either side.
Use the coloured buttercream to pipe swirls, rosettes, and stars around the horn and ears. This forms the unicorn’s flowing mane.
Allow the colours to overlap slightly for a natural, layered effect. Continue piping the mane down one side of the cake to create a cascading look.
Step 4: Add Finishing Touches
Sprinkle edible glitter or pastel sprinkles over the buttercream for added sparkle.
You can also tuck small sugar flowers or edible pearls into the mane for a more elegant finish.
3. Adding the Unicorn Eyes
The eyes give the unicorn its adorable personality. Most unicorn cakes feature closed eyes with long lashes, which can be easily created using black fondant or edible black paint.
Using Fondant
Roll out a small amount of black fondant into two thin sausages.
Shape each sausage into an arch to form the eyelids.
Add small, curved lines to represent eyelashes.
Gently press the fondant onto the front of the cake, just below the horn and ears.
Using Edible Paint
Mix edible black food colouring with a drop of water to create a paint-like consistency.
Use a thin brush to hand-paint the eyes onto the buttercream. Draw two gentle arches with upward curves at the edges for a cute, smiling effect.
Add thin lines for lashes.
Pro Tip: If you’re not confident in freehand painting, use a stencil or lightly trace the shapes onto the buttercream using a toothpick before painting.
4. Troubleshooting Common Decorating Issues
Decorating a cake can sometimes present unexpected challenges. Here are solutions to the most common issues:
Buttercream Too Soft: If your buttercream becomes too runny or soft, chill it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before piping. Avoid overmixing, as this can introduce excess heat.
Fondant Decorations Sagging: Make sure to allow enough drying time for the fondant horn and ears before placing them on the cake. You can also reinforce them with a skewer for stability.
Uneven Icing: Use a palette knife or icing smoother to level out any rough patches on the cake’s surface. A turntable helps you achieve a more consistent finish.
Colours Bleeding Together: Use gel food colouring instead of liquid dyes, as gel colours are more concentrated and won’t alter the buttercream’s consistency.
5. Customisation Ideas for Unicorn Cakes
If you’re making a unicorn cake for a special occasion, consider adding a personal touch:
Birthday Cakes: Pipe the recipient’s name or age onto the cake board in matching buttercream. Add a banner topper for extra charm.
Baby Showers: Use soft pastel colours like baby pink, blue, and cream for a gentle, whimsical look. Add small fondant baby booties or a “Welcome Baby” sign.
Themed Parties: Create a rainbow unicorn mane by using a full spectrum of coloured buttercream. Pair it with matching party decorations for a cohesive theme.
Where to Find Inspiration for Unicorn Cakes in London
If you need more ideas or guidance, here are some excellent places to explore:
Cake Decorating Workshops:
Borough Kitchen and Cake School London offer hands-on workshops for beginners and professionals.
Cake Suppliers:
Visit Hobbycraft in Greenwich or The Cake Decorating Company online for unique toppers and tools.
Bakeries for Inspiration:
Check out stunning unicorn cakes at Primrose Bakery (Covent Garden) or Flavourtown Bakery (Fulham).
How to Bring Everything Together
Now, let’s focus on how to bring everything together seamlessly, including tips for storage, serving suggestions, and creating a timeline for success. Additionally, we’ll explore some solutions for last-minute challenges and ideas for adding a little extra flair to your unicorn cake.
1. Assembling and Final Touches
At this stage, you’re ready to bring all the components together and make your unicorn cake look like it stepped out of a fairy tale. Here’s a final checklist to help you assemble everything correctly:
Step-by-Step Assembly
Layer and Crumb Coat:
Place your cooled cake layers onto a sturdy cake board.
Apply a thin “crumb coat” of white buttercream frosting to trap any stray crumbs and chill the cake for 20-30 minutes.
Apply the Final Buttercream Coat:
Once chilled, spread a smooth layer of buttercream evenly over the cake using a palette knife. If you’re aiming for perfection, use an icing smoother to level the frosting.
Position the Decorations:
Carefully place the dried unicorn horn into the top centre of the cake. Use gentle pressure to anchor it in place.
Position the ears symmetrically on either side of the horn. Adjust as needed.
Pipe the Mane:
Using the prepared coloured buttercream and piping bags, pipe swirls, rosettes, and stars around the horn, ears, and one side of the cake to form a flowing mane. Allow the colours to overlap slightly for a natural look.
Add the Eyes:
Attach the black fondant eyes or hand-paint them onto the buttercream using edible black paint. Keep the eyes low enough to make space for the mane.
Final Embellishments:
Sprinkle edible glitter, pastel pearls, or sugar flowers into the mane for a finishing touch. If desired, dust the entire cake lightly with edible gold shimmer for an extra magical effect.
2. Storage Tips to Keep Your Cake Fresh
Unicorn cakes are often made in advance, especially for special occasions. Proper storage ensures that your cake stays fresh, moist, and picture-perfect until it’s ready to be served.
Short-Term Storage
Buttercream Cakes: Store your completed unicorn cake in the refrigerator, especially if it contains perishable fillings like fresh cream or fruit.
Tip: Place the cake in a sturdy cake box or cover it loosely with cling film to prevent it from absorbing fridge odours.
Fondant Decorations: Avoid exposing fondant horns and ears to moisture, as this can cause them to soften or lose shape.
Long-Term Storage
If you need to make the cake in advance, bake the sponges up to 3 days ahead. Wrap each sponge tightly in cling film and store at room temperature.
Buttercream can be made 2-3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Allow it to come to room temperature and rewhip before use.
Serving Tip: Bring the cake to room temperature 1-2 hours before serving to allow the buttercream to soften. Chilled cakes can feel dense and less flavourful.
3. Planning a Timeline for Your Unicorn Cake
To avoid last-minute stress, it’s essential to plan out the cake-making process. Here’s a practical timeline to ensure that everything runs smoothly:
Two Days Before the Event
Bake the cake layers and allow them to cool completely. Wrap each layer in cling film and store at room temperature.
Make the fondant horn and ears to allow them time to dry.
One Day Before the Event
Prepare the buttercream frosting and tint it with your chosen colours.
Assemble and crumb-coat the cake.
Chill the crumb-coated cake for at least 30 minutes.
On the Day of the Event
Apply the final buttercream layer and smooth it out.
Decorate the cake: add the horn, ears, and buttercream mane.
Add finishing touches like sprinkles, glitter, or fondant eyes.
Store the cake in the fridge until it’s time to serve.
4. Serving Suggestions for Your Unicorn Cake
Your unicorn cake is now ready to impress guests. To make the moment even more magical, consider these serving suggestions:
Cutting the Cake: Use a large, sharp knife to slice through the layers cleanly. Wipe the knife with a damp cloth between cuts for a neat finish.
Portion Size: For a standard 8-inch round cake, you can serve 12-15 slices for generous portions or up to 20 smaller slices.
Pair with Drinks: Unicorn cakes pair beautifully with sweet drinks like pink lemonade, hot chocolate, or sparkling elderflower cordial.
Display: Place the cake on a pastel or gold cake stand to complement its magical theme. Add matching party decorations like balloons, confetti, or fairy lights.
5. Solutions for Last-Minute Challenges
Sometimes, things don’t go exactly as planned, especially when working with delicate decorations or time constraints. Here’s how to troubleshoot common last-minute problems:
Buttercream Melting:
If your buttercream becomes too soft due to heat, pop it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to firm up.
Broken Horn or Ears:
If the fondant decorations crack or break, you can patch them up using a small amount of water or edible glue. Alternatively, create quick replacements using cardboard or white chocolate.
Uneven Cake Layers:
If your cake layers baked unevenly, trim the tops with a serrated knife before stacking them. Use buttercream to fill any gaps and level the cake.
Buttercream Colours Bleeding:
Prevent buttercream colours from blending by chilling the cake between decorating steps. Use high-quality gel food colouring instead of liquid dyes.
6. Creative Twists for Custom Unicorn Cakes
If you’d like to add a unique twist to your unicorn cake, here are some creative ideas to explore:
Rainbow Layers: Tint the cake batter with different colours to create a rainbow effect when sliced. Perfect for kids’ birthday parties!
Drip Cake Effect: Add a colourful ganache drip in pastel pink or gold along the edges of the cake for a modern, Instagram-worthy finish.
Mini Unicorn Cupcakes: Use the same buttercream and fondant decorations to create adorable unicorn-themed cupcakes as party favours.
Seasonal Themes: For a winter party, make a “Frozen” inspired unicorn cake using white, blue, and silver decorations.
7. Where to Find Cake-Making Inspiration and Support in London
If you’re new to cake decorating or want to sharpen your skills, London offers plenty of resources to help you:
Cake Decorating Workshops:
The London Cake Academy in Greenwich and Borough Kitchen offer classes for all levels, from beginners to advanced bakers.
Online Tutorials: Platforms like YouTube and CakeFlix provide step-by-step video guides for unicorn cakes.
Supplies and Tools: Visit cake decorating shops like Jane Asher Party Cakes in Chelsea, Hobbycraft, or online stores like The Cake Decorating Company.
By now, you’ve mastered the art of creating a magical unicorn cake at home. Whether you’re making it for a birthday party, a baby shower, or just to brighten someone’s day, this whimsical cake is guaranteed to make jaws drop and smiles light up. Grab your baking tools, let your creativity flow, and bring a little magic to your London kitchen. Happy baking!
How Pearls & Crumbs Can Make the Best Bespoke Homemade Cake for You in London
If you’re searching for the perfect bespoke cake in London, Pearls & Crumbs stands out as a premier choice. Nestled in West London, this luxury cake shop brings together elegant artistry, homemade quality, and a dedication to personalized service that transforms cakes into edible masterpieces. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, wedding, or any milestone, Pearls & Crumbs’ bespoke cakes are handcrafted to make your event truly unforgettable. Let’s dive into what makes this West London cake boutique the go-to destination for bespoke homemade cakes.
1. Luxurious Cakes Designed with Love and Passion
At Pearls & Crumbs, every cake tells a story. From weddings and birthdays to nikkah ceremonies and baby showers, each creation is designed to match the uniqueness of your celebration. Their cakes are more than desserts – they are personalised centrepieces that capture the spirit of your event and express your vision.
Wedding Cakes
For weddings, Pearls & Crumbs delivers jaw-dropping cakes tailored to your theme. Whether you dream of a classic multi-tiered white cake with subtle details or a modern, elaborate design that reflects your personality, their team works closely with you to create a cake that is nothing short of breathtaking.
Attention to Detail: Every wedding cake is meticulously crafted, with fine detailing, sugar flowers, and premium finishes that make it Instagram-worthy.
Collaboration: The cake designer discusses every aspect, from flavours to decorations, ensuring the final product matches your expectations perfectly.
Birthday Cakes
Every birthday deserves a special cake, and Pearls & Crumbs specializes in creating cakes that are a reflection of the celebrant’s passions and style.
For kids: Fun, vibrant cakes with themes like unicorns, dinosaurs, and superheroes.
For adults: Sophisticated creations featuring modern designs, elegant textures, and bespoke messages.
Nikkah Cakes
Pearls & Crumbs acknowledges the significance of nikkah ceremonies and creates cakes that beautifully honour tradition and elegance. The designs often feature soft, romantic colours like white and gold, with intricate detailing that reflects the joyous occasion.
Baby Shower Cakes and Cupcakes
The team also creates adorable and elegant baby shower cakes, complete with charming toppers, pastel colours, and delicate decorations. Their cupcakes and cookies are equally popular, adding a sweet touch to any celebration.
2. Handmade Quality: A Focus on the Finest Ingredients
One of the key reasons Pearls & Crumbs excels in bespoke cake-making is its commitment to using the highest quality ingredients. Each cake is handmade from scratch, ensuring freshness, flavour, and attention to detail. Here’s what sets their cakes apart:
Freshness: Unlike mass-produced cakes, Pearls & Crumbs cakes are baked fresh for each order. This guarantees exceptional taste and texture.
Premium Ingredients: Only the finest ingredients are used – organic eggs, pure vanilla extract, high-quality flour, and Belgian chocolate. Their cakes are free from artificial preservatives and focus on delivering natural, rich flavours.
Dietary Options: Pearls & Crumbs also caters to dietary preferences, offering vegan, eggless, and gluten-free cake options without compromising on taste or quality.
Example: A customer who requested an eggless nikkah cake was amazed by how soft and moist the sponge remained, even with dietary adjustments.
3. A Fully Customisable Experience
What makes Pearls & Crumbs unique is their personalized approach. No two cakes are alike because every design is tailored to meet the customer’s vision. Here’s how they make it happen:
Step 1: Initial Consultation
Customers can reach out via phone, email, or their online contact form to discuss their requirements. The team takes the time to understand:
The event type (e.g., wedding, birthday, baby shower)
Colour scheme and theme
Preferred flavours
Desired cake size and servings
Step 2: Sketch and Design
Once the details are finalized, their cake designer creates a rough design concept, showcasing how the cake will look. You can suggest changes to ensure every detail aligns with your expectations.
Step 3: Flavour Selection
Pearls & Crumbs offers a wide range of cake flavours that appeal to all palates. Some of their most popular options include:
Classic Vanilla Bean
Belgian Chocolate Fudge
Red Velvet with Cream Cheese Frosting
Lemon Drizzle
Salted Caramel
Pistachio Rose
Tip: Customers can request a cake tasting session to sample flavours before finalizing their order, making the experience truly interactive.
4. Convenient Location and Exceptional Service
Situated in West Drayton, West London, Pearls & Crumbs is perfectly located for Londoners seeking a local bespoke cake service. Their friendly, flexible approach ensures a stress-free experience:
Delivery and Pickup:
They offer reliable delivery across London, ensuring your cake arrives in pristine condition.
For last-minute orders, you can also opt for a convenient pickup option.
Customer Support:
The team’s customer service is exceptional. Whether you need advice on cake sizes, flavour combinations, or design ideas, they are always happy to assist.
Last-Minute Orders:
Forgot to order a cake in time? Pearls & Crumbs accommodates last-minute requests whenever possible without compromising quality.
5. Real Customer Experiences
What sets Pearls & Crumbs apart is the glowing feedback from their customers. Here’s what some of their happy clients had to say:
Liz’s Story:“We loved it. Thank you so so much for making this amazing cake for us! Everyone at the party was asking who made this cake, and I shared your Instagram with everyone!”
Betty’s Wedding:“Our wedding cake was absolutely stunning – a real centrepiece. Not only was it beautiful, but it tasted amazing too. Our guests couldn’t stop raving about it.”
These testimonials reflect the passion, craftsmanship, and dedication that goes into every cake created at Pearls & Crumbs.
6. Why Choose Pearls & Crumbs for Your Bespoke Cake?
To summarise, here’s why Pearls & Crumbs is the top choice for bespoke cakes in London:
Artistic Designs: Each cake is a masterpiece tailored to your event’s theme and style.
Fresh, Premium Ingredients: Handmade with the finest ingredients, free from artificial additives.
Personalised Service: From consultation to delivery, you receive a fully custom experience.
Wide Flavour Range: A variety of flavours, including dietary-friendly options.
Local Convenience: Based in West London, they offer reliable pickup and delivery options.
How to Order Your Bespoke Cake
Placing an order with Pearls & Crumbs is simple:
Visit their website at pearlsandcrumbs.com.
Browse their cake galleries for inspiration.
Contact them via phone (0798 568 9931) or email (info@pearlsandcrumbs.co.uk) to start your bespoke cake journey.
Order on their cake order page.
Whether you’re planning a grand wedding, a joyful baby shower, or an intimate birthday party, Pearls & Crumbs will turn your vision into a reality. With their handmade luxury cakes, you can be sure your celebration will be as memorable as it is delicious.
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