Description
Magical “giant unicorn ice cake” brings whimsical wonder to dessert tables with its playful pastel colors and dreamy design. Sweet clouds of frosting and enchanting decorations create a celebration centerpiece you’ll adore serving at birthdays and special gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Base:
- 2 cups cake flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
Leavening Agents:
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Flavoring:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare three 8-inch round cake pans with grease and flour.
- Sift together cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium mixing bowl.
- Cream butter and granulated sugar until fluffy in a large bowl. Incorporate eggs individually, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Blend in vanilla extract.
- Gradually integrate dry ingredients into butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk until completely combined.
- Distribute batter evenly across prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick emerges clean from the center. Allow cakes to cool completely.
- Slice each cake layer horizontally, creating 6 delicate layers.
- Use a 9-inch springform pan to layer different ice cream varieties, carefully smoothing each section. Freeze until solidly set.
- Construct the cake by placing initial cake layer on serving plate. Spread vanilla ice cream, then add subsequent cake layer. Continue layering with strawberry and chocolate ice cream, finishing with final cake layer.
- Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract in a chilled bowl until stiff peaks form. Separate frosting and tint with food coloring as desired.
- Artfully cover cake with colored whipped cream, crafting distinctive unicorn horn and ears using additional frosting techniques.
- Embellish with edible glitter, decorative sprinkles, and a festive unicorn cake topper to complete the magical design.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth batter mixing and even cake texture.
- Chill cake layers before assembling to prevent ice cream from melting quickly during decoration.
- Select high-quality, creamy ice cream brands for better flavor and smoother layering.
- Consider using a cake collar or acetate strip inside the springform pan for cleaner ice cream layers.
- Freeze cake between frosting stages to maintain structural integrity and prevent sliding.
- Opt for gel food coloring to achieve vibrant unicorn colors without altering frosting consistency.
- Create stable whipped cream by chilling mixing bowl and beaters beforehand.
- Experiment with dairy-free ice cream and plant-based alternatives for vegan guests.
- Use a turntable for smoother frosting application and more precise decorative techniques.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg