Creating a 3D unicorn cake can be a fun and creative baking project. Here are the general steps to make a 3D unicorn cake:
Prepare the cake: Bake your preferred cake recipe in two round cake pans of different sizes. You'll need one larger cake for the unicorn's body and one smaller cake for the head. Once the cakes are baked and cooled, level the tops to create a flat surface.
Stack and carve the cakes: Place the larger cake on a cake board or serving plate, and secure it with a thin layer of frosting or buttercream to hold it in place. Position the smaller cake on top of the larger one to create the head. Carve and shape the cakes using a serrated knife to give them a rounded and smooth appearance, resembling a unicorn's body and head.
Crumb coat and frost: Apply a crumb coat, which is a thin layer of frosting or buttercream, to both the body and head of the cake. This helps seal in any loose crumbs and provides a base for the final layer of frosting. Once the crumb coat is applied, refrigerate the cake for about 15-30 minutes to allow it to set.
Decorate the cake: Use colored buttercream or fondant to create the unicorn's features. For the horn, you can shape fondant or modeling chocolate into a cone shape, insert a dowel or skewer into the base, and attach it to the top of the unicorn's head. Decorate the cake with additional details such as ears, eyes, a mane, and facial features using various colors of frosting, fondant, or edible decorations. Get creative and add any other unicorn-inspired elements you like!
Finishing touches: Once all the decorations are in place, carefully pipe or spread the final layer of frosting or buttercream over the cake to create a smooth finish. Use a piping bag and tips to add any additional details or decorative elements. You can also add sprinkles, edible glitter, or other edible decorations to enhance the unicorn-themed design.
Remember, making a 3D unicorn cake requires some sculpting and creativity, so be patient and have fun throughout the process. Feel free to adapt the steps and decorations based on your personal preferences and imagination.