Unicorn Ice Cream Cake Recipe

Magical Unicorn Ice Cream Cake Recipe: A Dreamy Frozen Delight

Magic swirls of pastel unicorn ice cream cake transport you into a whimsical dessert wonderland.

Sparkly colors and dreamy layers promise a delightful culinary adventure.

Each slice bursts with playful rainbow hues and creamy textures.

Sweet imagination comes alive through delicate frosting and magical decorative touches.

Soft meringue peaks and shimmering sprinkles create enchantment on every plate.

Kids and adults alike will fall in love with this extraordinary confection.

Prepare to unleash pure joy with every incredible bite.

Unicorn Ice Cream Cake Magic

  • Create Multiple Flavor Layers: Combine three different ice cream flavors – vanilla, strawberry, and mint chocolate chip – for a delightful taste adventure that keeps every bite interesting and surprising.
  • Customize with Easy Decorations: Personalize the cake using simple embellishments like rainbow sprinkles, edible glitter, and a charming unicorn cake topper to make the dessert feel extra special and festive.
  • Impress Without Expert Skills: Craft a show-stopping cake that looks professionally made but requires basic baking techniques and minimal decorating experience, making it accessible for home bakers of all skill levels.

Ingredients for Unicorn Ice Cream Cake

Cake Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A key component that provides structure and texture to the cake base.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender cake crumb.
  • Unsalted Butter: Provides rich flavor and moisture to the cake.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake's structure.
  • Milk: Helps create a smooth and moist cake batter.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
Leavening and Seasoning:
  • Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the cake's overall flavor.
Ice Cream and Decorative Ingredients:
  • Vanilla Ice Cream, Strawberry Ice Cream, Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream: Create colorful and delicious layers for the cake.
  • Food Coloring: Allows for customizing the ice cream colors.
  • Heavy Cream, Powdered Sugar: Create a smooth and sweet whipped cream frosting.
  • Rainbow Sprinkles, Edible Glitter, Unicorn Cake Topper: Add a magical and festive touch to the cake decoration.

Step-by-Step Unicorn Ice Cream Cake

Step 1: Prepare Cake Foundations

Warm your oven to 350F. Generously coat two 8-inch round cake pans with butter and flour to prevent sticking. This creates the perfect base for your enchanting dessert.

Step 2: Mix Cake Batter Brilliance

In a spacious mixing bowl, whip butter and sugar until they transform into a fluffy cloud. Gently introduce eggs one by one, blending smoothly. Splash in vanilla extract for an extra layer of deliciousness.

Step 3: Create Dry Ingredient Magic

In a separate bowl, gently combine:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with milk. Stir until the batter becomes silky smooth.

Step 4: Bake Cake Layers

Pour batter evenly into prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cakes rest in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to cooling racks.

Step 5: Unleash Color Magic

Allow ice cream to soften slightly. Divide into separate bowls and add vibrant food coloring to create magical unicorn hues.

Step 6: Assemble Dreamy Ice Cream Layers

Place first cake layer on serving plate. Create a stunning ice cream stack:
  • Vanilla ice cream layer
  • Strawberry ice cream layer
  • Mint chocolate chip ice cream layer

Carefully position second cake layer on top.

Step 7: Crown With Whipped Cream

Whip together:
  • Heavy cream
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract

Beat until stiff peaks form. Generously cover cake top and sides with this cloud-like frosting.

Step 8: Add Whimsical Decorations

Sprinkle rainbow magic with:
  • Colorful sprinkles
  • Edible glitter
  • Adorable unicorn cake topper

Pro Tips for Unicorn Ice Cream Cake

  • Master Softening Technique: Allow ice cream to sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before spreading to achieve smooth, even layers without tearing cake.
  • Prevent Color Bleeding: Freeze each ice cream layer for 15 minutes between additions to maintain distinct color boundaries and prevent color mixing.
  • Whip Cream Perfectly: Chill mixing bowl and whisk beforehand to help heavy cream reach stiff peak stage faster and maintain better structure.
  • Strategic Cake Cooling: Cool cake layers completely before adding ice cream to prevent melting and ensure stable layering of frozen elements.
  • Create Vibrant Colors: Use gel food coloring instead of liquid for more intense, saturated colors without altering ice cream's consistency.

Variations for Unicorn Ice Cream Cake

  • Gluten-Free Unicorn Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Dairy-Free Magical Version: Swap butter with coconut oil, use coconut milk instead of regular milk. Select dairy-free ice cream alternatives like coconut or cashew-based frozen desserts.
  • Low-Sugar Rainbow Treat: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Use sugar-free ice cream options and reduce overall sugar content in frosting and cake layers.
  • Vegan Unicorn Celebration Cake: Use flax eggs as egg replacement, coconut cream for whipping, plant-based butter substitutes. Select non-dairy ice cream made from almond or oat milk bases.

Pairings for Unicorn Ice Cream Cake

  • Pair with Magical Flavor Companions: Pastel-colored macarons complement the whimsical unicorn cake aesthetic, adding delicate texture and subtle sweetness.
  • Sip Enchanted Beverages: Lavender lemonade creates a dreamy drink that matches the cake's playful color palette, offering a refreshing and light accompaniment.
  • Serve with Sparkling Surprise: Champagne with edible flower petals elevates the dessert experience, bringing elegant effervescence that enhances the cake's festive spirit.
  • Create Delightful Contrast: Citrus sorbet provides a tangy counterpoint to the rich cake, cleansing the palate between creamy ice cream layers and adding a bright, zesty note.

Storage Advice for Unicorn Ice Cream Cake

  • Store cake covered in plastic wrap or airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep in the coldest part of the refrigerator to maintain texture and prevent melting.
  • Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 1 week to preserve flavor and prevent freezer burn. Label with date for tracking.
  • Cut individual slices, wrap separately in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag. Allows easier portioning and quicker thawing.
  • Thaw refrigerated cake at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. For frozen cake, transfer to refrigerator overnight, then let sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before serving to restore optimal texture.

Unicorn Ice Cream Cake FAQs

  • What ingredients give this Unicorn Ice Cream Cake its magical colors?

Food coloring is used to tint each layer of ice cream with pastel colors like pink, green, and blue, creating a vibrant and whimsical dessert that resembles a unicorn’s enchanting palette.

  • Can I use different flavors of ice cream for this cake?

Absolutely! While the recipe suggests vanilla, strawberry, and mint chocolate chip, you can customize the ice cream layers with your favorite flavors to make the cake uniquely yours.

  • Is this cake difficult to assemble?

Not at all! The process is straightforward. Simply bake the cake layers, let them cool completely, then carefully layer softened ice cream between the cake, and finish with whipped cream and decorative toppings.

Print
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Unicorn Ice Cream Cake Recipe

Unicorn Ice Cream Cake Recipe


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4.5 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 55-60 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Magical Unicorn Ice Cream Cake brings whimsical colors and dreamy flavors together in one spectacular dessert. Pastel swirls and playful sprinkles create a sweet celebration that delights guests and makes special moments unforgettable.


Ingredients

Scale

Cake Base:

  • 1 1/2 cups (190 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Sweeteners and Fats:

  • 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened

Liquid and Binding Ingredients:

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to 350F (175C). Coat two 8-inch round cake pans with butter and flour to prevent sticking.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whip butter and sugar until creamy and aerated. Incorporate eggs individually, then blend in vanilla extract until fully combined.
  3. Prepare a separate bowl and sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with milk. Stir until the batter reaches a smooth consistency.
  4. Distribute batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center. Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to cooling racks.
  5. Allow ice cream to soften slightly. Separate each pint into individual bowls and tint with vibrant food coloring for a magical effect.
  6. Position first cake layer on a serving plate. Create a colorful ice cream layering: spread vanilla, followed by strawberry, then mint chocolate chip. Carefully place second cake layer on top.
  7. Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Generously cover the entire cake’s top and sides with the fluffy cream.
  8. Add final whimsical touches by sprinkling rainbow confetti, edible glitter, and crowning with a playful unicorn cake topper.

Notes

  • Prepare cake pans meticulously by greasing and flouring to ensure easy cake removal and prevent sticking.
  • Use room temperature ingredients like butter and eggs for smoother batter mixing and more consistent cake texture.
  • Work quickly when layering ice cream to prevent melting and maintain distinct color layers.
  • Freeze cake between ice cream layers for 10-15 minutes to help stabilize and prevent color bleeding.
  • For dairy-free version, swap regular milk with almond or oat milk and use non-dairy ice cream alternatives.
  • Keep cake refrigerated until serving to maintain structural integrity and prevent ice cream from melting.
  • Create vibrant colors using gel food coloring instead of liquid for more intense and uniform hues.
  • Allow cake to sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving to soften ice cream layers slightly.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 237 kcal
  • Sugar: 17 g
  • Sodium: 132 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Olivia Brooks

Olivia Brooks

Contributing Writer

Expertise

  • Healthy recipe development
  • Plant-based cooking
  • Nutritional analysis
  • Food writing and content creation

Education

Culinary Institute of America
Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program
Focus: Culinary fundamentals, nutrition, and healthy cooking technique


Olivia believes good food should feed both the body and the soul. She earned her Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate from the Culinary Institute of America, where she focused on nutrition and practical cooking techniques that make healthy eating easy.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Olivia shares single-serving recipes that are fresh, plant-forward, and full of heart. She loves helping people eat better, without stress, strict rules, or sacrificing flavor.
Beyond the kitchen, Olivia spends her time tending her backyard garden, practicing yoga, and discovering hidden gems in Portland’s food scene.

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