The Sweetest Unicorn Ice Cream Cake Recipe for Magical Parties

Whipping up this ultimate unicorn ice cream cake brings pure magic to your dessert table.

Pastel colors swirl like enchanted dreams through creamy layers of delightful sweetness.

Soft clouds of frosting dance across each slice, promising a whimsical adventure.

Rainbow sprinkles add sparkle and playful charm to every single bite.

Each forkful promises a delectable journey into childhood wonder.

Magical moments await when you slice through these dreamy, delicate layers.

Prepare to fall in love with the most spectacular dessert ever created.

Storing Unicorn Cake

• Store the cake in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Keep in the freezer for up to 1 week to maintain texture and prevent freezer burn.
• Cut individual slices, wrap each separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. This prevents ice crystals and preserves flavor.
• Remove cake from freezer and let sit in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving to prevent melting or uneven texture.
• If wanting to serve immediately, let cake stand at room temperature for 5-10 minutes. Use a knife dipped in hot water for clean, smooth slices.

FAQs

• Can I use homemade cake instead of cake mix?

Absolutely! A homemade vanilla cake works perfectly and can add a more personal touch to your unicorn ice cream cake.

• How do I prevent the ice cream from melting while layering?

Work quickly and ensure your cake is completely cool. Keep ice cream slightly softened but not completely melted, and work in a cool kitchen or return to freezer between layers if needed.

• Do I need special equipment to make this cake?

No special equipment is required. A standard mixer for whipped cream, cake pan, and freezer are all you’ll need. A piping bag can help with decorative frosting but isn’t mandatory.

• Can I substitute the ice cream flavors?

Yes! Feel free to use your favorite ice cream flavors. Just keep the color palette and theme consistent for the magical unicorn effect.

Unicorn Ice Cream Cake Magic

• Whip Up a Colorful Masterpiece: Create a stunning dessert that looks as incredible as it tastes, perfect for making any celebration extra special.
• Quick and Simple Assembly: Combine store-bought cake mix and ice cream with minimal baking skills required, making this recipe accessible for everyone from beginners to experienced bakers.
• Kid-Friendly Excitement: Engage children in the decorating process with colorful whipped cream, sprinkles, and a magical unicorn theme that sparks joy and creativity.
• Customizable Flavor Adventure: Mix and match different ice cream flavors and colors to suit personal preferences, allowing endless variations of this delightful treat.

Unicorn Cake Ingredients

• Vanilla Cake Mix: A premade mix that provides the foundational layers for the ice cream cake.

• Strawberry Ice Cream: A sweet and fruity layer that adds a vibrant pink color and fresh berry flavor.
• Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream: A cool and refreshing layer with chocolate chips for added texture.
• Blueberry Ice Cream: A rich and creamy layer that brings a deep blue color and fruity taste.

• Heavy Cream: Creates a light and fluffy frosting base for the cake.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps stabilize the whipped cream.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm and classic flavor to the whipped cream.
• Food Coloring: Allows for creating magical unicorn-inspired colors in the frosting.
• Edible Glitter, Sprinkles, Unicorn Topper: Decorative elements that add a whimsical and magical touch to the cake.

How To Make Unicorn Ice Cream Cake

Step 1: Bake The Vanilla Base

Grab your favorite vanilla cake mix and follow the package directions.

Pour the batter into a round cake pan and bake until golden.

Let the cake cool completely on a wire rack, dreaming of the magical creation to come.

Step 2: Prepare Dreamy Ice Cream Layers

• Strawberry
• Mint chocolate chip
• Blueberry

Allow the ice creams to soften slightly at room temperature for easy spreading.

Step 3: Build The Cake Tower

Carefully slice the cooled cake horizontally into two even layers.

Place the bottom layer on a freezer-safe serving plate.

Step 4: Spread Strawberry Delight

Generously spread the strawberry ice cream across the first cake layer, creating a smooth, even surface.

Step 5: Add Chocolate Mint Magic

Gently place the second cake layer on top of the strawberry ice cream.

Spread the mint chocolate chip ice cream evenly.

Step 6: Crown With Blueberry Sparkle

Add the final blueberry ice cream layer, smoothing the top to create a perfect canvas.

Pop the cake into the freezer for at least 2 hours to set firmly.

Step 7: Whip Up Magical Cream

• Heavy cream
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Whip until stiff peaks form.

Divide the cream and add food coloring to create a rainbow of magical hues.

Step 8: Frost With Enchantment

Remove the cake from the freezer.

Cover the entire cake with the colorful whipped cream, creating dreamy swirls and peaks.

Step 9: Sprinkle Unicorn Magic

• Edible glitter
• Colorful sprinkles
• Magical unicorn cake topper

Step 10: Reveal The Wonderland

Slice this extraordinary cake and watch eyes light up with pure joy and wonder!

Tips For Ultimate Unicorn Cake

• Remove ice creams from freezer 5-10 minutes before layering to achieve perfect spreadable consistency without melting completely.
• Place cake in freezer for 15-20 minutes after each ice cream layer to maintain clean, defined sections and prevent flavor blending.
• Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread ice cream evenly, ensuring no air pockets and creating professional-looking layers.
• Use gel food coloring instead of liquid to maintain whipped cream's stability and achieve vibrant, precise unicorn-inspired colors.
• Cover cake with plastic wrap before final freezing to prevent freezer burn and preserve the magical unicorn design and delicate flavors.

Creative Unicorn Cake Variants

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream and ice cream with coconut milk-based alternatives, using vegan vanilla cake mix and non-dairy whipped topping for a lactose-free version.
• Gluten-Free Galore: Swap regular cake mix with gluten-free vanilla cake mix, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Sugar Sensation: Use sugar-free ice cream flavors, replace powdered sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and choose a low-carb cake mix for a diabetic-friendly option.
• Fruit Fusion Finale: Substitute existing ice cream flavors with fresh fruit sorbets like mango, raspberry, and passion fruit for a lighter, more natural frozen cake experience.

Serving Ice Cream Cake

• Magical Party Centerpiece: Wow guests by placing this vibrant unicorn cake as the star attraction at birthday celebrations or magical-themed gatherings.
• Colorful Dessert Platter: Arrange cake slices alongside complementary treats like rainbow cookies, pastel macarons, and sparkly cupcakes for a whimsical dessert spread.
• Instagram-Worthy Presentation: Snap stunning photos against a pastel backdrop, highlighting the cake's swirled colors, glittery details, and dreamy unicorn topper for social media sharing.
• Kid-Friendly Serving Tip: Cut smaller slices for children, allowing them to enjoy the enchanting flavors and magical design without overwhelming portions.

Ultimate Unicorn Ice Cream Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Magical Unicorn Ice Cream Cake swirls pastel colors into a dreamy dessert that delights both children and adults. Sweet layers of creamy goodness and whimsical decorations promise pure joy when serving this enchanting celebration centerpiece.

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Ingredients

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Cake Base:

• 1 box vanilla cake mix
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) water
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) vegetable oil

Ice Cream Layers:

• 1 pint (473 milliliters) strawberry ice cream (softened)
• 1 pint (473 milliliters) mint chocolate chip ice cream (softened)
• 1 pint (473 milliliters) blueberry ice cream (softened)

Frosting and Decorations:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 cup (60 grams) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Food coloring (various colors)
• Edible glitter
• Sprinkles
• Unicorn cake topper (optional)

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Instructions

1. Craft the vanilla cake base at 350F (175C), following package guidelines. Cool the cake completely on a wire rack.
2. Extract ice cream containers from the freezer, allowing them to soften slightly for seamless layering.
3. Slice the cooled cake horizontally into two even layers, positioning the bottom section on a designated serving plate.
4. Spread strawberry ice cream uniformly across the first cake layer, ensuring smooth and consistent coverage.
5. Carefully position the second cake layer atop the strawberry ice cream, creating a stable foundation.
6. Apply mint chocolate chip ice cream evenly over the cake layer, maintaining a level surface.
7. Complete the ice cream stack with a final blueberry ice cream layer, smoothing the top with a spatula for a polished appearance.
8. Transfer the assembled cake to the freezer, allowing it to solidify for a minimum of 2 hours.
9. Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff, glossy peaks develop.
10. Divide the whipped cream into separate bowls, incorporating different food coloring for vibrant visual appeal.
11. Remove the frozen cake from the freezer and enrobe entirely with the multicolored whipped cream, creating elegant swirled patterns.
12. Embellish with edible glitter, playful sprinkles, and a whimsical unicorn cake topper.
13. Slice and serve the enchanting dessert immediately for maximum magical experience.

Notes

• Choose a high-quality vanilla cake mix for the best texture and flavor foundation.
• Pick premium, creamy ice cream brands that hold their shape well when softened and frozen.
• Allow ice cream to soften just enough for spreading, about 5-10 minutes at room temperature to prevent melting.
• Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to create even, clean layers between cake and ice cream.
• Freeze cake between each ice cream layer for 15-20 minutes to maintain structural integrity and prevent mixing.
• Chill mixing bowl and whisk beforehand for faster, fluffier whipped cream with more stable peaks.
• Use gel food coloring for vibrant, pastel unicorn-inspired shades without affecting cream’s consistency.
• Prepare cake up to 3 days in advance, keeping tightly wrapped in the freezer for stress-free entertaining.
• Substitute dairy-free ice cream and gluten-free cake mix for allergies or dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 470 kcal
• Sugar: 40 g
• Sodium: 230 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg