Unicorn cake toppers have taken the baking world by storm, bringing magic and charm to cakes for birthdays, baby showers, weddings, and themed parties. Whether you’re looking to buy a beautifully crafted unicorn cake topper or create a DIY version from scratch, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

In this article, we’ll explore different types of unicorn cake toppers, step-by-step DIY methods, where to buy the best toppers, and how to decorate cakes with them. You’ll also find answers to common questions like how to make a unicorn horn for a cake topper and what flavor is a unicorn cake.

Table of Contents

Introduction to Unicorn Cake Toppers

What is a Unicorn Cake Topper?

A unicorn cake topper is a decorative piece placed on top of a cake to give it a magical unicorn theme. These toppers come in various materials like fondant, plastic, acrylic, and edible prints. Some feature 3D unicorn figures, while others highlight signature elements like a golden horn, pastel flowers, or a rainbow mane.

Why Unicorn Cake Toppers Are So Popular?

Unicorns symbolize magic, fantasy, and positivity, making them a favorite choice for themed cakes. Social media trends and Pinterest-worthy cake designs have further fueled their popularity. A well-designed unicorn cake topper transforms an ordinary cake into a showstopper, perfect for birthdays, baby showers, and even weddings.

Different Types of Unicorn Cake Toppers

There are several types of unicorn cake toppers available, each suited to different occasions:

Edible Toppers – Made from fondant, sugar paste, or chocolate, these are completely safe to eat.
Non-Edible Toppers – Crafted from acrylic, plastic, or paper, these can be reused for future cakes.
DIY Toppers – Handmade using fondant, gum paste, or cardstock, perfect for a personal touch.
Custom Toppers – Personalized toppers with names, colors, or special designs tailored to the event.

With a wide range of styles available, there’s a unicorn cake topper for every cake and occasion. In the next section, we’ll dive into making your own DIY topper for a truly unique touch.

DIY Unicorn Cake Toppers – How to Make Your Own

Creating a unicorn cake topper from scratch is a fun and rewarding way to personalize your cake. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, making a topper at home allows you to customize colors, shapes, and materials to match your theme perfectly.

Materials Needed for a DIY Unicorn Cake Topper

Before you begin, gather the essential materials based on the type of topper you want to create:

For edible unicorn cake toppers:

Fondant or gum paste
Edible gold dust or food coloring
Small rolling pin
Sharp knife or fondant cutter
Toothpicks or floral wire (for support)

For non-edible toppers:

Cardstock or glitter paper
Scissors or craft knife
Hot glue gun
Wooden sticks or cake pop sticks
Acrylic paint (for added details)

Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Fondant Unicorn Cake Topper

Shape the Unicorn Head – Roll white fondant into an oval shape. Slightly flatten it to create the unicorn’s face.
Create the Eyes and Ears – Use black edible paint or fondant to shape the unicorn’s closed eyes. Cut two small triangles from pink fondant for ears.
Make the Mane and Tail – Roll out pastel-colored fondant (pink, blue, yellow) into thin strips. Twist and arrange them on the head and back.
How to Make a Unicorn Horn for a Cake Topper? – (FAQ) Roll two thin fondant ropes, twist them together, and taper one end. Let it dry before brushing it with edible gold dust.
Assemble and Secure the Topper – Attach the ears, mane, and horn using a small dab of water or edible glue. Allow it to dry completely before placing it on the cake.

For a more detailed breakdown of fondant techniques, check out this unicorn cake guide.

Alternative DIY Unicorn Cake Topper Ideas

Paper Cutout Unicorns – Print or hand-draw a unicorn, cut it out, and attach it to a wooden stick.
Clay or Polymer Unicorns – Use modeling clay to create a durable topper that can be reused.
Edible Print Toppers – Order a custom unicorn design on edible rice paper for an easy decoration option.

Best Unicorn Cake Toppers to Buy

If you’re short on time or prefer a professional touch, purchasing a unicorn cake topper is a great option. With countless styles available, finding the perfect topper depends on factors like material, size, and design.

Where to Buy Unicorn Cake Toppers?

Unicorn cake toppers are widely available at:

Online stores – Amazon, Etsy, and specialty baking websites offer a vast selection.
Local bakeries – Some cake shops sell handcrafted fondant or acrylic toppers.
Party supply stores – Look for pre-made toppers in various styles and themes.

Top 5 Unicorn Cake Toppers for Different Occasions

Edible Fondant Unicorn Toppers – Perfect for fully edible cakes at kids’ birthdays.
Gold Acrylic Unicorn Horn & Ears Set – A sleek, reusable option for elegant cakes.
Custom Name Unicorn Topper – Personalized with names for special occasions.
Rainbow Glitter Unicorn Topper – Adds sparkle to pastel unicorn cakes.
Paper Unicorn Banner Topper – A budget-friendly and eco-friendly choice.

Custom vs. Pre-Made Unicorn Cake Toppers

Custom toppers allow you to select specific colors, names, or designs. They are ideal for themed events but often require pre-ordering.
Pre-made toppers are convenient and ready to use, making them perfect for last-minute cake decorating.

For more inspiration on unicorn cake designs, check out this collection of magical unicorn cake ideas.

In the next section, we’ll explore how to choose the right unicorn cake topper for different occasions.

Unicorn Cake Toppers for Different Occasions

A unicorn cake topper isn’t just for birthdays—it can be the perfect decoration for various celebrations. From baby showers to weddings, these toppers add a magical touch to any cake.

Birthday Unicorn Cake Toppers

For kids’ birthdays, bright and colorful unicorn cake toppers with pastel manes, golden horns, and rainbow accents are a popular choice. Some ideas include:

3D fondant unicorns – Perfect for fully edible cake decorations.
Glittery paper unicorn toppers – Easy to place on cakes for a quick transformation.
Personalized name toppers – A unique way to make a birthday cake extra special.

Pairing a birthday unicorn cake topper with a rainbow or pastel ombre cake enhances the overall aesthetic.

Wedding & Baby Shower Unicorn Cake Toppers

For more elegant events like weddings or baby showers, subtle and sophisticated toppers work best. Consider:

Gold or silver acrylic unicorn horns – Adds a touch of class to tiered cakes.
Floral unicorn toppers – Features delicate flowers for a softer, romantic look.
Minimalist white unicorn silhouettes – Complements modern and stylish cakes.

These toppers work beautifully on white, pastel, or semi-naked cakes, giving them a whimsical charm.

Themed Party Unicorn Cake Toppers

If you’re hosting a themed party, matching your unicorn cake topper to the event can make a big impact. Here are a few ideas:

Rainbow unicorn toppers for fantasy-themed parties.
Galaxy unicorn toppers with deep blues and purples for a cosmic touch.
Princess unicorn toppers featuring crowns and sparkles.

For more unicorn cake design inspiration, check out this magical unicorn cake idea guide.

Decorating a Cake with a Unicorn Topper

A unicorn cake topper is only part of the design—the way you decorate the rest of the cake makes all the difference. From securing the topper to pairing it with the right cake elements, here’s how to create a stunning unicorn-themed cake.

How to Attach a Unicorn Cake Topper Securely?

Placing a topper on a cake may seem simple, but ensuring it stays in place requires some technique. Follow these steps:

For edible fondant toppers – Use toothpicks or floral wire for extra support.
For non-edible acrylic or paper toppers – Insert them into the cake at a slight angle for better stability.
For heavier toppers – Add a dab of royal icing or melted chocolate to secure them.

Pairing Your Unicorn Cake Topper with the Right Cake Design

To make your cake look truly magical, consider these design elements:

Rainbow layers – A colorful surprise when the cake is sliced.
Drip frosting – Adds a fun and trendy look to unicorn cakes.
Edible glitter or gold leaf – Enhances the whimsical, fairy-tale effect.
Buttercream rosettes – Creates a fluffy unicorn mane.

What Flavor is Unicorn Cake? (FAQ)

A unicorn cake can be any flavor, but some popular choices include:

Vanilla Funfetti – Adds a burst of color and sweetness.
Strawberry Shortcake – A fruity and creamy option.
Cotton Candy – A whimsical, pastel-colored choice.
Chocolate & Raspberry – A rich and vibrant combination.

For a step-by-step guide to making a unicorn cake, check out this unicorn cake recipe.

With the right topper and decorations, your unicorn cake will be the centerpiece of any celebration.

Unicorn Cake Pop & Other Themed Desserts

Unicorn-themed desserts go beyond just cakes. From cake pops to cupcakes, there are plenty of ways to bring the magic of a unicorn cake topper into bite-sized treats.

What Flavor is the Unicorn Cake Pop at Starbucks? (FAQ)

The famous Starbucks unicorn cake pop features a vanilla cake base coated in a sweet, pink-colored white chocolate shell. While its bright colors give it a whimsical look, the flavor is a mix of vanilla and buttercream, making it a simple yet delicious treat.

Other Unicorn-Themed Desserts You Can Make

If you love the idea of unicorn-themed sweets, here are some fun options to try:

Unicorn Cupcakes – Top vanilla or funfetti cupcakes with rainbow buttercream and a small unicorn cake topper for a fun, festive treat.
Unicorn Cake Pops – Use crumbled cake mixed with frosting, shape into balls, and dip them in pastel-colored chocolate. Add edible glitter or a tiny fondant horn.
Unicorn Sugar Cookies – Decorate sugar cookies with royal icing in unicorn shapes.
Unicorn Ice Cream – Swirl together pastel shades of homemade vanilla ice cream and top with sprinkles.

For more unicorn dessert ideas, check out themed baking guides online to explore creative and easy ways to add magic to your treats.

FAQs About Unicorn Cakes & Toppers

Many people have questions about making and using a unicorn cake topper. Here are some common ones:

How to Make a Unicorn-Themed Cake? (FAQ)

A unicorn-themed cake typically includes pastel-colored layers, buttercream swirls, and a unicorn cake topper. Follow these steps:

Bake a vanilla or rainbow cake with multiple layers.
Frost with white buttercream and add a colorful mane using piping techniques.
Place a unicorn horn and ears topper in the center.
Use edible glitter and gold accents for the final magical touch.

How to Store and Reuse a Unicorn Cake Topper?

Edible toppers should be used immediately or stored in an airtight container.
Plastic or acrylic toppers can be washed and reused for future cakes.

How to Customize Your Own Unicorn Cake Topper?

Choose colors, materials, and text that match your theme. Many online stores offer personalized options for names, ages, or special designs.

With the right unicorn cake topper and a little creativity, your unicorn-themed dessert can become the centerpiece of any celebration.

Unicorn Cake Topper Trends and New Designs

Cake decorating trends are always evolving, and unicorn cake toppers have continued to adapt with new styles and creative designs. Whether you’re planning a birthday party or a themed celebration, staying updated with the latest unicorn cake topper trends can make your cake stand out.

Popular Unicorn Cake Topper Trends

The classic unicorn cake design remains a favorite, but modern trends have introduced exciting variations:

3D Printed Unicorn Cake Toppers – Customizable, reusable, and available in intricate designs.
Floral Unicorn Toppers – Combining edible flowers with the traditional unicorn horn for a fresh, elegant look.
Metallic and Holographic Toppers – Gold, silver, or iridescent toppers that reflect light beautifully.
Minimalist Unicorn Cake Toppers – Simple yet stylish designs with sleek white and pastel accents.
Glow-in-the-Dark Toppers – A unique trend, especially popular for nighttime celebrations.

Customizing a Unicorn Cake Topper for Your Event

Custom toppers are becoming more popular as people look for personalized designs that reflect their unique style. Some customization options include:

Personalized name and age toppers – Ideal for birthdays and special celebrations.
Theme-matching toppers – Adjust colors and styles to fit a mermaid, galaxy, or princess theme.
Multi-layered toppers – Adding depth with acrylic, wood, or edible layers for a 3D effect.

With so many design possibilities, choosing the right unicorn cake topper allows you to match the latest trends while keeping it personal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using a Unicorn Cake Topper

A unicorn cake topper can transform a simple cake into a magical masterpiece, but small mistakes can affect the final look and stability. Here are some common errors to avoid.

Using the Wrong Type of Topper for Your Cake

Not all toppers work well with every cake. Consider these factors:

Weight – A heavy fondant topper may sink into soft buttercream, while a lightweight paper topper may need extra support.
Size – A large topper may overpower a small cake, while a tiny one may go unnoticed on a big cake.

Placing the Topper Incorrectly

Not securing it properly – If the topper is wobbly, use toothpicks, cake dowels, or melted chocolate to hold it in place.
Placing it too early – Edible fondant toppers can absorb moisture from the cake if placed too soon. Add them just before serving.

Ignoring Theme Consistency

A beautiful unicorn cake topper should complement the cake design. Ensure:

The colors match – Pastel toppers look best with soft-colored cakes, while metallic toppers pair well with elegant designs.
Additional decorations don’t clash – Too many sprinkles, flowers, or glitter may overwhelm the cake’s design.

By avoiding these mistakes, your unicorn cake topper will enhance your cake’s beauty, making it the highlight of any event.

The Ultimate Guide to Unicorn Cake Toppers: DIY Ideas, Buying Tips & More