Name: Easy Semi-Homemade Unicorn Cupcakes Tutorial
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 24
Ingredients: 1 box white cake mix; 3 eggs; 1/3 cup oil; 1 cup water; Gel food coloring (3 colors); 1 stick unsalted butter, room temperature; 1/2 cup shortening; 2 lbs powdered sugar; 2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 cup heavy cream

These adorable little semi-homemade unicorn cupcakes are the perfect treat for any unicorn party! If you are like me, unicorns are a favorite fictional animal. They are sparkly, rainbow colored, and tons of fun! This recipe makes it super easy to whip up special cupcakes for any unicorn themed event, or simply just because!

Unicorn Cupcakes Tutorial

Unicorns never fail to make everyone smile. I don't know if it is because of the sparkly fun colors or if it is all about the idea of this magical creature. It doesn't matter what is the reason, they are just tons of fun. If you are or have a unicorn lover in your midst, then you will adore this simple tutorial for turning an ordinary cake mix into a great little unicorn themed treat.

Planning a unicorn party? Make sure you add these unicorn bookmarks and of course, the unicorn planter craft to the party ideas. Of course, if you are around Easter, you might also like this list of unicorn Easter basket stuffer ideas or this actual DIY unicorn Easter basket!

What Boxed Cake Mix Should I Use?

You can use any boxed cake mix for this recipe that you prefer. I like Betty Crocker but have also used generic brands. The brand isn't as important as following the directions. I also prefer using vegetable oil over substitutes like applesauce when baking. It results in a much more moist and light cake or cupcake in this instance.

Ingredients for Cupcakes

White cake mix
Eggs
Oil
Gel food coloring
Water

Ingredients for Frosting

Unsalted butter
Shortening
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract
Heavy cream

How to Make Unicorn Cupcakes

Preheat the oven to 350°F and line muffin tins with cupcake liners.

In a large bowl, prepare the cake mix as directed on the box adding eggs, water, and oil and mixing until smooth.

Divide the prepared batter into three small bowls.

Add a different color food gel to each bowl and stir until combined.

Into each cupcake liner, add a scoop of one color, then the next, and top with the third - making sure the cupcake liners are only ¾ full.

Baked the cupcakes as directed.

Allow the cupcakes to cool completely (20-30 minutes), before frosting.

How to Make Frosting

In a large bowl, beat together the butter, shortening, and sugar.

Add in the vanilla extract and heavy cream. If the consistency is too thick, add additional heavy cream by the tablespoon until desired thickness.

How to Decorate Unicorn Cupcakes

Place a piping bag into a tall cup opening up and folding down the edges over the lip of the cup.

Into the bag, drop a piping piping tip (1M or 2D is used here), and push through to cut open the bag (you can also cut with scissors and drop tip in after if preferred).

Open the piping bag up and fill with frosting.

Gently squeeze excess air out of the bag, and then twist or fold the top down.

Make a star in the center of the cupcake gently squeezing and elevate the bag above the star then continue around the star as tightly as you can rotating around the cupcake top until covered.

Top with sprinkles and serve.

More Unicorn Treat Ideas

When a unicorn themed party is in your plans, you need all of the best ideas! Below are some more fun additions you might enjoy serving up at your upcoming unicorn event. Kids will love how these items are full of sparkle and color while being delicious!

Unicorn Hot Chocolate for serving or Hot Cocoa Unicorn Horns as a party favor
Unicorn Poop Cookies
Colored Candy Dots on Paper
Unicorn Cookie Pizza Recipe
Colorful Unicorn Cake Donuts

Yield: 24

Easy Semi-Homemade Unicorn Cupcakes Tutorial

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Additional Time 30 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes

Ingredients

For Cupcakes

1 box white cake mix
3 eggs
⅓ cup oil
1 cup water
Gel food coloring (3 colors)

For Frosting

1 stick unsalted butter, room temperature
½ cup shortening
2 lbs powdered sugar
2 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ cup heavy cream

Instructions

How to Make Unicorn Cupcakes

Preheat the oven to 350°F and line muffin tins with cupcake liners.
In a large bowl, prepare the cake mix as directed on the box adding eggs, water, and oil and mixing until smooth.
Divide the prepared batter into three small bowls.
Add a different color food gel to each bowl and stir until combined.
Into each cupcake liner, add a scoop of one color, then the next, and top with the third - making sure the cupcake liners are only ¾ full.
Baked the cupcakes as directed.
Allow the cupcakes to cool completely (20-30 minutes), before frosting.

How to Make Frosting

In a large bowl, beat together the butter, shortening, and sugar.
Add in the vanilla extract and heavy cream. If the consistency is too thick, add additional heavy cream by the tablespoon until desired thickness.

How to Decorate Unicorn Cupcakes

Place a piping bag into a tall cup opening up and folding down the edges over the lip of the cup.
Into the bag, drop a piping piping tip (1M or 2D is used here), and push through to cut open the bag (you can also cut with scissors and drop tip in after if preferred).
Open the piping bag up and fill with frosting.
Gently squeeze excess air out of the bag, and then twist or fold the top down.
Make a star in the center of the cupcake gently squeezing and elevate the bag above the star then continue around the star as tightly as you can rotating around the cupcake top until covered.
Top with sprinkles and serve.

Notes

Add gel food coloring to icing if desired for a bright colored top to your cupcakes.

The Easiest Semi-Homemade Unicorn Cupcakes Tutorial

Unicorn Cupcakes Tutorial

What Boxed Cake Mix Should I Use?

Ingredients for Cupcakes

Ingredients for Frosting

How to Make Unicorn Cupcakes

How to Make Frosting

How to Decorate Unicorn Cupcakes

More Unicorn Treat Ideas