Description
Discover how to create a stunning mermaid cake with design tips, recipes, and decorating ideas. Perfect for birthdays, weddings, and special occasions!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk
- Food coloring (teal, lavender, and pink for mermaid theme)
- For Buttercream Frosting:
- 2 cups unsalted butter (softened)
- 8 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk or heavy cream
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- Food coloring (to match mermaid tones)
- Decorations:
- Fondant or edible shells, starfish, and mermaid tails
- Sprinkles in ocean colors (blue, green, and silver)
- Edible glitter or pearl dust
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line 3 round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients.
- Divide the batter into three portions and color each with teal, lavender, and pink food coloring.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes. Let the cakes cool completely.
2. Make the Buttercream Frosting
- In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla, beating until smooth and fluffy.
- Divide the frosting into separate bowls and tint them in mermaid colors.
3. Assemble the Cake
- Place the first cake layer on a cake board or plate. Spread a layer of buttercream frosting on top. Repeat with the second and third layers.
- Apply a thin crumb coat around the entire cake and chill for 20 minutes.
4. Decorate the Cake
- Frost the cake with the remaining buttercream, blending colors to create an ombre or wave effect. Use a spatula or piping bag for designs.
- Add fondant decorations like mermaid tails, shells, and starfish.
- Sprinkle edible glitter and ocean-colored sprinkles for a magical touch.
5. Finishing Touches
- Place the cake in the fridge to set the decorations.
- Bring the cake to room temperature before serving.
Notes
- Use gel food coloring instead of liquid for vibrant colors without altering the texture of the batter or frosting.
- Blend the colors slightly in the frosting for a beautiful ombre or “underwater wave” effect.
- Fondant Decorations:
- You can make mermaid tails, shells, and starfish at home using silicone molds and fondant. Add shimmer using edible pearl dust or luster spray for a realistic look.
- Layering the Cake:
- Ensure the cake layers are completely cool before frosting to prevent the buttercream from melting.
- Trim the tops of the cake layers with a serrated knife to make them level for better stacking.
- Texture Variations:
- Use a fork or spatula to create wave-like textures in the frosting for an ocean effect.
- Add crushed graham crackers at the base of the cake to resemble sand.
- Decoration Placement:
- Arrange decorations like shells and tails asymmetrically to make the cake look dynamic.
- Stick larger decorations first and fill gaps with sprinkles or smaller fondant pieces.
- Chilling the Cake:
- Chill the cake briefly after applying the crumb coat and final frosting to set the layers and make decoration easier.
- Storage:
- Store the cake in the refrigerator if not serving immediately, especially if it’s a warm day. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
- Customization:
- You can add a surprise element by coloring the cake batter with marbled swirls or adding sprinkles inside for a “funfetti” effect.
- Personalize with a name or message using edible letters or frosting.