Name: Unicorn Cake Roll
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 3 large Eggs; ¾ cup Granulated Sugar; 1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil; 1 teaspoon Baking Powder; ¼ teaspoon Salt; 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract; ¾ cup All-Purpose Flour; n/a Food Coloring (see note); ¼ cup Powdered Sugar (to aid in rolling); 1 quart Heavy Whipping Cream; 1 (3.4 ounce) box Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix; 2 tablespoons Powdered Sugar; n/a Food Coloring (see note); n/a Assorted Sprinkles (colorful marshmallows and/or candies, etc.)

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When I first set out to make this Unicorn Cake Roll, I was filled with excitement and a bit of nostalgia. Growing up, I loved all things colorful and whimsical, and this cake truly captures that spirit. The idea of creating a cake that looks as delightful as it tastes is something I couldn’t resist. Picture a beautiful swirl of colors transforming into a soft, fluffy cake filled with a luscious whipped cream filling. Every slice reveals a magical blend of colors that reminds me of childhood dreams. Whether it’s for a birthday party or just a cheerful dessert at home, this Unicorn Cake Roll is sure to bring smiles to everyone who sees and tastes it. I believe desserts should be a feast for the eyes as much as the palate, and this cake delivers on both fronts!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
60 mins

Prep Time:
45 mins

Cook Time:
15 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
300 kcal

Protein:
4 g

Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
18 g

Tools Used:
10×15-inch Jelly Roll Pan

The Appeal of This Unicorn Cake Roll

Visually Stunning

One of the standout features of the Unicorn Cake Roll is its vibrant colors. Each slice reveals a whimsical rainbow of hues that are sure to delight both kids and adults alike. It’s not just a cake; it’s a centerpiece that will have everyone oohing and aahing.

Perfect for Any Occasion

This cake is incredibly versatile. Whether it’s a birthday, baby shower, or just a cozy family gathering, the Unicorn Cake Roll fits right in. Its playful design makes it suitable for any festive occasion, and it’s a guaranteed hit with guests of all ages!

Light and Fluffy Texture

The texture of the cake is light and airy, making it a joy to eat. The fluffy layers, combined with the creamy filling, create a delightful mouthfeel that makes this dessert irresistible. You’ll find yourself going back for seconds and thirds!

Fun to Make

Making the Unicorn Cake Roll is just as fun as eating it! Mixing the colored batters and swirling them together is an enjoyable activity that can involve the whole family. It’s a great way to bond over baking, and the end result is worth every moment spent in the kitchen.

Endless Customization

While the classic version is stunning, there’s plenty of room for creativity. You can play around with different colors, sprinkles, and fillings. The Unicorn Cake Roll can be personalized to match themes or favorite colors, making it a truly unique dessert every time!

Impressive Yet Simple

Despite its impressive appearance, the Unicorn Cake Roll is surprisingly simple to make. With just a few ingredients and steps, you can create a show-stopping dessert that will leave everyone guessing how you pulled it off. It’s a great way to impress your friends and family without spending hours in the kitchen.

Shopping List for Unicorn Cake Roll

The ingredients for the Unicorn Cake Roll are simple yet magical. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the enchanting flavors and colorful appearance. The key players include the eggs and granulated sugar that form the base of the cake, while the heavy whipping cream adds a luscious filling that complements the light cake perfectly.

3 large eggs: Essential for the structure of the cake, providing moisture and richness.
¾ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps in achieving a tender crumb.

1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and adds a subtle richness.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Essential for leavening, helping the cake to rise.
¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the cake.

1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Imparts a lovely warmth and depth of flavor.
¾ cup all-purpose flour: The backbone of the cake, providing structure.
Food Coloring: Key for achieving that magical unicorn look. Use as desired.

Powdered sugar: Used to aid in rolling the cake without sticking.
1 quart heavy whipping cream: The base for a luxurious filling that’s light and fluffy.
1 (3.4 ounce) box instant vanilla pudding mix: Helps stabilize the whipped cream while adding flavor.

2 tablespoons powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream to your liking.
Assorted sprinkles: For decoration, adding a fun and playful finish.

How to Make Unicorn Cake Roll

Get ready to create your very own Unicorn Cake Roll! It’s a straightforward process that results in a stunning dessert. Follow the steps carefully, and soon you’ll have a cake that not only tastes amazing but also looks like a work of art.

Preheat your oven to 350°F. It’s important to get your oven nice and hot before baking. While it heats, prepare your 10×15-inch jelly roll pan by lining it with foil and spraying it with floured nonstick cooking spray. This ensures that your cake won’t stick!
In a large bowl or the bowl of an electric mixer, place the 3 large eggs. Beat them at medium speed for about 5 minutes, or until they become foamy and yellow. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the eggs, giving the cake its light texture.
Add the granulated sugar to the beaten eggs, mixing for an additional 2 minutes. The mixture should thicken slightly at this stage, which indicates it’s ready for the next ingredients.

Now, mix in the vegetable oil, baking powder, salt, and vanilla extract. Stir until combined, then gently fold in the all-purpose flour until just mixed. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake light and fluffy.
Divide the batter evenly into three bowls. Now comes the fun part—color each portion of batter with your desired food coloring. Create vibrant shades that will make your cake come alive!
Pour the colored batters into the prepared pan. You can swirl them together using a spatula, creating beautiful patterns. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes. Look for a lightly browned top and a spring back when touched lightly.

While the cake is baking, lay out a clean kitchen towel on your counter and sprinkle it with about ¼ cup of powdered sugar. This will prevent the cake from sticking when you roll it.
Once the cake is baked, carefully remove it from the oven. Use oven mitts to flip the hot cake onto the prepared towel. Remove the pan and foil carefully, then roll the cake from the short end, wrapping the towel around it. Let it cool completely in this rolled position.
Meanwhile, prepare the filling. In a large bowl or stand mixer, whip the heavy whipping cream until it forms stiff peaks. This usually takes 1 to 5 minutes, depending on your mixer speed. Taste and add powdered sugar until it reaches your desired sweetness.

Once the cake is cool, unroll it gently and spread a layer of the whipped cream mixture over the top. Roll it back up tightly, removing the towel as you go. This should create a lovely spiral of color inside!
To decorate, divide the remaining whipped cream into 2 to 3 bowls and tint with colors of your choice. Use piping bags to create fun designs on the surface of the cake, or simply spread it on with a spatula. Finish by adding assorted sprinkles for that final touch of magic!
Chill the cake for at least 1 hour before slicing. If you need to chill it longer, cover loosely to maintain freshness.

Things Worth Knowing

Egg Beating Time: Make sure to beat the eggs for at least 3 full minutes if using a stand mixer, or 5 minutes with a hand mixer. They should be thick, frothy, and dark yellow for the best results.
Cooling Tips: Allow the cake to cool in the rolled position as this helps maintain its shape. You can wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight for even better flavor.
Color Customization: Feel free to experiment with different colors of food coloring to create your own unique swirl patterns.

Filling Variations: You can use flavored pudding mixes or even mascarpone cheese mixed with cream for different flavor profiles in the filling.

Recipe Variations about Unicorn Cake Roll

If you’re looking to switch things up with the Unicorn Cake Roll, there are numerous variations and ideas you can explore. Customizing this cake can lead to even more fun and delicious outcomes!

Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best enjoyed within two days for optimal freshness.

Freezing: Yes, you can freeze this cake! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Flavor Variations: Instead of vanilla pudding, try a chocolate or strawberry pudding mix for a different flavor twist.
Decorative Toppings: Use fresh fruit, edible glitter, or even whipped cream rosettes to elevate the look of your cake.

Layered Cake: Instead of making a roll, you can layer the cake with whipped cream and fruits between the layers for a beautiful layered dessert.

Perfect Matches for Unicorn Cake Roll

Serving the Unicorn Cake Roll can be as creative as making it! Here are some fantastic pairings and occasions where this cake shines:

Serve with Fresh Berries: A side of fresh strawberries or blueberries adds a tart contrast to the sweet cake.

Perfect for Parties: This cake makes a stunning centerpiece for parties or celebrations—bright colors bring joy to any gathering!
Ideal for Birthdays: The whimsical design pairs perfectly with birthday celebrations, making it a hit with children and adults alike.
Pair with Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or rainbow sherbet ice cream complements the cake’s flavor and adds a refreshing note.

Seasonal Touches: During holidays, consider decorating with themed sprinkles or edible decorations to match the occasion!
Picnic Delight: This cake travels well and can be a delightful addition to a picnic or outdoor gathering. Just keep it chilled!

FAQ

Absolutely! You can make the Unicorn Cake Roll a day ahead. Just follow the recipe and, after assembling it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Make sure to decorate it just before serving for the best presentation!

For the best results, use gel food coloring. Gel colorings provide vibrant shades without adding too much liquid to your batter. Liquid colorings can alter the texture of your cake. So, grab some gel colors for a stunning visual effect in your Unicorn Cake Roll.

To prevent cracking, make sure to roll the cake while it’s still warm. This helps it hold its shape better. Also, be gentle when rolling and unrolling the cake. If you do encounter a crack, don’t worry! Just cover it with frosting or sprinkles for a beautiful finish.

Of course! While whipped cream is delightful, you can get creative with fillings. Try using cream cheese frosting, flavored whipped cream, or even a layer of fruit preserves. Each variation will create a different flavor profile for your Unicorn Cake Roll.

Conclusion

The Unicorn Cake Roll is a magical dessert that brings joy and creativity to any occasion. With its stunning colors and light, fluffy texture, it’s a treat that everyone will love. I encourage you to try making this cake; it’s easier than it looks and offers endless possibilities for customization. Your friends and family will be amazed when you present this beautiful creation!

Unicorn Cake Roll

Indulge in the whimsical delight of our Unicorn Cake Roll. With its vibrant colors and fluffy texture, this easy-to-make dessert is perfect for any celebration. Complete with a sweet whipped cream filling, it’s a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. Dive into a slice of magic today!

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Prep Time 45

Cook Time 15

Total Time 1

Course Desserts

Cuisine American

Servings 10 servings

Calories 300 kcal

Equipment

10×15-inch Jelly Roll Pan

Ingredients

3 large Eggs
¾ cup Granulated Sugar
1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil
1 teaspoon Baking Powder
¼ teaspoon Salt
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
¾ cup All-Purpose Flour
n/a Food Coloring see note
¼ cup Powdered Sugar to aid in rolling
1 quart Heavy Whipping Cream
1 (3.4 ounce) box Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix
2 tablespoons Powdered Sugar
n/a Food Coloring see note
n/a Assorted Sprinkles colorful marshmallows and/or candies, etc.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 10×15” or 10.5×15” cake/jelly roll pan with foil and spray with floured nonstick cooking spray.
Place eggs in a large bowl or the bowl of an electric mixer. Beat at medium speed with mixer for 5 minutes until foamy and yellow. Add sugar and mix for 2 more minutes, until the mixture is thickened slightly.
Mix in oil, baking powder, salt, and vanilla, then add flour and mix slowly until just combined.

Divide batter into three bowls. Color each as desired.
Pour each batter into prepared pan, spreading and swirling as desired with a spatula. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the top is browned and the cake springs back when touched lightly.
While the cake is baking, lay out a clean kitchen towel onto the counter. Spread with about ¼ cup powdered sugar.
Remove the hot cake from the oven and carefully, using oven mitts so you don’t burn yourself, flip the cake onto the towel. This might make a mess, but that’s okay.

Carefully remove the pan and foil (they’re hot!) and then, using the towel, roll up the cake from the short side. The towel will be rolled into the cake. Let this cool completely before continuing.
Make the filling: Place the heavy whipping cream in a very large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer. Add the pudding mix and beat at high speed with electric or hand mixer until stiff whipped cream forms.
Carefully unroll the cake. Spread with some of the whipped cream mixture. Carefully roll the cake back up as tight as possible, unsticking it from the towel as you go.

To decorate the cake: divide the remaining frosting into 2-3 bowls. Tint with frosting as desired.
To frost as I’ve shown it: place each color in it’s own ziploc or piping bag, then cut of the tip. Pipe stripes of each color on the cake roll, then swirl with a spatula as desired.
You can also use a 1M tip to make roses in different colors, however you like it.

To decorate: go to town with sprinkles, brightly colored candies, marshmallows and more.
Chill for at least 1 hour before slicing. Cover loosely if chilling longer than one hour.

Notes

Egg Beating: Make sure to beat the eggs for at least 3 full minutes if using a stand mixer (on high speed) or 5 minutes using a hand mixer. They should be thick, frothy, and dark yellow.