Unicorn Cupcakes are delicious, beautiful, and way easier to make than you may think! They’re a fun way to celebrate a birthday or any special occasion and are perfect for themed parties.

Everything about unicorns is all the rage right now! These unicorn cupcakes are PERFECT for celebrating a birthday, brightening someone's day, or just enjoying something special! This unicorn cupcake recipe is SO easy that anyone can make them quickly and easily! #unicorn #cupcakes #birthday| Made in A Pinch @madeinapinch

Cupcakes are always a huge hit with both kids and adults. Aren’t they just smaller and cuter versions of cake?! What’s NOT to love about them?

Unicorns are all the rage right now, and rainbow unicorn cupcakes are hugely popular! If you’re not a professional chef, creating unicorn cupcakes may seem impossible. But I have good news – anyone can make these easy unicorn cupcakes.

Kids and adults will love this easy cupcake recipe!

And the unicorn theme…it’s so special and beloved because unicorns represent happiness and calmness. Or at least that’s my theory. And they’re colorful and pretty 😁

I don’t think you need a special occasion to make unicorn cupcakes. They make special everyday food, but these would be really amazing for

birthdays
any party!

Simply hollow out part of the center of the cupcake and fill it with the sprinkles. Then replace the cupcake piece.

The fact that I left the cupcakes natural makes these easy unicorn cupcakes, and they’re a recipe anyone can make. These would even be fun for kids to decorate at a party.

Rainbow Unicorn Cupcakes Video

I made a short video showing you how to make these cupcakes! Check it out then grab the recipe down below!

Items Needed For Unicorn Cupcakes

Here’s everything you need to make some super cute rainbow unicorn cupcakes.

Hand or stand mixer
Spatulas
Electric Gel Colors
Piping Bags (16-inch and 12-inch)
Tip 1m or 2D
Scissors
Bowls and plastic spoons
Sprinkles
Cupcake liners

Ingredients

Prebaked cupcakes
White frosting + gel colors

*NOTE: for a full recipe including amounts, please check out the convenient printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.

How To Make Unicorn Cupcakes

Here’s your step-by-step guide for making these fun, festive mini cakes.

Step 1

Color your icing to create your desired colors.

Step 2

Add the colored icing to the 12 inch piping bags without a coupler or tip.

Snip the ends of the tips and set aside.

Step 3

Place a 1M or 2D Piping tip inside of the 16 inch piping bag.

The tip should be pushed down as far as it can go end it should be cut right underneath the teeth of the tip. You do not want icing caught on the plastic from the bag.

Step 4

Place the colored bags of icing inside of the 16 inch bag and push them all down so that each of the colors is inside of the tip.

Step 5

Squeeze with even pressure to make sure that all three colors are coming out together.

Place the unicorn wrappers around the individual cakes before icing.

Make a swirl on the top of the cupcake at sprinkles if you would like add the topper

Recipe Notes

Do not use more than three colors as they may not fit inside of the tip of the 16 inch bag

FAQs

Here are some common questions and variation ideas.

Can you make them gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 type of gluten-free flour.

Can you use homemade cupcakes?

Yes, of course! For this recipe, I simply used a mix to save time. But if you have a favorite cake recipe, use that!

Have fun with flavors!

If you really want to get “crazy”, try adding some almond extract, cherry, extract, or vanilla extract to the batter. A teaspoon should be enough.

Experiment with colors!

In this particular recipe, I made chocolate cupcakes. But if you really want to go crazy, make white cupcakes and color your cupcake batter with food coloring. Or swirl together a couple of colors of batter!

How do you swirl frosting on cupcakes?

Lay out a sheet of plastic wrap on the counter.
Add one of your colorful frosting colors to the center. Roll it up like a log and twist the ends.
Repeat for the remaining colors.
Cut off one end of each log.
Place the logs together, cut side first, into a pastry bag fitted with your desired tip (I used a 1M).
Frost with swirled frosting!

See how easy and pretty that is? Perfectly swirled frosting, every time.

Try filling the cupcakes with sprinkles

Here’s a fun twist on unicorn cupcakes: fill them with sprinkles! Here’s how:

Prepare the mini cakes and let them cool.
Cut a small hole in the center of the cupcake (from the top) and remove the piece of cupcake.
Fill the hole with sprinkles, then replace the bit of cupcake.
Frost cupcakes and top with additional sprinkles, if desired.

How to store these mini cakes

Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Any leftover cupcakes should be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. They last the best when undecorated.

Can you freeze these cupcakes?

Yes! First, you can freeze the cupcakes BEFORE they have been frosted. After baking, let them fully cool to room temperature.

Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and after that in aluminum foil or add to freezer-safe bags. You can freeze them for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy these individual cakes, place them in the fridge overnight to thaw or let them sit on the counter for a couple of hours until they’re thawed.