It’s hard to deny that unicorn cakes have, well, kind of taken over the cake world. At least here in Canada, they seem to be everywhere—birthday parties, baby showers, even corporate events sometimes. You’ll walk into a bakery or scroll through Instagram, and there they are: pastel colors, swirls of frosting, a golden horn perched on top. You might think it’s a trend that would’ve passed by now, but for some reason, unicorn cakes still have a hold on us.
I suppose part of it is the sheer whimsy. They’re bright, colorful, and a bit over-the-top, but in a good way. There’s something about a cake that looks like a mythical creature—it feels a little magical, doesn’t it? Kids especially seem drawn to them, but I’ve noticed adults enjoy them too. Maybe it’s the nostalgia, or just a desire to bring a bit of fantasy into an otherwise ordinary day.
Now, I won’t say unicorn cakes are everywhere in Canada, but they’re certainly popular. You walk into almost any bakery offering custom cakes, and you’ll see a unicorn design—either in the display or in their portfolio. And if you ask, chances are they’ve made at least a dozen in the past month. It’s almost become a staple, like red velvet or chocolate fudge. But unlike those classic flavors, the unicorn cake isn’t about taste—it’s about the look, the statement. Though, to be fair, a lot of them do taste great. I’ve had a few that were light and moist, with buttercream that wasn’t overly sweet. But the real draw is still the design.
It’s interesting, actually, how the design has kind of standardized, while still leaving room for creativity. You’ve got the signature gold horn, the pastel rainbow mane, the closed eyes with those long, swooping lashes. But some bakers will mix it up a bit—adding edible glitter, little fondant flowers, or even a few surprise elements like hidden layers of color inside the cake. I remember one I saw at a friend’s daughter’s party that, when cut open, revealed a rainbow of layers, each a different flavor. It was impressive, and the kids absolutely loved it.
But, here’s the thing. While unicorn cakes are undeniably popular, I sometimes wonder if we’re all just a bit enchanted by the idea of them rather than the cake itself. I mean, let’s be honest. They’re not always the easiest cakes to eat. There’s that towering horn to remove, the thick layer of fondant or buttercream to get through, and sometimes a design so intricate you almost don’t want to cut into it. I’ve seen parties where the unicorn cake sat there for hours because no one wanted to be the one to ruin it. There’s a hesitation, a bit of guilt maybe, in slicing through something so pretty.
That said, they still get ordered. Over and over. Part of it might be the photo appeal. In a social-media-driven world, a unicorn cake practically demands to be posted online. I’ve scrolled through countless posts where the cake is the star of the show, sometimes even more than the person it’s meant for. There’s this instinct to capture the perfect shot, from the angle where the golden horn glints in the light to the swirl of colors in the mane. I think we’ve all, at some point, fallen into that trap of wanting to share a moment that looks, well, magical.
There’s also the versatility of unicorn cakes that makes them so popular. They can fit almost any celebration. Birthdays are the obvious choice, especially for younger kids who are into fairytales and fantasy. But I’ve seen them at baby showers, with soft pinks and blues, or even at bridal showers where they’re dressed up in more muted, sophisticated shades. Some bakeries even offer mini unicorn cakes or cupcakes, which feel like a playful nod to the theme without going all-in on a full-sized cake.
Price is another factor worth mentioning. Unicorn cakes aren’t cheap, but they’re not absurdly expensive either, at least not for a custom cake. Depending on the size and complexity, you might pay anywhere from $80 to $300 or more. Some people might think that’s a lot for a cake, but considering the time and detail involved—those carefully piped manes, the sculpted horns, the edible accents—it starts to make sense. And if it’s for a special occasion, people are often willing to spend a bit more to make the day feel extra special.
I’ve even heard people argue that unicorn cakes are, well, a bit overdone. That maybe it’s time to move on to something new. I can see that point. After all, trends shift, and what’s popular today might feel tired tomorrow. But the thing with unicorn cakes is that they still have this undeniable charm. Maybe it’s the way they tap into something playful and lighthearted. Or maybe it’s that, despite being a trend, they’ve stuck around long enough to feel almost classic in their own right.
Plus, let’s not forget how they make people feel. I’ve seen kids’ eyes light up at the sight of a unicorn cake, even if it’s not their birthday. I’ve watched adults smile, take photos, and share them online, even if they’re not the type to post often. There’s a shared sense of delight that seems to come with these cakes, and that’s something special. Even if, sometimes, you do feel a bit silly eating a slice of cake shaped like a mythical creature.
One more thing that might explain their popularity—unicorn cakes allow for personalization without too much effort. You can change the color scheme to match the party theme, adjust the size for the number of guests, or even incorporate the birthday person’s favorite flavors inside. It’s customization made easy, which is something people seem to appreciate. You’re not locked into a standard design, but you also don’t have to completely reinvent the wheel. There’s comfort in knowing what to expect, but also room for a little personal touch.
In the end, I think unicorn cakes are popular in Canada because they capture that perfect balance of fun, fantasy, and familiarity. They’re not too out there, but they’re not boring either. They bring a touch of magic to everyday celebrations, and sometimes, that’s exactly what we need. Maybe one day we’ll look back and wonder why we were all so obsessed with cakes shaped like unicorns, but for now, they’re here, and they’re making a lot of people happy. And, honestly, isn’t that what cake is supposed to do?
