Looking for a show-stopping dessert that will transport your guests to an underwater wonderland? This Mermaid Cake or Under-the-Sea Cake is the perfect centerpiece for any ocean-themed celebration! With its stunning blue and teal layers, shimmering decorations, and delightful vanilla flavor, this enchanting cake brings the magic of the sea right to your table.
Whether you’re planning a mermaid birthday party, beach-themed gathering, or simply want to create something extraordinary, this recipe will help you craft a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
What is Mermaid Cake or Under-the-Sea Cake?
Ever wondered why this stunning dessert earned its aquatic moniker? Picture this: you’re gazing into crystal-clear ocean waters, mesmerized by the swirling blues and greens dancing beneath the surface. That’s exactly what this cake captures! The Mermaid Cake or Under-the-Sea Cake gets its name from the gorgeous ombré effect created by layering different shades of blue and teal frosting, mimicking the depths of the ocean.
Legend has it that a creative baker was so inspired by her daughter’s love of mermaids that she decided to bring Ariel’s underwater kingdom to life in cake form. As they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” but this cake proves the way to anyone’s heart is through pure edible magic! Ready to dive into this oceanic adventure and create your own underwater masterpiece?
try also : Chocolate Overload Explosion Cake and find more in pinterest
Why You’ll Love This Mermaid Cake or Under-the-Sea Cake:
This Mermaid Cake or Under-the-Sea Cake is an absolute showstopper that will have everyone swimming with excitement! The main highlight is its breathtaking visual appeal – those gorgeous blue ombré layers create a mesmerizing ocean effect that looks professionally crafted. Making this beauty at home saves you a fortune compared to ordering from specialty bakeries, where similar designs can cost upwards of $100.
The flavor combination is equally impressive, featuring moist vanilla cake layers complemented by rich buttercream frosting and optional sea-themed decorations like chocolate pearls, sugar corals, and edible glitter. If you love this oceanic creation, you’ll definitely want to try our Galaxy Cake recipe for another out-of-this-world dessert experience! Don’t let this magical opportunity slip away – grab your mixing bowls and let’s create some underwater enchantment in your kitchen today!
Key Ingredients for Mermaid Cake or Under-the-Sea Cake:
For the Cake:
- 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2¾ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1¾ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1¼ cups whole milk
For the Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Blue food coloring (gel preferred)
- Teal food coloring (gel preferred)
For Decoration:
- Edible pearls
- Sea-themed cake toppers
- Edible glitter or luster dust
- Chocolate seashells (optional)
- Sugar coral decorations (optional)
How to Make Mermaid Cake or Under-the-Sea Cake
This Mermaid Cake or Under-the-Sea Cake is surprisingly simple to create, delivering restaurant-quality results with basic baking skills. The moist vanilla cake provides the perfect canvas for the stunning blue ombré buttercream that creates those mesmerizing ocean waves.
What makes this recipe truly special is the gorgeous visual impact achieved through strategic color layering and thoughtful decoration placement. The preparation time is approximately 45 minutes, with 25 minutes baking time and 1 hour for decorating.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Preparing the Cake:
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper. Lightly dust with flour, tapping out excess.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in vanilla extract.
- Alternate Wet and Dry: Reduce mixer speed to low. Add the flour mixture in three additions, alternating with milk in two additions. Begin and end with flour mixture. Mix just until combined.
- Bake the Cakes: Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes before turning out onto wire racks.
Making the Buttercream:
- Prepare Base Frosting: Beat softened butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Add Cream and Vanilla: Pour in heavy cream and vanilla extract, beating on high speed for 2-3 minutes until frosting is smooth and pipeable.
- Create Color Variations: Divide frosting into three bowls. Leave one bowl white, tint one with blue food coloring for medium blue, and create a darker teal shade in the third bowl using blue and a touch of green coloring.
Assembling the Cake:
- Layer the Cake: Place one cake layer on your serving plate. Spread a layer of white buttercream on top. Add the second layer.
- Apply Crumb Coat: Spread a thin layer of white frosting around the entire cake to seal in crumbs. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Create Ocean Effect: Using an offset spatula, apply the darkest teal frosting to the bottom third of the cake. Apply medium blue to the middle third, and white to the top third. Blend the colors together using horizontal strokes to create a seamless ombré effect.
- Add Final Decorations: While frosting is still soft, gently press edible pearls, sea-themed toppers, and other decorative elements into the cake. Dust lightly with edible glitter for a magical shimmer.
What to Serve Mermaid Cake or Under-the-Sea Cake With:
This enchanting Mermaid Cake or Under-the-Sea Cake pairs beautifully with light, refreshing accompaniments that complement its oceanic theme. Serve alongside tropical fruit salad featuring pineapple, mango, and berries to enhance the underwater paradise vibe. Blue punch or sparkling water with a splash of blue curacao creates a cohesive color scheme.
For a more sophisticated gathering, consider serving with vanilla ice cream or a light coconut sorbet. The cake also pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea, making it perfect for afternoon celebrations. Consider creating a full under-the-sea dessert table with blue jello cups, seahorse cookies, and ocean-themed cupcakes to complete the magical experience.
Top Tips for Perfecting Mermaid Cake or Under-the-Sea Cake:
Color Mastery: Use gel food coloring instead of liquid for more vibrant colors without thinning your frosting. Start with small amounts – you can always add more, but you can’t take it away! Mix colors thoroughly and let them sit for 10 minutes to develop their full intensity.
Texture Perfection: For ultra-smooth buttercream, ensure your butter is at proper room temperature (should give slightly when pressed). If your frosting becomes too warm while mixing, refrigerate for 15 minutes before continuing.
Ombré Technique: Work quickly when blending colors to prevent the buttercream from setting. Use long, horizontal strokes with your offset spatula, wiping clean between each stroke for the smoothest gradation.
Moisture Management: Add a simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, boiled and cooled) to your cake layers before frosting to ensure maximum moistness, especially if making ahead.
Decoration Timing: Apply decorative elements while the final frosting layer is still soft but set enough to support them. This typically takes 10-15 minutes after completing the ombré effect.
Temperature Control: Keep your cake refrigerated until 30 minutes before serving to maintain the frosting’s structure and prevent melting, especially important during warm weather.
FAQs:
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time? A: Absolutely! The cake layers can be baked up to 2 days ahead and stored wrapped at room temperature. The assembled cake actually tastes better after sitting overnight as the flavors meld together.
Q: What if I don’t have gel food coloring? A: Liquid food coloring will work, but you’ll need more to achieve vibrant colors, which may thin your frosting. Add extra powdered sugar gradually to compensate for the added liquid.
Q: Can I use a different cake flavor? A: Yes! Lemon, funfetti, or even coconut cake work beautifully with this ocean theme. Just ensure your chosen flavor complements the vanilla buttercream.
Q: How do I achieve clean cake layers when cutting? A: Use a long, sharp knife dipped in warm water and wiped clean between each cut. This prevents the buttercream from dragging and ensures neat slices.
Q: Can I make this cake gluten-free? A: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
Q: Where can I find ocean-themed decorations? A: Check baking supply stores, online retailers like Amazon, or craft stores. You can also make your own using white chocolate molds and food coloring.
Q: How far in advance can I make the buttercream? A: Buttercream can be made up to 1 week ahead and refrigerated, or frozen for up to 3 months. Let it come to room temperature and re-whip before using.
ENJOY