Mermaid Candy Cake: A Sweet and Magical Treat

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that will delight both kids and adults, this Mermaid Candy Cake is the ultimate sweet dream! Covered in an array of colorful candies, shimmering sprinkles, and topped with a charming mermaid figure, this tiered cake is as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, a themed party, or just indulging your love for all things magical, this cake will be the star of the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect for Any Celebration

This mermaid candy cake is ideal for birthdays, baby showers, or any ocean-themed event. Its vibrant colors and whimsical design make it a centerpiece-worthy dessert.

Packed with Sweet Goodness

Every bite is a mix of moist cake layers, creamy frosting, and crunchy, chewy candies for an exciting texture combination.

Customizable & Fun to Decorate

Use your favorite candies, pastel-colored frosting, and edible glitter to make this cake uniquely yours. It’s also a great activity for kids to join in on the decorating fun.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Cake Layers

• 3 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 whole milk
• ½ cup sour cream (for extra moisture)
• Food coloring (purple, teal, pink)

Buttercream Frosting

• 2 cups unsalted butter, softened
• 6 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2-4 tbsp heavy cream (adjust for consistency)
• Food coloring (teal, lilac, pastel pink)

Candy & Decorations

• Mermaid cake topper (plastic figurine or edible topper)
• Assorted pastel and ocean-themed candies (gummy fish, rock candy, chocolate seashells)
• Sprinkles (pearl dragees, edible glitter, sanding sugar)
• Candy melts (to drizzle in fun colors)
• Wafer cookies or edible pearls for texture

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Cake Layers

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk and sour cream.
5. Divide the batter evenly into three bowls. Tint each bowl with food coloring (teal, lilac, pink).
6. Pour each color into separate cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Let cakes cool completely before frosting.

Make the Buttercream Frosting

1. Beat butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until fluffy.
2. Stir in vanilla extract and add heavy cream until the frosting is spreadable.
3. Divide into three bowls and tint each batch with mermaid-themed colors.

Assemble & Decorate

1. Place the first cake layer on a serving plate and spread a thin layer of frosting. Repeat with the other layers.
2. Cover the entire cake with a crumb coat (a thin layer of frosting) and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
3. Frost the cake using a combination of pastel colors, creating an ombre or marbled effect.
4. Decorate with candy: press gummy fish, chocolate seashells, and sprinkles onto the cake.
5. Drizzle candy melts over the sides for a cascading effect.
6. Top with the mermaid figurine and extra edible glitter for a magical touch.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Best Practices for a Flawless Cake

• Use gel food coloring for vibrant, true-to-color cake layers.
• Level your cake layers with a serrated knife for even stacking.
• Chill the cake before decorating to prevent sliding.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Don’t overmix the batter—this can make the cake dense instead of fluffy.
• Avoid adding too much liquid to the frosting, or it won’t hold its shape.

Time-Saving Tips

• Bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them wrapped in plastic.
• Use store-bought buttercream if you’re short on time.
• Pre-sort your candies before decorating to make the process faster.

Serving Suggestions

Pairings

• Serve with fresh berries to balance the sweetness.
• A side of vanilla ice cream enhances the candy flavors.

Presentation Ideas

• Use a mermaid cake stand for an extra magical display.
• Surround the cake with ocean-themed cupcakes or cake pops.

Beverage Pairings

• Pair with a blue lagoon mocktail or cotton candy milkshake for a fun drink.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Storage

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerate for up to 5 days, but bring to room temp before serving.

Reheating Methods

• If needed, let slices sit out for 15 minutes to soften before enjoying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes. You can bake the cake layers in advance and freeze them for up to one month. Frosting can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.

What other decorations can I use?

Try using fondant seashells, edible pearls, or even a mermaid tail topper for a creative touch.

Can I use a different type of cake?

Absolutely. You can swap the vanilla cake for chocolate, funfetti, or even a fruit-infused cake like this old-fashioned fruit cake recipe.

Variations & Customizations

Dietary Adaptations

• For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
• Make it dairy-free by substituting plant-based butter and milk alternatives.

Flavor Twists

• Add coconut extract for a tropical twist.
• Use a raspberry or lemon filling between layers for extra flavor.

Seasonal/Holiday Versions

• Create a winter mermaid cake with icy blue tones and snowflake sprinkles.
• Make it a Halloween mermaid cake with dark purple and green hues.

More Dessert Ideas

If you loved this mermaid candy cake, you’ll enjoy these magical cake recipes:

• Easy Barbie Cake Recipe: A Show-Stopping Dessert for Any Celebration
• Old-Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes

Follow more delicious dessert inspiration on Pinterest: Cooking with Callie

This mermaid candy cake is a dream come true for anyone with a sweet tooth. Whether you’re making it for a birthday or just for fun, this cake will be a hit. Let me know in the comments how your cake turned out, and don’t forget to share your photos!

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