Mermaid Princess Cake

Make your birthday girl feel like underwater royalty with this breathtaking Mermaid Princess Cake. A gold fondant crown sits on top, while lavender fondant mermaid scales are surrounded by regal gold seashells. This cake is not only visually stunning but also delicious, with a moist and fluffy texture that will impress both kids and adults. Whether you’re hosting a mermaid-themed birthday party or simply want a cake that feels magical, this recipe will help you bring it to life.

this Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Key Benefits

• Perfect for mermaid or princess-themed parties
• Customizable with different colors, decorations, or cake flavors
• Easy-to-follow steps, even for beginners, with professional-looking results

Taste & Texture

• Moist and fluffy cake that melts in your mouth
• Smooth, creamy buttercream frosting that complements the rich flavors
• Soft fondant decorations that add a touch of elegance and magic

Dietary Attributes

• Can be made gluten-free with the right flour substitute
• Easily customized to be dairy-free using plant-based butter and milk alternatives

Ingredients & Substitutions

Cake Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk (or almond/oat milk for dairy-free)

Buttercream Frosting

• 1 ½ cups unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream (or non-dairy milk)
• Purple and teal gel food coloring

Decorations

• Fondant in lavender, teal, and gold
• Gold edible paint or luster dust
• Fondant mermaid tail mold (optional)
• Gold sugar pearls or edible glitter

Possible Substitutions

• Cake Flavor – You can swap vanilla cake for chocolate, lemon, or strawberry
• Frosting Flavor – Add coconut or almond extract for a fun twist
• Fondant Alternatives – Use buttercream piping instead of fondant decorations

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Cake Layers

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients, alternating with milk, until fully combined.
6. Divide the batter evenly among the cake pans and smooth the tops.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Buttercream

1. Beat butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar.
2. Mix in vanilla extract and heavy cream, beating until fluffy.
3. Divide the frosting into two bowls, tinting one lavender and the other teal.

Step 3: Assemble & Frost

1. Place the first cake layer on a cake board and spread a layer of lavender buttercream on top.
2. Repeat with the second and third layers, then cover the entire cake in a thin crumb coat.
3. Refrigerate for 20 minutes, then apply a smooth coat of frosting, blending the lavender and teal together for an ombre effect.

Step 4: Create the Mermaid Scales & Decorations

1. Roll out lavender fondant and cut out small overlapping circles for the mermaid scales.
2. Arrange the fondant scales on the sides of the cake, starting at the bottom and layering upwards.
3. Use gold fondant to create seashells and pearls and attach them with edible glue.
4. Paint details with gold edible paint for a shimmering effect.

Step 5: Top with the Gold Crown

1. Roll out gold fondant and cut into a crown shape. Let it dry overnight.
2. Place the crown on top of the cake, securing it with a dab of frosting if needed.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Best Practices

• Chill your cake layers before frosting for easier assembly
• Use gel food coloring instead of liquid for more vibrant colors
• Let fondant decorations dry overnight to hold their shape better

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Crumbly cake – Ensure you measure flour correctly and don’t overbake
• Sticky fondant – Dust your rolling surface with cornstarch to prevent sticking
• Buttercream too soft – Refrigerate for 10 minutes before decorating

Time-Saving Tips

• Bake cake layers a day in advance and wrap them in plastic wrap
• Use pre-colored fondant to save time on tinting and kneading
• Make buttercream ahead of time and store in the fridge for up to 3 days

Serving Suggestions

Pairings

• Serve with vanilla ice cream or fresh fruit
• Add a side of mermaid-themed cupcakes for a complete dessert table

Presentation Ideas

• Display the cake on a seashell-covered cake stand
• Decorate the table with underwater-themed decor like pearls and sea glass

Beverage Pairings

• Sparkling lemonade with blue food coloring for a mermaid punch
• Vanilla or coconut milkshakes for a creamy, dreamy pairing

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Storage

• Store cake slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
• For longer storage, wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months

Reheating Methods

• Let refrigerated cake slices sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before serving

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes! Bake the cake layers ahead of time and freeze them. Decorate the cake the day before serving for the best results.

What if I don’t like fondant?

You can pipe mermaid scales with buttercream instead of using fondant.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

Variations & Customizations

Dietary Adaptations

• Gluten-Free – Use a gluten-free flour blend
• Dairy-Free – Swap butter and milk for plant-based alternatives

Flavor Twists

• Add lemon zest or coconut extract to the cake batter
• Use raspberry or passionfruit filling between the layers

Seasonal/Holiday Versions

• For a winter mermaid theme, use silver and icy blue decorations
• For a Halloween mermaid cake, try deep purple and black fondant

Conclusion

This Mermaid Princess Cake is the perfect centerpiece for a birthday celebration. The combination of soft cake, creamy buttercream, and stunning decorations will make your little mermaid feel like royalty. Try this recipe and share your creations in the comments.

For more magical cake ideas, check out these recipes:
Old-Fashioned Fruit Cake Recipe
Easy Barbie Cake Recipe
Old-Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes

Find more inspiration on Pinterest: Cooking with Callie on Pinterest

Print