This cake started with a last-minute birthday theme change (thanks to a certain ocean-loving little girl!). I was short on time, but still wanted something show-stopping. With a few shortcuts and a sprinkle of creativity, this Mermaid Tail Cake came together and my daughter said it was “the prettiest cake ever!” Now, I’m sharing my simple version so you can make your own mermaid magic, stress-free. 

Mermaid Tail Cake Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 2 ½ tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 ¾ cups sugar

• 4 large eggs

• 1 tbsp vanilla extract

• 1 cup whole milk

Shortcut option: Use 2 boxes of vanilla cake mix + ingredients listed on the box!

For the Buttercream:

• 1 ½ cups unsalted butter, softened

• 5 cups powdered sugar

• 2–3 tbsp milk or cream

• 1 tbsp vanilla extract

• Aqua gel food coloring

Decorations:

• Purple fondant (store-bought)

• Mermaid tail topper (plastic or fondant)

• Candy shells or edible pearls

• Gold shimmer dust (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Bake the Cake:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans.

2. In one bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.

3. In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).

4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla.

5. Add dry ingredients in batches, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.

6. Pour batter into pans and bake for 25–30 minutes. Cool completely.

2. Make the Aqua Buttercream:

1. Beat the softened butter until creamy.

2. Slowly mix in powdered sugar, one cup at a time.

3. Add vanilla and milk, beat until fluffy.

4. Add a few drops of aqua food coloring and mix until evenly tinted.

3. Frost the Cake:

1. Place one cake layer on your serving plate.

2. Spread a layer of buttercream on top.

3. Add the second cake layer and frost the whole cake in aqua buttercream.

4. Use a spoon or offset spatula to create wave-like texture around the sides.

4. Decorate the Mermaid Cake:

 Add the Fondant Scales:

1. Roll out purple fondant to ¼-inch thick.

2. Use a small circle cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out scale shapes.

3. Starting from the bottom of the cake, layer the fondant circles in overlapping rows like fish scales.

4. Work your way up the side of the cake, only covering part of the cake for a fun look.

Add Candy & Sparkles:

1. Place candy shells, edible pearls, or gold dust along the base of the cake.

2. Add a few on top for ocean flair.

 Add the Mermaid Tail:

1. Insert a plastic or fondant mermaid tail topper at the top or off to the side.

2. Optional: Lightly dust with shimmer powder for that ocean sparkle.

Nutrition (Per Slice, Approximate):

Calories: 460
Protein: 3g
Carbs: 58g
Fat: 24g
Sugar: 48g
Fiber: 0.5g