This Unicorn Cream Puff Is No Myth

Rare even in fairy tales, the unicorn is more than simply a horse with a horn. This magical creature is said to have the power to heal the sick and purify water. While those interested in baking and pastry arts can’t capture a unicorn in the wild, they can incorporate the wild color schemes and whimsy often associated with these creatures into a variety of dishes. The unicorn cream puff is one especially popular recipe that took the internet – and some bakeries and cafes – by storm when it was revealed in May.

The unicorn craze

The unicorn cream puff isn’t the first treat to draw on bright, swirled colors and sense of magic. Starbucks released a unicorn Frappuc​cino that saw long lines at many of its locations and lots of internet hype in April, when the drink was offered as part of a limited, five-day release, Business Insider said. That sweet drink has since come and gone, but it made an influence on forward-thinking bakers and whimsical developers of unique recipes.

One of the delicious treats to arrive in the wake of the unicorn Frappuc​cino is the unicorn cream puff, a dish somewhat similar in concept but far different in composition, execution and taste. The use of a loud, nontraditional color scheme is a common trait among unicorn treats. An example is seen in Tastemade’s unicorn cupcakes, which feature a dazzling display of color combinations both in the cake and the frosting – which is additionally styled to evoke the shape of a unicorn’s horn.

The unicorn cupcake is much more similar to the unicorn cream puff, both being highly stylized but still scrumptious baked goods. Buzzfeed shared the cream puff recipe, developed by their baking channel Tasty, in late May. It has seen plenty of responses and repostings of the dish by enthusiastic fans, as well as many people making it themselves, ever since.

What makes the unicorn cream puff special? Two aspects make it stand out from the standard pastry: a shimmery purple chocolate shell topped with sprinkles, and a multicolored filling that dazzles everyone who takes a bite.

How do you make this treat? Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees. Mix egg yolks, heavy cream, cornstarch and sugar over low heat, and then increase the heat to medium-high and keep stirring until any lumps dissipate in the custard. Then, divide the mixture into three bowls, add different food colorings to each and store, covered in plastic wrap, in the fridge to cool.

Mix your water, salt and butter in a pot, bringing it to boil, and mix in the flour until a ball forms, and then remove from heat. Mix in eggs individually until pasty. Then, add vanilla, stir and place the dough into a pastry bag. You’ll want to make one-inch rounds of dough on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes. Once cooled, cut a small cross into the bottom of each and place face up.

Let the insides completely cool and pipe the custard into the pastry shells. Finally, melt the chocolate, mix in the vanilla, and swirl the dye to make the shell. Gently dip the top of each cream puff into the mixture and add sprinkles. Voila, you now have unicorn cream puffs!