How to make a Mermaid Tail Topper for a Mermaid Cake!

• Lynsey Macdonald

When it comes to ocean or sea-life themed cakes, it's mer-mazing what you can achieve with the right products! All puns aside, a mermaid cake is one of the most popular novelty cake themes, ideal for everything from channelling ocean vibes to Disney princesses! So, naturally, it was the perfect fit for the third instalment of our "iconic cake themes" series.

We couldn't do these tutorials without the help of our talented cake pro pals! Vicki from @acakeonlife is back again, helping us to create this beautiful mermaid cake, and matching cupcakes, perfect for any underwater themed occasion!

If you want to see how Vicki did it, you can watch our YouTube video here! Seeing how every piece is formed is so helpful. Then keep reading for everything you need and a step by step guide...

Aaand, if you have your own idea in mind, you can shop our mermaid themed products now for all of your essential supplies.

Your Mermaid Cake Shopping List

In this section we list everything Vicki used to create this eye-catching mermaid cake. However, you may already have suitable alternatives to these ingredients and tools in your own kitchen cupboard.

Edible Items for the Mermaid Tails:

Edible Items for decorating the Cake/Cupcakes:

You may have your own cake and buttercream recipes ready to go, but if not, we have a delicious range of cake mixes here and frostings here!

Tools:

Presentation:

  • Mermaid Glitter Round Display Cake Board (go for a board a few sizes bigger than your cake if you want to show it off, and leave room for the cupcakes!)
  • Cake Box (if transporting or gifting the cake!)

How to make your mermaid tail toppers...

  1. Add your chosen food colouring(s) to your modelling paste and knead thoroughly. Using more than one colour gives more dimension!
  2. Press your first colour into the mould, filling out the length of the tail.
  3. Then, take your other colour and add it to the end of the tail, pushing it in to the edges of the shape.
  4. Take your non-stick rolling pin and roll across the paste in the mould - this will ensure you get the perfect shape, with no gaps!
  5. Use your palette knife (or equivalent) to gently remove the excess paste, trimming it down to the edges. Then, carefully remove your mermaid tail from the mould!
  6. Next, take the time to gently work your mermaid tail(s) into the shape you want before they begin to dry.
  7. Then, take your lustre dust and a dusting brush, and gently buff the lustre on to the mermaid tail. Vicki even blended some lustres together to create a lovely ombre effect!
  8. Leave overnight to dry, so they'll really hold their shape.
  9. Attach to the cake with a little blue sugarpaste for support, and (optional) you can finish off with a little royal icing in the shape of waves for added detail!
  10. For the cupcakes, pipe on your chosen colour(s) of buttercream, add your mermaid tail and finish with some pretty edible glitter or sprinkles!

Aaaand we're done! Thank you so much once again to Vicki (@acakeonlife) for creating this brilliant tutorial for us. We are obsessed with this gorgeous mermaid cake, and hearing about your favourite products always inspires us.

If you try out this tutorial and create these mermaid cake toppers yourself, don't forget to tag us in your photos so we can see! Watching you recreate our tutorials always makes our day.

What other novelty cake toppers have you got in mind for your next mermaid cake?! The possibilities are endless, so we can't wait to see what you create!

Looking for more inspo?

How to Make Helium Balloon Cupcake Toppers

Let's Make an Adorable Elephant Topper for a Jungle Cake!

How to Make a Tiara Topper for a Princess Cake

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