Galaxy Themed Pisces Cake
Highlighted under: Heavenly Sweets
I absolutely love creating unique and whimsical desserts, and the Galaxy Themed Pisces Cake certainly fits the bill! This cake is not only visually stunning but also a treat for the taste buds with rich layers of chocolate and a light, airy frosting. The galaxy theme adds a fun, cosmic twist that makes it perfect for celebrations or simply a sweet indulgence at home. You’ll enjoy exploring different decorating techniques to bring this cake to life, and I can't wait for you to try it out!
This Galaxy Themed Pisces Cake was inspired by my fascination with space and the beauty of the zodiac. While experimenting with different flavors, I discovered that a rich dark chocolate base combined with a vanilla and blue raspberry frosting creates an incredible taste sensation! The unique colors reflect the depths of the galaxy, making every slice a work of art.
The most fun part was the decorating! I found that using edible glitter and fondant stars not only enhances the cosmic theme but also adds an exciting texture. If you want to achieve the dreamy galaxy effect, layer the frosting using a spatula to create swirls, and don’t be afraid to play with colors!
Why You'll Love This Cake
- Stunning galaxy design that impresses any crowd
- Rich chocolate base paired with vibrant frosting flavors
- Perfect for birthdays, themed parties, or just because!
Baking the Perfect Chocolate Layers
The key to achieving moist and rich chocolate layers lies in the balance of wet and dry ingredients. The combination of boiling water and cocoa powder is crucial for creating a deeply flavored chocolate cake. Be sure to stir the boiling water in gradually, as this helps to bloom the cocoa and ensures a more intense chocolate taste. If you find the batter too thick at any point, adding a splash more boiling water can help achieve the right consistency.
When dividing the cake batter into the pans, use a kitchen scale for precision if you want perfectly even layers. This will not only improve the appearance but also ensure that both cakes bake evenly. Keep an eye on your cakes as they bake; you’re looking for a risen top and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. Avoid overbaking, as this can lead to dry cake layers.
Creating a Dreamy Frosting
The frosting is arguably just as important as the cake itself in this recipe. It's critical to use softened butter, as it whips air into the mixture, creating a light and fluffy texture. If your butter is too cold, you won't achieve that airy consistency. I recommend letting it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before you start mixing.
When it comes to coloring your frosting, I love the creativity involved in swirling the different colors together. Use a spatula to gently mix the frosting but avoid over-mixing to maintain distinct swirls. If you find your frosting becoming too soft while decorating, refrigerate it for 10-15 minutes to firm it up slightly before continuing.
Ingredients
Gather your ingredients to make this cosmic delight!
For the Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
For the Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Blue, purple, and pink food coloring
- Edible glitter and star decorations
Make sure to have all ingredients at room temperature for the best results!
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your own galaxy cake!
Prepare the Cake Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well, then add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla. Finally, stir in the boiling water until fully combined.
Bake the Cakes
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Make the Frosting
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until combined. Pour in the heavy cream and vanilla and mix until fluffy. Divide the frosting into three bowls and color each with food coloring – one blue, one purple, and one pink.
Decorate the Cake
Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread an even layer of frosting on top. Place the second cake on top. Use a spatula to swirl the colored frostings onto the cake, creating a galaxy effect. Finish with edible glitter and star decorations.
Your galaxy cake is now ready to be served. Slice, share, and enjoy!
Pro Tips
- For an extra cosmic touch, try using a cake turntable while frosting to achieve smooth edges. Additionally, adding some flavorful fruit jam between the layers can elevate the taste even further.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This cake can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container, making it a convenient option for celebratory occasions. If you plan to bake it a day or two in advance, I recommend wrapping the cooled layers in plastic wrap to keep them fresh and moist. The frosting can also be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator; just remember to let it come to room temperature and re-whip before using.
If you want to freeze the cake, wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and foil. The cake freezes well for up to three months. Frosting can similarly be stored cold for about a month. Allow everything to thaw in the fridge overnight before decorating or serving.
Serving Suggestions
To really highlight the galaxy theme, consider serving slices of this cake on plates adorned with edible star-shaped sprinkles or drizzles of colored icing for an added effect. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla or blueberry ice cream for a delightful contrast in texture and flavor that complements the rich chocolate base.
This cake is also fantastic as a birthday centerpiece. You can customize the star decorations according to the season or occasion, whether it's gold for a festive celebration or pastel colors for a spring gathering. Don't hesitate to let your creativity shine when serving this visually stunning masterpiece!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes, you can bake the cakes a day in advance. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and keep them in the fridge until you're ready to frost and serve.
→ Can I use different flavors for the frosting?
Absolutely! You can use any flavors you love, such as strawberry, lemon, or even matcha to create a unique twist.
→ How should I store the leftover cake?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or in the fridge for up to a week.
→ Is it possible to make this as a gluten-free cake?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that works for baking.
Galaxy Themed Pisces Cake
I absolutely love creating unique and whimsical desserts, and the Galaxy Themed Pisces Cake certainly fits the bill! This cake is not only visually stunning but also a treat for the taste buds with rich layers of chocolate and a light, airy frosting. The galaxy theme adds a fun, cosmic twist that makes it perfect for celebrations or simply a sweet indulgence at home. You’ll enjoy exploring different decorating techniques to bring this cake to life, and I can't wait for you to try it out!
Created by: Diana Brooks
Recipe Type: Heavenly Sweets
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 8 slices
What You'll Need
For the Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
For the Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Blue, purple, and pink food coloring
- Edible glitter and star decorations
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well, then add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla. Finally, stir in the boiling water until fully combined.
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until combined. Pour in the heavy cream and vanilla and mix until fluffy. Divide the frosting into three bowls and color each with food coloring – one blue, one purple, and one pink.
Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread an even layer of frosting on top. Place the second cake on top. Use a spatula to swirl the colored frostings onto the cake, creating a galaxy effect. Finish with edible glitter and star decorations.
Extra Tips
- For an extra cosmic touch, try using a cake turntable while frosting to achieve smooth edges. Additionally, adding some flavorful fruit jam between the layers can elevate the taste even further.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 120mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 36g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 28g
- Protein: 4g