Galaxy Themed Pisces Cake

Name: Galaxy Themed Pisces Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 2 cups sugar; 1 ½ cups buttermilk; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 large eggs, separated; 1 tbsp baking powder; 1 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ½ cup cocoa powder; Food coloring (blue, purple, black); 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2-3 tbsp milk; Edible glitter for decoration

Highlighted under: Oven Ideas

I love experimenting with flavors and themes, and this Galaxy Themed Pisces Cake is the perfect canvas for my creativity. The mesmerizing swirl of galaxy colors not only captivates the eyes but also merges a delightful combination of chocolate and vanilla flavors. Each slice brings a burst of sweetness and a hint of nostalgia, reminiscent of starry nights. It's a fun challenge to create, and I've found that using a combination of buttermilk and whipped egg whites gives it a light, airy texture that truly makes it special.

Created by

Lorna Whitcombe

Last updated on 2026-02-10T15:41:35.042Z

Creating the Galaxy Themed Pisces Cake was an adventure I thoroughly enjoyed. I decided to incorporate a rich chocolate base with swirls of bright colors, representing the ethereal universe. To achieve the perfect texture, I experimented with different ratios of butter to sugar, ensuring that the moistness was balanced with a light fluffiness. The cake rose beautifully and held the colors remarkably well.

One of my favorite aspects was decorating it. I learned that using a bit of edible glitter gives the cake an otherworldly finish. The kids loved the visual appeal, and the flavor combination was a hit at our recent celestial-themed party. This cake brings joy to both the palate and the eyes!

Why You'll Love This Cake
Stunning galaxy design that wows guests
Rich chocolate and vanilla flavor combination
Fun to make, perfect for themed celebrations

Mastering the Cake Batter

Creating the ideal cake batter is crucial for achieving the light and airy texture that defines this Galaxy Themed Pisces Cake. I recommend using room temperature ingredients, particularly the butter and eggs, as this helps to create a better emulsion and results in a smoother batter. Ensure you cream the butter and sugar until it looks pale and fluffy—this can take 4 to 5 minutes. If your mixture seems too thick, you can add a tablespoon of buttermilk to adjust the consistency.

When combining the wet and dry ingredients, it's essential to mix just until you see no dry flour. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake; you want that airy quality achieved by folding gently. I also find that using a rubber spatula helps in lifting and folding the batter without deflating it, ensuring you retain the air bubbles created during creaming. Pay attention to the texture; it should be smoother yet thick enough to hold its shape when colored.

Tips for the Galaxy Effect

Achieving that mesmerizing galaxy effect during the batter layering is both an art and technique. I suggest using a large scoop or measuring cup to pour each color into the cake pans, alternating colors to create a marbled pattern. Don't worry about them mixing too much; you want distinct swirls rather than a completely blended layer. Additionally, make sure to use an offset spatula to gently swirl the colors just a bit for extra visual appeal, but this is optional depending on how bold you want the colors to be.

After the cakes have cooled, ensure you're using a serrated knife to level off the tops before stacking. This helps the layers sit evenly, which is particularly important for the aesthetic when frosting. If you're unsure about the cooling time, a good rule of thumb is to let them sit in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely—ideally for at least an hour. A well-cooled cake will reduce the risk of tearing during assembly.

Ingredients

Gather all ingredients before you begin for a smoother baking experience.

Cake Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups sugar
1 ½ cups buttermilk
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 large eggs, separated
1 tbsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup cocoa powder
Food coloring (blue, purple, black)

Frosting Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2-3 tbsp milk
Edible glitter for decoration

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.

Instructions

Preheat your oven and prepare your baking pans before you start mixing.

Prepare the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the buttermilk and vanilla extract. In another bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, cocoa powder, and mix well. Gradually combine wet and dry mixtures until just combined.

Add Color and Bake

Divide the batter evenly into three bowls. Color one batter with blue, another with purple, and leave one plain. Alternate pouring the batters into the prepared cake pans to create a marbled effect. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes. Allow to cool completely before removing from pans.

Make the Frosting

Beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well. Add vanilla extract and enough milk to achieve a spreadable consistency. Set aside.

Assemble and Decorate

Once the cakes are cool, layer them with frosting in between. Cover the entire cake with a thick layer of frosting. Lastly, sprinkle edible glitter on top for a galaxy effect. Feel free to add additional decorations like stars or planets if desired.

Let the cake chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to set before serving.

Pro Tips

Make sure to distinguish between the colors effectively for a striking galaxy appearance. Don't rush the pouring and swirling of the batters
take your time to create a beautiful marbled look.

Understanding Frosting Consistency

The right frosting consistency can make or break the presentation of your cake. Start whipping your butter until it’s creamy, then gradually add the powdered sugar to avoid a sugary cloud building up. If you find your frosting too stiff, don’t hesitate to add more milk a tablespoon at a time. Conversely, if it’s too runny, simply add more powdered sugar until you reach a thick yet spreadable texture. It should hold peaks but also be easy to spread across the cake layers.

For that perfect finishing touch, I recommend using a bench scraper to smooth the frosting around the edges. Once covered, you can create textures or smoothen it out to mimic a galaxy. Just be sure to work quickly after frosting; if it sets too much, the edible glitter won’t stick as effectively, and you risk a less vibrant starry finish.

Storing and Serving Tips

If you plan to make the cake ahead of time, it stores well for up to three days at room temperature. Keep it in an airtight container, or wrap it lightly in plastic wrap to maintain moisture. However, due to the frosting, I recommend refrigerating it if you won’t be serving it within that timeframe. Just allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor release.

When it comes to serving, this cake can be elevated by pairing it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, which complements the chocolate and vanilla flavors beautifully. Additionally, using star-shaped sprinkles or edible gold stars can enhance the galaxy theme and make your presentation more fun—perfect for celebrations!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, this cake stays fresh for up to 2 days at room temperature or can be refrigerated for longer.

→ What type of food coloring works best?

Gel food coloring provides vibrant colors and doesn't alter the batter consistency as much as liquid coloring.

→ Can I substitute ingredients?

You can swap regular flour for gluten-free flour, but ensure you adjust the baking time accordingly.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for up to a week.