Galaxy Themed Pisces Cake

Name: Galaxy Themed Pisces Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 cups granulated sugar; 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; 1 cup milk; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup boiling water; 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2-4 tablespoons heavy cream; Food coloring in galaxy colors (blue, purple, black, white); Edible glitter (optional)

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I absolutely love creating cakes that not only taste incredible but also bring a sense of wonder. The Galaxy Themed Pisces Cake is one of my favorite projects. Inspired by the beauty of the cosmos and astrology, this cake is a visual feast of vibrant colors and swirls. Each bite fills your mouth with flavors that are equally enchanting. Whether I’m celebrating a special occasion or just indulging myself, this cake never fails to amaze my family and friends. Plus, making it is a creative adventure that I always look forward to!

Created by

Phoebe Turner

Last updated on 2026-02-15T00:01:36.123Z

When I first attempted to create the Galaxy Themed Pisces Cake, I wanted to embody the mystery and beauty of outer space. After experimenting with swirling the colors, I learned that using a light hand with the food coloring allows for that dreamy galaxy effect without overpowering the base flavor. I also found that using a buttercream frosting instead of fondant creates a softer look, enhancing the cake's cosmic charm.

Adding edible glitter was a game-changer too! It turned my cake from simply beautiful into something that twinkled and sparkled, just like the stars. To make sure the flavors were balanced, I combined rich chocolate with a hint of coffee, which complements the sweetness of the frosting perfectly. Trust me, this cake will be a showstopper at any gathering!

Why You'll Love This Cake
Stunning visuals that bring the galaxy to life
Delicious chocolate and coffee flavor combination
Fun to make and even more enjoyable to eat with friends

Mastering the Cake Texture

Achieving the perfect cake texture is essential for the Galaxy Themed Pisces Cake. By using boiling water in the batter, you activate the cocoa powder fully, leading to a moist and rich chocolate cake. Be mindful of the mixing process – overmixing can introduce air bubbles that cause the cake to rise unevenly, so combine the ingredients just until no dry flour remains. You want a smooth batter but don't need to beat it excessively.

When baking, check your cakes around the 30-minute mark with a toothpick inserted into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it's ready to come out of the oven. Undercooking slightly is preferable to ensure moistness, but keep in mind that if it’s jiggly in the middle, it needs a little longer. Allowing the layers to cool in the pans for 10 minutes will help set their structure before transferring them to wire racks.

Whipping Up the Perfect Buttercream

Creating the ideal buttercream frosting is a balance of temperature and timing. Ensure your butter is softened gradually to room temperature; it should feel slightly give under pressure, which makes it much easier to blend with the powdered sugar. If your kitchen is particularly warm, consider refrigerating the butter for a few minutes after softening to prevent it from melting, as melted butter can lead to a greasy texture.

As you add powdered sugar, start at a slow speed to minimize the cloud of sugar that can occur. Once incorporated, increase the speed to achieve a light and fluffy consistency. If your frosting appears too stiff, don't hesitate to mix in an additional tablespoon of cream until it reaches a smooth and spreadable state. Additionally, you can tweak the flavor by infusing the buttercream with coffee extract or flavored extracts like almond for a delightful twist.

Transforming Into a Cosmic Delight

The galaxy effect that makes this cake visually captivating requires thoughtful application of the colored buttercream. After applying your base layer, use an offset spatula to add dollops of each shade and gently swirl them together. This technique allows for a creative and fluid look that mimics the movement of galaxies. Don’t rush this step – take your time to create the depth and dimension that reflects the beauty of outer space.

For an extra starry touch, edible glitter is a fantastic addition, but make sure it’s applied sparingly for a subtle shimmer rather than overwhelming the colors. When cutting and serving the cake, a warm knife will help create clean slices, and the beautiful swirls should be visible in each piece. Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days, or refrigerate for up to a week to preserve its moisture and flavor.

Ingredients

Cake

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water
1 teaspoon instant coffee granules

Buttercream Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2-4 tablespoons heavy cream
Food coloring in galaxy colors (blue, purple, black, white)
Edible glitter (optional)

Instructions

Bake the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Mix well. Gradually stir in the boiling water and instant coffee until combined. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks.

Prepare the Buttercream

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until well blended. Add salt, vanilla, and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream, then beat on high speed for about 3 minutes until fluffy. If too stiff, add more cream to reach desired consistency.

Create the Galaxy Effect

Divide the buttercream into separate bowls and color with food coloring to create shades of blue, purple, and black. Start with a base layer of white or light blue buttercream on the cooled cakes. Then, use a spatula to swirl in the darker colors, creating a galaxy effect. Don’t forget to sprinkle on edible glitter for that starry touch!

Assemble the Cake

Place one layer of the cake on a serving plate, spread an even layer of frosting on top, and carefully place the second layer on top. Frost the sides and top of the cake with the remaining buttercream, making sure to maintain the galaxy design. Allow it to set before serving.

Pro Tips

For the best texture, ensure your ingredients are at room temperature. Also, be gentle when mixing in the boiling water for a smooth batter
this will help create a moist cake!

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

If you wish to explore different flavors beyond chocolate, you can substitute the cocoa powder with an equal amount of additional flour and incorporate flavored extracts like lemon or almond extract into the batter. This switch not only diversifies the cake flavors but also maintains structural integrity. For a gluten-free version, swap out the all-purpose flour with an equal weight of a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring it contains xanthan gum for stability.

For a coffee-free variant, replace the instant coffee with an additional tablespoon of vanilla extract or a similar flavor to maintain depth. Experimenting with the frosting colors can also lead to unique variations, such as using pastels or even neon hues for themed events. With these substitutions, your cake can cater to various dietary preferences without sacrificing taste or aesthetics.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This cake can be prepared in stages to save time on the day of serving. The cake layers can be baked a day in advance, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, and stored at room temperature to maintain freshness. Frosting can also be made ahead; store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just remember to let it come back to room temperature and re-whip it to regain its fluffy texture before assembly.

If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days at room temperature, especially if the climate is cool. If you've applied decorations, consider placing parchment paper between the cake and the container lid to avoid smudging the design. For longer storage, you can freeze slices where they will keep well for up to 3 months. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and then place inside a sturdy freezer bag for optimal freezing.

Serving Suggestions

When considering how to serve the Galaxy Themed Pisces Cake, think about garnish to elevate the presentation. Fresh berries, such as strawberries or blueberries, can add a pop of color and a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the cake and frosting. A dusting of edible glitter or gold leaf on top can make it feel even more luxurious for special occasions.

Pairing the cake with freshly brewed coffee or a creamy vanilla ice cream can enhance the chocolate and coffee flavors, creating a delightful flavor profile. It can also be a stunning centerpiece for cosmic-themed parties, complete with themed plates and decorations to complement the cake's aesthetic. No matter how you choose to serve it, this cake will surely capture attention.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different flavor of cake?

Absolutely! You can use vanilla, lemon, or any flavor you prefer to match the theme.

→ Is the edible glitter safe to eat?

Yes, make sure to use food-grade edible glitter to ensure it's safe for consumption.

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the layers a day in advance and frost them the day you plan to serve.

→ What can I use instead of coffee in this recipe?

You can simply omit the coffee if you prefer not to use it; it mainly enhances the chocolate flavor.