Pisces-Themed Galaxy Cake (Printable version)

Celestial layers of blue and purple swirled buttercream atop a moist vanilla sponge with shimmering edible glitter.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Vanilla Sponge

01 - 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
03 - ½ teaspoon salt
04 - 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
05 - 2 cups granulated sugar
06 - 4 large eggs, room temperature
07 - 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
08 - 1 cup whole milk, room temperature

→ Galaxy Buttercream

09 - 1 ½ cups unsalted butter, room temperature
10 - 5 cups powdered sugar, sifted
11 - ¼ cup whole milk
12 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
13 - Gel food coloring in navy blue, purple, black, and teal
14 - Edible glitter in silver, blue, or iridescent

→ Decoration

15 - White fondant, optional for Pisces symbols or stars
16 - Silver star sprinkles, optional

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
03 - In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, approximately 3 to 4 minutes.
04 - Add eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
05 - Alternate adding the flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
06 - Divide batter evenly among prepared pans. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
07 - Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
08 - Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla; beat until smooth and fluffy.
09 - Divide buttercream into four bowls. Tint each with different galaxy colors: navy, purple, teal, and black.
10 - Place alternating spoonfuls of each colored buttercream onto the cake layers and sides. Use a spatula to swirl gently for a galaxy effect.
11 - Sprinkle edible glitter generously over the cake. Add fondant Pisces symbols or stars if desired.
12 - Chill for 30 minutes before slicing to set the design.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks like you spent hours on it, but the technique is surprisingly forgiving and actually kind of meditative.
  • That soft vanilla cake stays moist for days, so you're not fighting with crumbs when you're frosting.
  • The edible glitter catches light in ways that make people instinctively reach for their phones—it's a showstopper without being fussy.
02 -
  • Liquid food coloring will thin out your buttercream and make it separate—gel coloring is the only way to get those rich, vibrant galaxy tones without compromising the texture.
  • Don't skip sifting the powdered sugar; those little lumps will ruin the silky feel of your frosting and you'll see them when you frost the cake.
03 -
  • Make the cake layers a day ahead and wrap them tightly; they'll actually be easier to frost when they're chilled and a little settled.
  • If your buttercream ever seems too soft while you're swirling, pop the whole cake in the fridge for 10 minutes and it'll firm up just enough to work with.
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