Pisces Birthday Ocean Galaxy (Printable)

Whimsical vanilla cake paired with swirling ocean galaxy buttercream, perfect for special occasions.

# What You Need:

→ Cake

01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
06 - 4 large eggs, room temperature
07 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
08 - 1 cup whole milk, room temperature

→ Ocean Galaxy Buttercream

09 - 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
10 - 6 cups powdered sugar, sifted
11 - 1/4 cup whole milk
12 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
13 - Gel food coloring in navy blue, teal, purple, and turquoise
14 - Edible glitter or white sprinkles for garnish

# How-To:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
03 - In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
04 - Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract until fully combined.
05 - Alternately add the dry ingredient mixture and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
06 - Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 28-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean.
07 - Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes, then invert onto wire racks to cool completely.
08 - Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, beating well. Add vanilla extract and milk, then beat until smooth and fluffy for approximately 3-4 minutes.
09 - Divide buttercream into 4 or 5 bowls. Tint each portion with gel food coloring to create navy blue, teal, purple, turquoise variations, and reserve one portion white.
10 - Place random dollops of each colored buttercream onto the cake. Use an offset spatula to swirl colors together for a marbled galaxy effect.
11 - Decorate the cake with edible glitter or white sprinkles to create a starry appearance.
12 - Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes before slicing to ensure clean, defined layers.

# Expert Hacks:

01 -
  • It looks like edible art but tastes like the most comforting vanilla cake, so everyone wins.
  • The galaxy buttercream technique is easier than it looks, making you feel like a pastry artist without the stress.
  • You can prep the cake a day ahead, which means less panic on party day and more time to actually celebrate.
02 -
  • Room temperature ingredients truly are non-negotiable for this cake because cold butter and eggs won't incorporate smoothly and you'll end up with a grainy, dense crumb instead of that tender fluffy texture.
  • Gel food coloring is worth seeking out because liquid coloring thins out buttercream and dilutes those gorgeous galaxy colors you're trying to achieve.
  • Chilling the finished cake before slicing makes an actual visible difference in how clean your layers look when plated.
03 -
  • Sift your powdered sugar even if the bag says pre-sifted because lumps hide and then surprise you in the frosting, creating a grainy texture.
  • Use an offset spatula for spreading frosting instead of a regular knife because it gives you better control and keeps the crumb coat smoother.
Return