Galaxy Blue Pisces Cake
Highlighted under: Sugar & Whisk
We’re always looking for unique desserts that not only taste incredible but also look like a piece of art. This Galaxy Blue Pisces Cake has become a new favorite in our home. With its vibrant blue hues and swirling design reminiscent of a galaxy, it captures both the eye and the palate. The combination of rich chocolate cake with a light cream cheese frosting makes each slice a heavenly experience. I can’t wait for you to try this stunning cake that’s perfect for celebrations or any gathering with friends and family.
When I first set out to create the Galaxy Blue Pisces Cake, I wanted to blend a stunning visual appeal with delightful flavors. After several attempts, I discovered that using a combination of gel food coloring and a marbling technique brought out the galaxy effect beautifully. It’s all about layering the colors just right to achieve that cosmic swirl.
One of my favorite tips is to ensure that your frosting is at the perfect consistency – not too stiff and not too runny. This makes it easier to create those gorgeous swirls on top. Plus, the rich chocolate cake contrasts perfectly with the light cream cheese frosting.
Why You Will Love This Cake
- Visually stunning with a mesmerizing galaxy design
- Decadent chocolate flavor paired with creamy frosting
- Perfect for birthdays, parties, or just a special treat
The Importance of the Cocoa Powder
When it comes to the Galaxy Blue Pisces Cake, the choice of cocoa powder is critical for achieving that rich chocolate flavor. Use high-quality, unsweetened cocoa powder for the best results. This type of cocoa enhances the cake’s texture and adds a deep, fudgy taste, which contrasts beautifully with the light cream cheese frosting. If you want to experiment, consider using dark cocoa powder for a more intense flavor, but keep in mind that it may also darken the overall color of the cake.
Another essential aspect of cocoa powder is its fat content, which contributes to the moisture of the cake. A common mistake is using too much flour or not mixing the cocoa evenly, leading to a dry or crumbly texture. Be sure to measure accurately and sift the cocoa with the dry ingredients to avoid clumps and ensure a uniform distribution.
Frosting Techniques for a Galaxy Effect
Creating the galaxy design on your cake is all in the frosting technique. After you prepare your colored frostings, it's crucial to apply them in a manner that mimics swirling galaxies. Begin by spreading a layer of blue frosting across the top, followed by dollops of purple and black frosting. Then, using a spatula or a cake knife, gently swirl the colors together without overmixing; otherwise, you’ll lose that vibrant marbling. I find that a gentle hand and a rotating cake stand can make this process smoother.
Another tip for frosting is to chill your cake slightly before decorating. If the cake is too warm, the frosting can melt and lose its shape. Aim to let your cake cool completely, about 1 hour after removing it from the pans, before applying the frosting. If you want to prepare the cake a day in advance, it can be stored in the fridge, covered. Just be sure to bring it back to room temperature for serving.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to make your Galaxy Blue Pisces Cake:
Cake Ingredients
- 1 ¾ 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 whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
Frosting Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Food coloring (blue, purple, and black)
Ensure everything is at room temperature for the best mixing.
Instructions
Follow these steps to make your cake:
Prepare Cake Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth, then carefully stir in boiling water.
Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into two greased 9-inch round cake pans. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool for 10 minutes in the pans, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Make the Frosting
In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until creamy. Divide the frosting into three bowls and color each with blue, purple, and black food coloring.
Frost the Cake
Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top, then add the second layer. Use the colored frostings to create a marbled effect on top of the cake. Start with blue, add purple, and finish with black for the galaxy effect. Swirl gently.
Chill the cake for a bit to set the frosting before serving.
Pro Tips
- For an even more stellar effect, add edible glitter or star-shaped sprinkles on top of the cake after frosting.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
The Galaxy Blue Pisces Cake can be made a day ahead of time, making it great for parties and celebrations. Once the cake is completely baked and cooled, wrap it well in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. The frosting can also be made in advance; just keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours. If it stiffens, give it a quick whip before spreading it on the cake.
To store leftover cake, place it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the cake slices for up to 3 months. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then foil, to preserve freshness. When you're ready to enjoy a slice, simply let it thaw in the fridge overnight.
Dietary Substitutions and Variations
If you're looking for a gluten-free option, consider substituting the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. This will help maintain the structure of the cake while still keeping that delicious chocolate flavor intact. Additionally, you can use almond milk or oat milk as a dairy-free alternative in the cake and frosting, ensuring that everyone at your gathering can enjoy this beautiful dessert.
For a flavor twist, you can add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the cake batter to deepen the chocolate notes. If you want to switch up the frosting, consider incorporating different flavored extracts—like almond or mint—into the cream cheese frosting for a unique spin on the classic recipe. Just remember, when experimenting with any additional flavors, start with small amounts to avoid overpowering the cake's chocolaty essence.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use a different type of frosting?
Absolutely! A whipped cream frosting or a buttercream can also work wonderfully.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store the cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
→ Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to a month.
→ What if I don’t have gel food coloring?
You can use liquid food coloring, but gel tends to give a more vibrant result.
Galaxy Blue Pisces Cake
We’re always looking for unique desserts that not only taste incredible but also look like a piece of art. This Galaxy Blue Pisces Cake has become a new favorite in our home. With its vibrant blue hues and swirling design reminiscent of a galaxy, it captures both the eye and the palate. The combination of rich chocolate cake with a light cream cheese frosting makes each slice a heavenly experience. I can’t wait for you to try this stunning cake that’s perfect for celebrations or any gathering with friends and family.
Created by: Fiona Carter
Recipe Type: Sugar & Whisk
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 8 slices
What You'll Need
Cake Ingredients
- 1 ¾ 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 whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
Frosting Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Food coloring (blue, purple, and black)
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth, then carefully stir in boiling water.
Pour the batter into two greased 9-inch round cake pans. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool for 10 minutes in the pans, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until creamy. Divide the frosting into three bowls and color each with blue, purple, and black food coloring.
Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top, then add the second layer. Use the colored frostings to create a marbled effect on top of the cake. Start with blue, add purple, and finish with black for the galaxy effect. Swirl gently.
Extra Tips
- For an even more stellar effect, add edible glitter or star-shaped sprinkles on top of the cake after frosting.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 210mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 50g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 35g
- Protein: 5g