Pisces Birthday Cake

Name: Pisces Birthday Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 large eggs; 1 cup milk; 2 ½ tsp baking powder; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ½ tsp salt; Blue and purple food coloring; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 2-4 tbsp heavy cream; Food coloring (blue and purple); Edible glitter; Star-shaped sprinkles; Pisces symbols made from fondant

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love celebrating special occasions with a homemade cake, and this Pisces Birthday Cake is my go-to choice for any birthday party. With its delightful layers and vibrant decorations that reflect the Pisces theme, it never fails to impress. The flavor combination of moist vanilla sponge, rich buttercream, and playful blue and purple colors create a treat that not only looks beautiful but tastes divine. I can't wait to share this recipe with you and see how it lights up your celebrations!

Created by

Tabitha Green

Last updated on 2026-01-20T02:49:15.454Z

When I first decided to make a cake for my friend who is a Pisces, I wanted something that truly captured the essence of this zodiac sign. So, I experimented with a blend of flavors and decorating techniques that represent the creativity and fluidity of Pisces. I learned that using a simple buttercream recipe, combined with food coloring, can create stunning effects that bring a theme to life.

Another tip I picked up along the way is to bake the cake layers in advance and freeze them. This not only saves time but also makes the layers moister when thawed. I love the way my Pisces Birthday Cake turns out, and I can't wait for you to try it at your own celebrations!

        Why You'll Love This Cake
        Bright and colorful design reflecting the Pisces zodiac
Moist and flavorful layers enhanced with a rich buttercream
Perfect for birthdays or special gatherings with a whimsical touch

      

Choosing the Right Ingredients

To achieve the best results in your Pisces Birthday Cake, sourcing high-quality ingredients is crucial. Use fresh eggs and real vanilla extract for a rich flavor profile. The butter should be at room temperature, which makes it easier to cream with sugar and results in a fluffier cake texture. Consider using organic granulated sugar, as it can enhance the sweetness and provide a more refined taste.

When it comes to the food coloring, gel colors work best for achieving vibrant shades of blue and purple without altering the cake's moisture content. Liquid food coloring can be used in a pinch, but be cautious as it may require more due to its lower concentration. Take the time to blend the colors well to create a visually appealing cake that truly represents the Pisces theme.

Perfecting the Cake Layers

For layers that are perfectly baked, keep an eye on your cakes as they approach the 25-minute mark. Conduct a toothpick test by inserting it into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs—not wet batter. Overbaking can lead to dry cake layers, so check for signs of rising edges and a lightly golden top before removing them from the oven.

If you find that the cake layers dome excessively during baking, you can level them by cutting off the domed tops with a serrated knife after they cool. This ensures even stacking and a professional appearance once frosted. A cake leveler is also a great tool to achieve a flat surface for a more stable structure.

Decoration and Presentation Tips

When decorating the cake, start with a crumb coat using the buttercream to seal in any loose crumbs. This not only provides a smooth base for the final coat but also enhances the overall finish of your cake. Use a bench scraper to achieve clean sides and an offset spatula for a beautifully frosted top, creating a polished look that will impress your guests.

For a whimsical touch, incorporate various layers of edible glitter and star-shaped sprinkles during decoration. Applying glitter can be tricky, so do it after applying the final coat of frosting, ensuring it adheres well without mixing into the buttercream. To add dimension, consider varying the heights of your fondant Pisces symbols or placing them at different angles for a playful touch.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create this delightful cake:

Cake Layers

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 large eggs
1 cup milk
2 ½ tsp baking powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp salt
Blue and purple food coloring

Buttercream Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
2-4 tbsp heavy cream
Food coloring (blue and purple)

Decorations

Edible glitter
Star-shaped sprinkles
Pisces symbols made from fondant

Instructions

Follow these steps for baking and assembling your cake:

Bake the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk until fully combined. Divide the batter evenly between the two pans. Add blue food coloring to one and purple to the other.

Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.

Prepare the Buttercream

In a mixing bowl, whip the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix on low until combined, then increase speed to medium. Add vanilla extract and enough heavy cream to reach a smooth consistency.

Separate the frosting into two bowls and tint one with blue and the other with purple.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cake layers are cooled, level the tops if necessary. Place one layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of blue buttercream on top, then add the second layer on top. Use the remaining buttercream to frost the sides and top of the cake.

Decorate with edible glitter, star-shaped sprinkles, and fondant Pisces symbols.

Pro Tips

For the most vibrant colors, use gel food coloring instead of liquid. Also, be sure to let the cake sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before slicing
it will make cutting easier and the flavors more pronounced.

Storage and Make-Ahead

This cake can be made in advance, which is a huge time-saver for celebrations. Once cooled, you can wrap the cake layers in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze them for up to two months. If freezing, be sure to let the layers cool completely before wrapping to prevent moisture buildup.

When ready to serve, allow the frozen layers to thaw at room temperature for a few hours before frosting. This helps retain their moistness. If you've made the buttercream ahead of time, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week; just re-whip before using to restore its creamy consistency.

Customization Ideas

Feel free to infuse different flavors into the cake layers or buttercream to customize it more to your taste. For example, adding lemon zest or almond extract can provide a unique twist on the vanilla flavor. You can also swap out the vanilla for different extracts based on seasonal preferences, like peppermint in winter.

Consider individual servings by turning this cake into cupcakes. Simply use the same batter and adjust the baking time to about 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick test comes out clean. Top them with swirls of the colored buttercream and decorate with miniature fondant or candy Pisces symbols for a wonderful party treat.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this cake vegan?

Yes, you can substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal and use plant-based butter and milk.

→ How far in advance can I make the cake?

You can bake the layers up to a week in advance and freeze them, then assemble the cake the day before your celebration.

→ What can I use instead of fondant for decorations?

You can use colored chocolate melts or make decorations with marzipan if you prefer.

→ How do I store leftover cake?

Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.