By Have you ever dreamed of holding the universe in your hands? Well, with a galaxy cake, you can do just that—at least in edible form! This cosmic dessert is an absolute showstopper, featuring deep, swirling shades of blue, purple, and black, accented with edible glitter and tiny specks of “stardust.” Perfect for birthdays, themed parties, or any special occasion, this galaxy cake recipe is easier than it looks. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, follow this guide to create a visually stunning and deliciously moist galaxy cake!
Ingredients for the Perfect Galaxy Cake
Before diving into the baking process, let’s gather everything we need:
For the Cake
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup sour cream
- Gel food coloring (navy blue, purple, black, and pink)
For the Buttercream Frosting
- 1 ½ cups unsalted butter (softened)
- 5 cups powdered sugar
- 3-4 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- Gel food coloring (same as above)
For Decoration
- Edible glitter or luster dust
- White gel food coloring (for stars)
- Silver or gold edible pearls
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Cake Batter
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease three 8-inch cake pans with butter or non-stick spray.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a stand or hand mixer, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.
- Incorporate Milk and Sour Cream: Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with the milk and sour cream. Mix until smooth.
Creating the Galaxy Effect in the Batter
- Divide the Batter: Separate the cake batter into four bowls.
- Color the Batter: Add gel food coloring to each bowl—one navy blue, one purple, one black, and one pink. Stir gently until the colors are vibrant.
- Swirl the Colors: Spoon blobs of different colors into each cake pan, then use a skewer or toothpick to swirl them lightly to create a galaxy effect. Be careful not to overmix.
- Bake: Place the pans in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool Completely: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack.
How to Make Galaxy Buttercream Frosting
- Beat the Butter: Using a mixer, beat the softened butter until creamy.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually mix in powdered sugar, followed by heavy cream and vanilla extract.
- Color the Frosting: Divide the frosting into four bowls and color them navy blue, purple, black, and pink.
- Swirl the Frosting: Add random spoonfuls of each color into a piping bag or spread them over the cake to achieve a cosmic swirl effect.
Decorating the Galaxy Cake
- Frost the Cake: Apply a crumb coat (thin layer of frosting) to seal in crumbs. Chill for 15 minutes, then add a final layer of colorful buttercream.
- Blend the Colors: Use a spatula to gently blend the frosting colors for a seamless galaxy look.
- Add Stars and Stardust: Using a food-safe brush, splatter white gel food coloring over the cake to create stars. Dust with edible glitter or luster dust for extra sparkle.
- Place Edible Pearls: Decorate with silver or gold pearls to resemble distant planets.
Tips for the Perfect Galaxy Cake
- Use gel food coloring instead of liquid for vibrant colors without thinning the batter.
- Chill the cake layers before frosting to prevent crumbs from mixing into the buttercream.
- Experiment with colors—add deep reds, electric blues, or metallic accents for a unique galaxy touch.
- For extra shine, lightly spray the finished cake with a pearl shimmer spray.
Conclusion
Baking a galaxy cake is like creating your own edible universe! With mesmerizing swirls of cosmic colors, shimmering edible stars, and a soft, moist texture, this cake is a true masterpiece. Whether you’re celebrating a space-themed party or simply want to impress your friends and family, this galaxy cake recipe will transport everyone straight to the stars.
So, grab your mixing bowls, unleash your creativity, and bring the galaxy to life—one slice at a time!
FAQs
How long does a galaxy cake last?
If stored in an airtight container, a galaxy cake stays fresh for 3-4 days at room temperature or up to a week in the fridge.
Can I use a box cake mix?
Absolutely! You can use a vanilla or white cake mix and simply color the batter to achieve the galaxy effect.
What other frosting works well with a galaxy cake?
Besides buttercream, you can use whipped cream frosting or a ganache glaze for a shiny cosmic effect.
Can I make the cake ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the cake layers a day ahead and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Frost and decorate the next day.
Is galaxy cake difficult to make?
Not at all! The swirling technique is forgiving, and any imperfections add to the galaxy’s natural, mysterious look.
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