Constellation Pisces Cake

Name: Constellation Pisces Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ 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; Zest of 1 orange; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 ½ cups powdered sugar; ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; ¼ cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Edible glitter and silver sprinkles for decoration

Highlighted under: Everyday Baking Joy

I love creating unique desserts, and the Constellation Pisces Cake is one of my absolute favorites. This cake combines the rich flavors of dark chocolate with hints of orange zest, making every bite a delightful experience. I enjoy baking this cake during special occasions, as it not only tastes incredible but looks stunning as well. The shimmering decorations resembling constellations add a cosmic touch to any celebration, ensuring it’s a showstopper at parties. Plus, it's surprisingly simple to make, which is always a win in my book.

Created by

Aubrey Collins

Last updated on 2026-02-10T20:09:36.790Z

One of my favorite moments while making the Constellation Pisces Cake was experimenting with the decoration. I used edible glitter and silver sprinkles to mimic the stars in the night sky, which made the cake not only a delight to eat but a visual feast too. It brought out a playful side, and seeing the joy on my friends’ faces added to the experience.

Another tip I discovered is to allow the cake to cool completely before decorating. This ensures that the frosting sets perfectly and that the details, like the constellation patterns, hold their shape. Trust me; patience during the process pays off big time in the end!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh orange zest
A stunning visual treat for your gatherings
Easily customizable decorations for any occasion

Understanding the Ingredients

The primary flavor of the Constellation Pisces Cake comes from dark chocolate, enhanced with orange zest. Using high-quality cocoa powder is essential for achieving that rich, indulgent chocolate flavor. I recommend opting for Dutch-processed cocoa for a smoother taste and darker color. Additionally, the orange zest brightens the cake, cutting through the richness and providing a refreshing balance. If you don’t have fresh oranges on hand, you can substitute the zest with a teaspoon of orange extract, but be cautious not to overpower the chocolate flavor.

In baking, the role of eggs is crucial; they act as a binder and provide structure. For a fluffier cake, ensure that the eggs are at room temperature as they mix better with the other ingredients. If you're looking for an egg substitute, you can use a 'flax egg' (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water), which will help to maintain moisture without compromising the cake's texture.

Baking and Cooling Tips

One key to a successful cake is ensuring that it is properly baked. The texture should be moist but cooked through, indicated by a toothpick inserted in the center coming out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If you find your cake domed too much during baking, gently press down the tops with a clean kitchen towel as soon as you remove them from the oven, helping them to flatten and create even layers for stacking.

Once out of the oven, let the cakes cool in the pans for at least 10 minutes. This resting period helps prevent them from sticking to the pans. Afterward, transfer the cakes to wire racks for complete cooling. This step is necessary because frosting a warm cake can cause the icing to melt, leading to a soggy texture and loss of the frosting's beautiful finish.

Frosting and Decoration Insights

When making the frosting, ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy blending; this results in a light, fluffy consistency. Be cautious while adding the heavy cream; it should be added gradually to prevent the frosting from becoming too runny. If it does, you can adjust by incorporating additional powdered sugar to thicken it back to the desired consistency.

For decoration, the use of edible glitter and silver sprinkles not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a whimsical touch. To achieve a cosmic look, consider varying the amount of sprinkles in different areas, creating clusters like star groups. Don't hesitate to experiment with additional toppings, such as chocolate shavings or candied orange peel, for added texture and flavor.

Ingredients

For the Cake

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ 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
Zest of 1 orange

For the Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 ½ cups powdered sugar
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
¼ cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Edible glitter and silver sprinkles for decoration

Instructions

Steps

Prepare the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla; mix until smooth. Carefully stir in boiling water and orange zest. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Make the Frosting

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with heavy cream, until fluffy. Mix in vanilla extract.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a cake stand. Spread a layer of frosting on top, then add the second cake layer. Frost the top and sides of the cake. Decorate with edible glitter and silver sprinkles to create your constellation design.

Enjoy!

Pro Tips

To enhance the citrus flavor, you can substitute some of the vanilla extract in the frosting with orange extract. Also, chilling the frosting before applying makes it easier to spread evenly.

Storing and Freezing

This cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to make it ahead of time, the cakes can also be frozen. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. They can be kept in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight before frosting and serving.

If you have leftover cake, slicing it into individual servings makes it easier to store. You can place pieces in a resealable bag or container, keeping the cake fresh for a more extended period. To prevent them from drying out, consider adding a piece of bread to the container, which will help maintain moisture.

Serving Suggestions

This cake shines as a centerpiece for any celebration, but there are ways to elevate the presentation. Pairing the cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can enhance the flavor profile, especially since the creaminess complements the rich chocolate. Fresh berries, like raspberries or strawberries, can also provide a tart contrast that balances the sweet chocolate.

For a more festive touch, serve individual slices on decorative plates, garnished with additional orange zest or a sprinkle of cocoa powder. It adds a personal touch and ties in the flavors beautifully. You can also consider serving it alongside a spiced orange or dark chocolate sauce for drizzling, enriching the overall tasting experience.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different flavor of cake?

Absolutely! This recipe can be adapted with vanilla or lemon cake for a different flavor profile.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day or two in advance. Just make sure to wrap them well to keep them fresh.

→ What can I use instead of eggs?

You can substitute 1 egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water).