The Pisces Cake is a dreamy, romantic dessert that beautifully captures the whimsical and artistic essence of the Pisces zodiac sign. With layers of moist vanilla or sponge cake generously covered in a rustic strawberry cream frosting, this cake radiates softness and elegance. Fresh strawberries and delicate floral accents on top add a magical, ethereal touch—perfect for birthdays or zodiac-themed celebrations.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Pisces Cake is not only stunning to look at but also incredibly flavorful. The natural sweetness of strawberries paired with a light, fluffy cake base creates a perfectly balanced dessert. Its rustic charm and effortless elegance make it suitable for both casual and formal occasions. This cake is also easy to personalize, allowing you to lean into the gentle, dreamy qualities of the Pisces sign.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Whole milk or buttermilk
- Fresh strawberries (chopped, for frosting and topping)
- Heavy cream or cream cheese (for frosting)
- Powdered sugar
- Lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
- Edible flowers or baby’s breath (for decoration, optional)
Directions
- Make the cake batter: Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture in batches, alternating with milk, and mix until smooth.
- Bake the cake: Divide the batter evenly into greased round cake pans. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely before assembling.
- Prepare the strawberry frosting: Mash or finely chop fresh strawberries. In a mixing bowl, whip heavy cream or beat cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth. Fold in strawberries and a touch of lemon juice if desired. Chill slightly to firm up.
- Assemble the cake: Layer the cakes with strawberry frosting in between each layer. Spread frosting over the top and sides with a rustic, semi-naked finish.
- Decorate: Top with halved strawberries and floral elements like baby’s breath or edible roses for a soft, ethereal look.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 10–12
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Bake Time: 30 minutes
- Assembly Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate Pisces Cake: Replace vanilla with chocolate sponge and use chocolate-dipped strawberries for topping.
- Lemon-strawberry twist: Add lemon zest to the cake batter for a citrusy contrast.
- Vegan version: Use dairy-free butter, plant-based milk, and vegan whipped cream or frosting alternatives.
- Extra fruit filling: Add a layer of strawberry preserves or compote between the cake layers for enhanced flavor.
- Gluten-free: Substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend suitable for cakes.
Storage/reheating
Store the Pisces Cake in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving to enjoy the full flavor and softness. Freezing is possible—wrap individual slices tightly and store for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight. This cake does not require reheating, as it is served chilled or at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for the frosting?
Yes, thaw and drain them thoroughly before using to avoid excess moisture in the frosting.
How can I keep the cake layers moist?
Do not overbake the cakes, and consider brushing them with simple syrup before frosting.
What type of frosting is best for this cake?
Strawberry whipped cream or cream cheese frosting works best for a light and fruity result.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, the cake layers can be made a day in advance and stored wrapped at room temperature. Assemble the day of serving.
How do I get a rustic finish?
Use a spatula to apply the frosting in an imperfect, casual style. Let some of the cake show through for a semi-naked look.
What decorations suit a Pisces theme?
Think soft, romantic, and artistic—fresh berries, flowers, pastel sprinkles, or zodiac-themed cake toppers.
Can I use boxed cake mix?
Yes, you can use a vanilla or white cake mix as a base and prepare homemade strawberry frosting.
How do I prevent the strawberries from making the frosting runny?
Use only the solid part of mashed strawberries or strain the juice before folding into the frosting.
What pan size should I use?
Two or three 8-inch round pans work well for a tall, layered presentation.
Can I make cupcakes instead?
Yes, simply divide the batter into lined cupcake tins and bake for 18–20 minutes. Frost and decorate as desired.
Conclusion
The Pisces Cake is a beautifully soft and romantic dessert that perfectly mirrors the gentle, dreamy essence of the Pisces sign. With its fresh strawberry flavor, elegant layers, and artistic presentation, it’s a wonderful cake for birthdays, astrology parties, or any celebration that calls for a bit of magic. Whether you’re baking for a Pisces or simply want a stunning seasonal cake, this recipe is sure to impress.
Print
Pisces Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including cooling & decorating)
- Yield: 10–12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Pisces Cake is a layered vanilla sponge cake with fresh strawberry cream frosting, perfect for birthdays or dreamy celebrations. Topped with berries and flowers, it’s the ultimate romantic and soft aesthetic dessert for the Pisces zodiac sign.
Ingredients
For the vanilla sponge cake:
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2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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2 1/2 tsp baking powder
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1/2 tsp salt
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1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
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1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
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4 large eggs
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1 tbsp vanilla extract
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1 cup whole milk
For the strawberry cream frosting:
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2 cups fresh strawberries, finely chopped
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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4 cups powdered sugar
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1/4 cup heavy cream (as needed)
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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Pinch of salt
For decorating:
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Fresh strawberries, halved
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Edible flowers or baby’s breath (ensure they’re safe for food contact)
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Optional: rose petals for a soft, Pisces vibe
Instructions
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Make the cake layers:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line 3–4 round cake pans.
In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
Alternate adding flour mix and milk, beginning and ending with flour.
Divide batter between pans and bake 22–28 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely. -
Make the frosting:
Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in vanilla and a pinch of salt.
Fold in finely chopped strawberries. Add cream as needed for a spreadable consistency. -
Assemble the cake:
Place one layer on a stand, spread strawberry frosting, and repeat for remaining layers.
Apply a rustic layer of frosting around the outside—no need for perfection (naked cake style).
Top with fresh strawberries and florals.
Notes
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Keep the strawberries chopped small to avoid making the frosting too runny.
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Chill the cake if the frosting softens too much.
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You can color the sponge pastel pink or purple for an extra Pisces-themed look.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert / Birthday Cake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American