Galaxy cake

The Galaxy Cake is a mesmerizing dessert that captures the mystery and beauty of outer space in a delicious, edible form. With its swirling cosmic colors—deep purples, blues, pinks, and blacks—alongside shimmering stars and edible glitter, this cake is both a visual masterpiece and a crowd-pleasing treat. Often used as the centerpiece for space-themed parties, birthdays, sci-fi events, or celestial weddings, the Galaxy Cake brings an artistic and magical element to any celebration. Whether made with buttercream, fondant, or mirror glaze, it combines culinary creativity with cosmic imagination, turning an ordinary cake into a galaxy of flavor and color. Beyond its stunning appearance, a Galaxy Cake also delivers on taste, featuring moist layers of sponge paired with rich fillings like chocolate ganache, vanilla buttercream, or fruit preserves, making each slice not just beautiful but indulgently satisfying.

The History of Galaxy Cake

The Galaxy Cake is a relatively modern invention, born from the rise of social media food trends and the blending of baking with visual artistry. While traditional cake decorating has long featured themes like florals and pastels, the emergence of galaxy-themed desserts gained traction around 2015–2016, particularly through platforms like Instagram and Pinterest. With the increasing popularity of mirror glaze cakes, bakers began experimenting with swirling colored glazes to replicate the look of galaxies, nebulae, and starry skies. This trend expanded into buttercream and fondant-based cakes, allowing for more textural and stylistic variations. The aesthetic was inspired by astrophotography, sci-fi culture, and the universal fascination with space exploration. The Galaxy Cake quickly became a symbol of modern cake art—where baking meets imagination—and continues to evolve as bakers push the limits of what edible art can be. Though not tied to any one culture or tradition, it has found a place in pop culture celebrations, and its popularity remains strong among both amateur and professional cake artists.

Ingredients Breakdown

• Cake Base: Most Galaxy Cakes start with a versatile sponge cake, such as chocolate, vanilla, or red velvet. Chocolate is a popular choice due to its dark color, which enhances the contrast with the outer decoration. Ingredients typically include flour, sugar, eggs, baking powder or soda, butter or oil, milk, and vanilla extract.
• Filling: The filling can vary based on taste preference. Options include chocolate ganache, fruit preserves (like raspberry or blackberry), vanilla or flavored buttercream, or cream cheese frosting. For extra richness, some versions include mousse or custard.
• Frosting: Buttercream is commonly used for a smooth base layer and is easily colored using gel food coloring. For a glossy finish, some bakers opt for mirror glaze made with gelatin, condensed milk, white chocolate, and food coloring.
• Coloring: Gel food coloring in shades of navy, black, purple, blue, and pink are used to create the galaxy effect. Metallic dusts (silver, gold), edible glitter, and luster sprays enhance the interstellar look.
• Decorative Elements: Edible stars, white splatters made from food-safe white paint or royal icing, sugar pearls, or piped planets can be added. Some cakes are topped with rock candy, macarons, or themed cake toppers for added dimension.

Step-by-Step Recipe

1. Bake the Cake Layers: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare three 8-inch round cake pans by greasing and lining them with parchment. In a mixing bowl, cream 1 cup of butter with 2 cups of sugar until light and fluffy. Add 4 eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in 1 tablespoon vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, combine 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with 1¼ cups milk. Mix until smooth. Divide the batter evenly into the pans and bake for 25–30 minutes. Cool completely.
2. Prepare the Filling: While cakes are cooling, prepare your filling of choice—classic options include chocolate ganache (made by heating 1 cup cream and pouring it over 8 oz chopped chocolate), vanilla buttercream (1 cup butter, 3 cups powdered sugar, vanilla, and a few tablespoons of cream), or fruit compote thickened with cornstarch. Spread a thin layer of the filling between each cooled cake layer.
3. Crumb Coat and Chill: Apply a thin layer of buttercream over the entire stacked cake to seal in crumbs. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to set.
4. Color the Buttercream or Glaze: Divide your remaining buttercream or glaze into separate bowls. Tint each one using gel food coloring—typically black, purple, dark blue, teal, and pink. For mirror glaze, prepare the glaze base, divide it, and add food coloring once the temperature reaches 90°F.
5. Apply the Galaxy Design: For buttercream cakes, use small dollops of each color and blend them using an offset spatula in swirling motions to mimic galactic movement. For mirror glaze, pour the colors simultaneously over a chilled cake, allowing the glazes to flow and merge into cosmic patterns.
6. Add Stars and Decorations: Splatter white food coloring using a clean brush or toothbrush for stars. Add edible glitter, metallic dust, or sugar pearls to enhance the space theme. Optional: top with cake toppers, rock candy, or piped star shapes.
7. Final Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the cake for 1–2 hours before serving to allow the frosting or glaze to set fully. Slice with a clean, warm knife for best results.

Tips for the Perfect Galaxy Cake

Use gel food coloring instead of liquid to achieve vibrant hues without altering the frosting texture. Chill the cake between each major step—stacking, crumb coating, final decorating—for a stable structure and smooth finish. If using mirror glaze, ensure your cake is frozen solid before pouring the glaze for optimal coverage. For a more realistic galaxy effect, apply colors in layers and blend with a spatula or sponge for soft transitions. To splatter white stars, dip a stiff-bristled brush into food coloring and flick it gently over the cake surface. Avoid over-mixing the colors or you’ll muddy the effect. When using edible glitter or metallic dust, apply it with a light hand to avoid overpowering the design. If the cake is traveling, ensure it’s well chilled to prevent melting or shifting. Practice the design technique on parchment before applying it to the actual cake if you’re new to galaxy cakes.

Variations and Customizations

You can create a Galaxy Cake using a variety of cake flavors—chocolate, marble, red velvet, or funfetti all work well depending on the desired interior. Instead of traditional sponge, use chiffon or pound cake for a denser texture. Incorporate flavored syrups or extracts into the layers, such as almond, orange, or espresso, to add depth. For a minimalist take, decorate just the top of the cake in galaxy style and leave the sides naked or solid black. Add mini fondant planets or piped constellations for an astronomy-themed party. Turn it into a tiered cake for weddings or large events. Make galaxy cupcakes or galaxy sheet cakes for easier serving at parties. For a playful touch, include hidden galaxy-colored swirls inside the cake layers by marbling colored batter before baking. Vegan or gluten-free versions can be made using appropriate substitutions such as almond flour, dairy-free butter, and aquafaba or flax eggs. You can also create a galaxy cheesecake using tinted layers of no-bake filling.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value

Galaxy Cake, like most decorated celebration cakes, is a dessert high in sugar, fat, and calories. A standard slice typically ranges from 350 to 600 calories, depending on the type of cake, filling, and decorations used. The buttercream or mirror glaze adds significant fat and sugar, while food coloring (especially in large quantities) may raise concerns for those sensitive to artificial dyes. To reduce calories, consider using a lighter sponge, replacing some butter with applesauce, or reducing the amount of frosting. Natural food colorings from beetroot, spirulina, or blueberry powder can be used, though the hues may not be as vibrant. Vegan or allergy-friendly versions can be made using plant-based milks, oils, and gluten-free flours. While not intended as a health food, Galaxy Cake can be part of a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation. It’s best suited for special occasions where visual impact and taste outweigh nutritional priorities.

FAQ

Q: Can I make Galaxy Cake in advance?
A: Yes! You can bake the cake layers a day or two ahead and store them wrapped in the refrigerator or freezer. Assemble and decorate the day before serving for the best appearance.

Q: What type of food coloring works best?
A: Gel-based or paste food coloring is ideal. It gives strong color without thinning the frosting or glaze, unlike liquid dyes.

Q: Can I use whipped cream instead of buttercream?
A: You can, but whipped cream is softer and may not hold its shape or color intensity as well. Stabilized whipped cream is a better alternative if you prefer a lighter frosting.

Q: Is mirror glaze hard to work with?
A: It requires some precision, particularly with temperature control, but with practice and a thermometer, it becomes manageable. The cake must be frozen solid for best results.

Q: How long will the cake last?
A: The assembled Galaxy Cake will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Always store it covered to prevent drying out or absorbing odors.

Galaxy cake

Galaxy Cake is a visually stunning layered chocolate cake decorated with vibrant, swirling buttercream to mimic a cosmic galaxy, finished with shimmering edible accents. Its rich flavors combine chocolate, caramel, and Mars Bars for a decadent and eye-catching dessert.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 2 hours hrs

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Servings 20

Ingredients

  

For the Cake Batter:

• 250 g unsalted butter
• 200 g dark chocolate 70% cocoa solids, chopped
• 350 g light soft brown sugar
• 200 g self-raising flour
• 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 4 large eggs
• 300 ml tub of sour cream
• 100 ml strong hot coffee e.g., a double shot of espresso

For the Caramel Filling:

• 250 g mini Mars Bars fun size bag, chopped
• 397 g can of Nestlé Carnation Caramel
• 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt

For the Buttercream:

• 400 g unsalted butter softened to room temperature
• 800 g icing sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste
• 4 tablespoons whole milk
• Gel food colouring in black blue, purple, and green

For Decorating:

• Navy and silver lustre dust
• Edible metallic pearlescent white paint
• Silver sugar pearl balls
• Thin paintbrush
• Cake scraper

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or Gas Mark 4. Grease and line the bases of two deep 20cm springform cake tins with parchment paper. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and dark chocolate together in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth and glossy. Alternatively, melt them gently over a bain-marie (a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water). Once melted, set aside to cool slightly.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the soft brown sugar and self-raising flour, breaking up any lumps with your fingertips. Stir in the bicarbonate of soda and salt. In a separate jug, beat the eggs together with the sour cream, then pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and whisk until fully combined. Add the cooled chocolate mixture to the batter and whisk again until smooth and well incorporated. Stir in the hot coffee until the batter becomes glossy and pourable.
• Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake tins. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the tins for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
• While the cakes are cooling, prepare the buttercream. Using a stand mixer or electric whisk, beat the softened butter with the icing sugar, vanilla bean paste, and a pinch of salt for about 10 minutes, until the mixture is extremely light and fluffy. Add the milk and whisk until fully incorporated. Set aside.
• Once the cakes are cool, carefully slice each one in half horizontally, giving you four even layers. Break the mini Mars Bars into small chunks, then stir the sea salt into the caramel. To assemble the cake, place the first sponge layer on a serving plate or turntable. Spread over one-third of the caramel mixture, dot with Mars Bar pieces, and top with the next sponge. Repeat this process with the remaining layers, leaving the top layer plain for icing.
• Apply a thin crumb coat of the white buttercream over the entire cake to seal in crumbs. Chill the cake in the fridge until the buttercream is firm to the touch.
• Meanwhile, divide the remaining buttercream evenly between four bowls. Tint each batch with a different gel food colouring: black, blue, purple, and green. Using a palette knife, dab small amounts of each colour randomly over the cake. Then, using a cake scraper, gently smooth the sides and blend the colours to create a swirling galaxy effect. Keep layering and blending until you’re happy with the look.
• Once your galaxy base is complete, enhance the design by brushing on navy and silver lustre dust to create light effects and moonbeam-like glows. With a fine paintbrush dipped in edible metallic white paint, draw tiny stars and star clusters around the cake. Finish by pressing silver sugar pearl balls randomly over the surface to mimic stars or planets.

Notes

Freezing the Sponges
You can bake the cake layers ahead of time and freeze them, tightly wrapped for freshness. Decorating the cake while the sponges are still frozen can actually make the process easier, especially when applying buttercream, as it helps reduce crumbs and improves stability.

Where to Find Decorations
All the edible decorations used—such as lustre dusts, food colouring gels, metallic paints, and sugar pearls—were sourced from Amazon. Most cake supply stores will also carry similar items.

Customising Colours
Feel free to get creative with your galaxy design. You can change up the colours, use different decorative elements, or even simplify the look. When it comes to galaxies, the sky isn’t the limit—your imagination is.