Pisces Wedding Cake

Name: Pisces Wedding Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 6 large eggs; 1 cup buttermilk; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; Zest of 2 lemons; 2 cups heavy whipping cream; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1/4 cup lemon juice; Fresh edible flowers; Candied citrus slices

Highlighted under: Sweet Dessert Recipes

When I set out to create the Pisces Wedding Cake, I wanted to blend traditional flavors with a modern twist. The result is a beautiful and delicious cake that truly captures the essence of love and celebration. Each layer is infused with rich flavors that complement each other perfectly. With vibrant decorations and delicate detailing, this cake is not just a treat; it's a stunning centerpiece for any wedding. I can't wait for you to try this recipe and share in the joy it brings on such special occasions!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-30T00:01:28.473Z

Creating the Pisces Wedding Cake was an unforgettable experience filled with creativity and excitement. I experimented with flavors like lemon and cardamom, making sure each layer packed a punch. My tip is to let your cakes cool completely before frosting them; this ensures a smoother finish and better flavor fusion. I also loved playing with the decor, using fresh flowers that match the couple's wedding theme.

Assembling the cake was an art in itself. I made sure to alternate the flavors with layers of rich cream, resulting in a surprise in every bite. The energy in my kitchen was electric as I decorated the cake, and I can't wait for you to bring that same joy into your baking!

Why You'll Love This Cake
Elegant layers of flavor that delight the senses
Perfect balance of sweetness and citrus zing
Stunning presentation ideal for special occasions

Crafting the Perfect Cake Layers

The cake layers of the Pisces Wedding Cake are designed to be fluffy yet substantial, creating a delightful texture that supports the frosting. Using buttermilk is key here; its acidity reacts with the baking soda to produce a lighter crumb. Be sure to use room temperature ingredients, as this will help to create a smoother batter. Also, when creaming the butter and sugar, aim for a pale and fluffy mixture, which typically takes about 4-5 minutes of mixing on medium speed.

When combining dry and wet ingredients, fold them together gently. This technique helps retain air bubbles for that perfect rise. Overmixing can lead to a denser cake, which doesn’t quite have the airy lift you're looking for. I find that it's best to stop mixing as soon as there are no visible dry streaks in the batter; this ensures your cake layers stay tender and moist.

Whipping Up the Ideal Frosting

Achieving the right consistency of the frosting is paramount for a well-frosted cake. When whipping the heavy cream, ensure that your mixing bowl is cold. I recommend chilling it in the freezer for about 10 minutes before use; this helps achieve soft peaks more quickly. Gradually adding the powdered sugar, vanilla, and lemon juice is crucial; it prevents clumping and ensures a smooth texture.

To know when your frosting is ready, whip until it forms stiff peaks that do not droop when you lift the whisk. Overwhipping can lead to a grainy texture; if this happens, gently fold in a tablespoon of unwhipped cream to restore some creaminess. Also, feel free to adjust the lemon juice to suit your taste; if you like more citrus zing, a touch more can elevate the flavor!

Decorating Your Cake

For decoration, fresh edible flowers not only add visual appeal but also bring a subtle flavor that enhances the overall experience of each slice. Ensure that any flowers used are safe for consumption and preferably organic. You can also prep them in advance; just keep them refrigerated until you're ready to decorate. Candied citrus slices, on the other hand, can provide a delightful textural contrast and prevent the cake from appearing overly delicate.

When assembling and frosting the cake, aim for a smooth finish—using an offset spatula can help achieve that clean look. If you prefer a rustic style, don't worry about making it perfect; a slightly messy look can be charming as well. Once decorated, it's best to let the cake rest for about 30 minutes before slicing, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve on a lovely cake stand to showcase your creation!

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create a delicious Pisces Wedding Cake:

Cake Layers

3 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
6 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Zest of 2 lemons

Frosting

2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup lemon juice

Decoration

Fresh edible flowers
Candied citrus slices

Make sure to have all ingredients prepped and ready for a smooth baking process!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Pisces Wedding Cake:

Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in buttermilk, vanilla, and lemon zest. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until well combined.

Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly among three greased and floured 9-inch round cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Make the Frosting

In a chilled mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and lemon juice, whipping until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting evenly on top. Repeat with remaining layers, frosting the top and sides of the cake. Decorate with fresh edible flowers and candied citrus slices.

Serve and Enjoy

Slice your beautifully assembled Pisces Wedding Cake and serve it at your celebration. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and the praise from your guests!

Make sure to save a slice for yourself!

Pro Tips

For an added touch, consider flavoring your frosting with a hint of lemon or adding a splash of Grand Marnier for an adult twist. Also, don’t hesitate to get creative with decorations that reflect your personal style or wedding theme.

Make-Ahead Tips

This cake can be made ahead of time, which is a fantastic option for busy wedding preparations. The cake layers can be baked a day or two in advance. Just ensure they are completely cooled before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap, then refrigerating them. For the frosting, you can prepare it a day ahead as well, but whip it fresh for the best texture when assembling.

If you're looking to save even more time, consider freezing the cake layers. They can be frozen for up to three months. Just wrap them carefully in plastic wrap and foil. When you're ready to use them, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight. This also helps keep the cake moist when you’re ready to frost and serve.

Scaling and Variations

If you're hosting a larger wedding, the Pisces Wedding Cake can be scaled up easily. Simply double the ingredients for each layer, and consider using 11-inch round pans; this will give you a more significant cake without needing to bake more layers separately. Also, think about layering with other complementary flavors, perhaps a berry compote between the layers for added sweetness and color.

For a unique twist, experiment with flavor variations by substituting the lemon with another citrus like lime or orange. These can be equally delightful! You might also test different extracts, such as almond or coconut, to see how they pair with the cake’s overall flavor. Just remember that each change in flavor can impact the sweetness and acidity, so a little taste testing is always in order.

Common Troubleshooting

If your cake layers dome in the center while baking, it could be caused by your oven running too hot. Using an oven thermometer is a smart way to verify the actual temperature inside; adjusting your baking temperature down by about 25°F may help achieve a flatter top. For dense cake layers, ensure you're not overmixing your batter after adding the dry ingredients, as this can lead to a tough cake.

If your frosting is too soft to hold its shape, chilling it for 10-15 minutes can help firm it up. However, if it becomes too thick, you can gently whip in a teaspoon or two of heavy cream until it reaches the desired consistency. Lastly, if the cake becomes overly sweet for your taste, adding a pinch of salt to the frosting can balance the flavors beautifully, bringing out the brightness of citrus.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the cake in advance?

Absolutely! You can bake the layers a few days ahead and store them in the refrigerator. Just make sure to wrap them well to prevent them from drying out.

→ Can I use different flavors?

Yes, feel free to experiment with different citrus or even berry flavors for a unique twist on this cake!

→ How do I store the cake once it's assembled?

Store the cake in the refrigerator if not serving immediately. Just cover it lightly with plastic wrap to preserve freshness.

→ What's the best way to cut this cake?

Use a sharp knife and make clean cuts to avoid squishing the layers. It helps to dip the knife in hot water and wipe it between cuts for cleaner slices.