Simple Pisces Birthday Cake

Name: Simple Pisces Birthday Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups sugar; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 large eggs; 1 cup milk; 2 ½ tsp baking powder; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tbsp dried lavender flowers; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 2 tbsp milk; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Food coloring (optional)

Highlighted under: Dessert Time

I love celebrating birthdays with a cake that reflects the unique personality of the celebrant. For my Pisces friend, I crafted this cake, which is light, fluffy, and beautifully decorated, capturing the essence of their dreamy and artistic side. The flavors harmonize wonderfully, making it a delightful treat for anyone with a sweet tooth. Plus, it’s simple enough for a beginner to tackle while still being impressive enough to wow guests. This is the perfect cake for an intimate birthday gathering or a larger celebration!

Created by

Marina Lowe

Last updated on 2026-02-15T07:17:36.680Z

When I decided to make a birthday cake for my Pisces friend, I wanted something that captured their whimsical spirit. After testing several recipes, I found that incorporating a hint of lavender with the traditional vanilla flavor struck the right balance. It not only added a unique twist but also complemented the cake’s light texture beautifully.

In decorating the cake, I opted for soft pastel shades and delicate decorations that echoed the ethereal qualities of Pisces. Using a piping bag for the frosting allowed me to create airy designs, which made the cake not just a treat for the taste buds but a visual delight as well!

Why You'll Love This Cake
Delicate lavender flavor that surprises and delights
Light, moist texture that keeps you coming back for more
Beautifully decorated to make any birthday celebration special

Understanding Lavender in Baking

Lavender is a distinctive ingredient in this recipe, adding a delicate floral flavor that pairs beautifully with sweet treats. When adding dried lavender, be sure to use culinary-grade lavender flowers to ensure they are safe for consumption. It’s important to crush them lightly before incorporation; this releases their natural oils and intensifies their flavor in the cake. However, be mindful—too much can overwhelm the palate, so I recommend sticking to the one tablespoon specified.

Dried lavender provides not just a wonderful taste, but also adds an aromatic component that will fill your kitchen as it bakes. If you're unable to find dried lavender, you could consider using lavender extracts instead. Just remember that extracts are more concentrated, so start with half the amount and adjust according to your taste preference. This can help achieve that subtle but memorable lavender essence.

When using lavender in your baking, it’s good to note that it complements flavors like honey and lemon exceptionally well. If you wish to experiment with a flavor variation, consider adding a hint of lemon zest to the batter for a refreshing twist that enhances the lavender. Just be sure to balance it so it doesn’t overpower the gentle floral notes.

Frosting Tips for a Professional Finish

Achieving the perfect frosting consistency is key to a visually appealing cake. When beating your frosting, aim for a light and fluffy texture that holds its shape well. If the frosting seems too stiff, gradually add a little more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired spreadable consistency. Conversely, if it's too thin, adding more powdered sugar will help firm it up without compromising sweetness.

To achieve a smooth finish on your frosted cake, use an offset spatula or a bench scraper. After applying an even layer of frosting, you can gently smooth the edges and top for a polished look. For a creative flair, consider adding swirls or peaks, which can be done easily with the back of a spoon or a piping bag fitted with a star tip. This technique provides texture that not only looks appealing but makes the cake inviting to serve.

If you want to make your cake a day ahead of time, it’s best to frost it the same day you plan to serve it. However, if you need to store it, place it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. After refrigerating, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to best enjoy its flavor and texture.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create your Simple Pisces Birthday Cake:

Cake Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 large eggs
1 cup milk
2 ½ tsp baking powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp dried lavender flowers

Frosting Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
2 tbsp milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
Food coloring (optional)

Once you have all the ingredients, you’re ready to start baking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your cake:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and milk.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and lavender flowers. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until smooth.

Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely in the pans.

Prepare the Frosting

While the cakes are cooling, beat the softened butter for the frosting until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and milk, beating until smooth. Add vanilla and mix well.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top, then add the second cake layer. Frost the top and sides of the cake as desired.

Decorate

Use food coloring to tint the frosting if desired, and decorate with lavender flowers or sprinkles for a festive touch.

Enjoy your delicious Pisces-inspired birthday cake!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, consider adding a layer of berry jam between the cake layers for a hint of tartness that pairs beautifully with the lavender flavor.

Storing and Freezing

Storing the Simple Pisces Birthday Cake properly is crucial for keeping it fresh. If you have leftovers, you can keep the cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days. If you notice the cake getting dry, a light sugar syrup can be brushed on top before serving to add moisture back into the cake layers without altering the flavor significantly.

If you're looking to make this cake in advance, freezing it is a good option as well. To freeze, wrap each layer in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to protect it from freezer burn. You can freeze the un-frosted layers for up to a month. When you're ready to serve, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, then frost the next day for best results.

For those considering making individual servings, this cake also adapts well to freezing as sliced portions. Just ensure that each slice is wrapped tightly to maintain moisture. This way, you can enjoy a piece of this delightful cake whenever the mood strikes!

Serving Suggestions

This cake is versatile enough to serve at various gatherings, not just for birthdays. With its light texture and floral notes, it pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee, making it a splendid option for afternoon gatherings. I love serving it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, which adds a delightful contrast and elevates the cake experience.

For a fancy presentation, consider garnishing with additional lavender flowers or lemon wedges on the plate. You can also dust the top beautifully with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar just before serving for an elegant finish. If you’re aiming for a themed birthday party, using pastel-colored decorations or edible flowers can further enhance the visual appeal, tying everything together seamlessly.

You can also think about variations to please different tastes; try adding berries, such as fresh blueberries or raspberries, between layers or on top of the frosting. These not only add a pop of color but also a burst of tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the cake and the floral notes of the lavender beautifully.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cakes in advance and store them wrapped in plastic wrap in the fridge for up to two days.

→ What can I substitute for the lavender?

You can replace lavender with lemon zest or omit it altogether for a classic vanilla cake.

→ How should I store leftover cake?

Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake layers individually, wrapped tightly. Thaw in the fridge before frosting.