Simple Pisces Birthday Cake

Name: Simple Pisces Birthday Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 large eggs; 1 cup milk; 2 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ½ tsp salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 2 tablespoons milk

Highlighted under: Home Baking Ideas

I love celebrating birthdays with homemade cakes, and this Simple Pisces Birthday Cake is a delightful choice! Every time I bake this cake, I’m reminded of the blend of flavors that perfectly honors the Pisces spirit. With its moist vanilla sponge and zesty lemon frosting, it’s a sweet treat that’s sure to please. Plus, it’s straightforward to make, so you can focus on the celebrations rather than getting lost in complicated techniques.

Created by

Sophie Adams

Last updated on 2026-02-15T00:33:35.763Z

When I first experimented with this cake, I didn't expect the blend of flavors to be this harmonious. The freshness of lemon in the frosting paired with the sweet sponge brought such joy to my taste buds. I remember serving it at a friend’s birthday; everyone kept going back for seconds!

One tip I learned early on was to let the cakes cool completely before frosting. If not, the frosting can become too runny and slide off. A solid layer of frosting perfectly complements this cake's moist texture, making it an unforgettable treat for any birthday celebration.

Why You'll Love This Cake
Moist vanilla cake with a tangy lemon frosting
Easy to assemble and decorate for any occasion
A delightful dessert that pleases both kids and adults

Perfecting Your Cake Batter

The cake batter for this Simple Pisces Birthday Cake relies heavily on creaming the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the mixture, resulting in a lighter cake. Aim for a duration of about 3 to 5 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed until you see a pale and creamy texture. If using a hand mixer or mixing manually, ensure you fully incorporate the butter into the sugar for optimal results.

When mixing the dry ingredients, be sure to whisk them well before combining them with the wet ingredients. This helps to evenly distribute the baking powder and salt throughout the flour, preventing any clumps that could result in uneven rising or flavor spots in your cake. I also recommend using a sifter or fine mesh strainer to aerate the flour, which also contributes to a lighter cake texture.

Frosting Insights

The lemon frosting is what truly elevates this cake and makes it special. The key to achieving the perfect consistency lies in how you combine the ingredients. Start with softened butter; it should be at room temperature to ensure easy creaming and allow the powdered sugar to blend in uniformly. If at any point the frosting feels too thick, a small amount of milk can be added to achieve your desired spreadable consistency, but be cautious not to make it too runny.

For a stronger lemon flavor, consider increasing the lemon juice and zest slightly. However, be aware that too much liquid can alter the frosting’s texture. A good rule of thumb is to taste as you go, ensuring the balance of sweetness and tartness aligns with your preferences. To enhance presentation, you might also add a touch of yellow food coloring for visual appeal without overwhelming the lemony goodness.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before you start baking:

Cake Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 large eggs
1 cup milk
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp salt

Frosting Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons milk

Make sure to have all the ingredients at room temperature for best results.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Simple Pisces Birthday Cake:

Preheat Oven

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

Mix Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk until just combined.

Bake

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans and bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Prepare Frosting

While the cakes are cooling, make the frosting by beating the butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and milk until smooth.

Frost the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread a layer of frosting on top of one cake. Place the second cake on top and frost the top and sides.

Decorate

Add any decorations you like to enhance the Pisces theme—ideas could include star decorations or fresh flowers.

Let the cake sit for about 30 minutes before serving to help the flavors meld.

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, you could add edible glitter or stars on top to celebrate the Pisces zodiac sign!

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

To keep your cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you plan to enjoy the cake beyond that, it’s best to refrigerate it, where it can last for about a week. When refrigerating, consider covering the cake layers separately to prevent them from drying out or absorbing other flavors in the fridge.

If you want to prepare this cake ahead of time, you can bake the cake layers a day or two in advance. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the fridge. When ready to frost, remove the layers from the fridge, let them come to room temperature, and then frost as directed.

Creative Decoration Ideas

When decorating the cake, let your creativity shine! To turn this cake into a more thematic Pisces creation, consider using blue and turquoise hues in your decorations, possibly through colored sprinkles or food coloring in the frosting. Edible star decorations could also enhance the celestial theme associated with Pisces, making it visually appealing and fun for a birthday celebration.

For a textured finish, try using a spatula or cake scraper to create swirls or peaks in the frost. Adding fresh lemon slices or edible flowers can also bring a lovely freshness to the presentation. If you want to heighten the citrus notes, consider candied lemon slices as a decorative and flavorful topping.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different frosting?

Yes! Feel free to use cream cheese frosting or any flavor you prefer.

→ How can I store the leftover cake?

You can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I bake this cake in advance?

Absolutely! You can bake the cakes a day ahead, just keep them wrapped tightly until you're ready to frost.

→ What can I do if my cake is too dry?

Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately and avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cake moist.