Ocean Inspired Pisces Cake

Name: Ocean Inspired Pisces Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 10 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup coconut milk; 3 large eggs; 2 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp sea salt; Zest of 2 lemons; Juice of 1 lemon; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1/2 cup coconut cream; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; Pinch of sea salt; Blue food coloring (optional); Garnish with toasted coconut flakes

Highlighted under: Easy Desserts Favorites

I absolutely love creating desserts that not only taste great but also capture the essence of nature. This Ocean Inspired Pisces Cake is a whimsical take on the beauty of the sea, combining flavors that evoke a refreshing ocean breeze. As I crafted this cake, I wanted to reflect the vibrant colors and tastes of the ocean, which inspired me to blend zesty lemon with the sweetness of coconut. Each bite transports me to a serene beach, making it perfect for a summer gathering or a special celebration.

Created by

Ottoline Reeves

Last updated on 2026-02-10T20:25:36.127Z

When creating the Ocean Inspired Pisces Cake, I wanted to experiment with flavors that remind me of the coastal breeze. The unique combination of lemon and coconut works beautifully, providing a refreshing contrast that’s perfect for warm days. As I baked and frosted the layers, the vibrant colors not only delighted my eyes but also filled my home with the sweet and tangy scents of summer.

I took special care to incorporate a subtle sea salt sprinkle into the frosting, which enhances the sweetness of the coconut while evoking the essence of the ocean. It’s a little twist that made a significant difference, offering a delightful balance that kept everyone coming back for more!

Why You'll Love This Cake
Vibrant colors and flavors inspired by the ocean
Unique combination of zesty lemon and sweet coconut
Delightfully moist texture with a hint of sea salt

Understanding the Ingredients

The combination of zesty lemon and sweet coconut in this Ocean Inspired Pisces Cake is what truly sets it apart. The lemon zest not only adds a refreshing note, but it also balances out the richness of the coconut milk, creating a harmonious flavor profile. When you incorporate the lemon juice, it helps to activate the baking powder, contributing to the cake's rise and overall lightness. This unique pairing is essential for evoking that feeling of being by the beach, where the sun meets the ocean.

Choosing your coconut milk carefully is key for achieving the right texture. Opt for full-fat coconut milk to ensure your cake remains moist. If you're looking for a lighter alternative, you could use light coconut milk, but be mindful that it may alter the cake's final texture slightly, making it less rich. For those with dairy allergies, substituting the unsalted butter with a plant-based alternative works well, maintaining the cake’s creaminess that we love.

Frosting Techniques

The frosting is another star of this cake, and mastering it can elevate your baking game. When creaming butter and coconut cream together, it's important to beat them until they are light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes at medium speed. This process incorporates air, giving your frosting a delightful texture. You want it to be smooth yet spreadable, so if it seems too thick, add a teaspoon of coconut milk one at a time until you reach the right consistency.

Using blue food coloring is optional, but if you choose to include it, add it gradually until you've achieved your desired ocean hue. I recommend using a gel-based food coloring for more vibrancy without altering the frosting's consistency too much. Once frosted, let the cake sit for a while. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, making each slice even more satisfying.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

To keep your cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you plan to save it for longer, consider refrigerating it, where it will last about a week. For an even longer shelf life, freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw at room temperature for a few hours before serving to allow the cake to regain its moisture.

When serving, consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt or additional toasted coconut flakes on top for a wonderful textural contrast that complements the frosting and citrus notes. This cake also pairs wonderfully with a scoop of coconut or vanilla ice cream on the side, enhancing its tropical vibe while making for a delightful summer treat.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to bring this cake to life:

For the Cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup coconut milk
3 large eggs
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp sea salt
Zest of 2 lemons
Juice of 1 lemon

For the Frosting:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup coconut cream
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of sea salt
Blue food coloring (optional)
Garnish with toasted coconut flakes

Make sure to have everything on hand to ensure a smooth baking experience!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create the Ocean Inspired Pisces Cake:

Preheat the Oven

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

Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well. Incorporate lemon zest and juice.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and sea salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with coconut milk, and mix until just combined.

Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Make the Frosting

In a separate bowl, beat together the softened butter and coconut cream. Gradually add powdered sugar, sea salt, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. If desired, add blue food coloring gradually for a sea-inspired hue.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes have cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting, then place the second layer on top. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.

Garnish and Serve

Top the cake with toasted coconut flakes for a lovely texture. Slice and enjoy!

Enjoy your delicious Ocean Inspired Pisces Cake with friends and family!

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, try adding some fresh lemon juice to the frosting. It enhances the zesty notes and complements the coconut beautifully.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your cake doesn't rise as expected, check the freshness of your baking powder. If it's expired, it won't activate properly with the liquid ingredients, leading to a dense texture. A simple tip is to test it by adding a teaspoon into hot water; if it bubbles, it's still good. Properly creaming the butter and sugar is crucial as well; not beating them enough can result in a flat cake.

If the cake comes out too dry, it may have been overbaked. Keep an eye on your cakes as they approach the end of the baking time; you want them to spring back when touched and a toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs, not completely clean.

Scaling the Recipe

If you want to make a larger cake, this recipe can easily be doubled. Simply use the same technique and divide the batter into three 9-inch pans or two 10-inch pans, adjusting the baking time slightly. Check for doneness a few minutes earlier than the recipe suggests, as larger cakes can take longer to bake through.

For smaller gatherings, you can halve the recipe and bake it in a single 9-inch round pan. Any leftover batter can be baked in a muffin tin, making delightful mini cakes. Just reduce the baking time significantly – around 15-20 minutes – and check for doneness with a toothpick.

Flavor Variations

While lemon and coconut are a match made in heaven, you can experiment with flavors like passion fruit or pineapple to enhance the tropical theme. Adding pureed passion fruit or crushed pineapple into the batter can introduce new dimensions that pair wonderfully with the existing flavors. Adjust the sugar slightly to balance these sweeter ingredients.

For a more adult version, consider adding light rum or coconut liqueur to both the cake and frosting for an additional flavor layer. Just a tablespoon in the frosting can lend a sophisticated twist without overpowering the original recipe’s intent.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cakes a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container until you're ready to frost and serve.

→ How should I store leftover cake?

Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving.

→ Can I substitute coconut milk?

Yes, if you're not a fan of coconut milk, you can use regular milk or any non-dairy milk you prefer.

→ How can I make this cake gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring that it measures the same as regular flour.