Minimal White Pisces Birthday Cake

Name: Minimal White Pisces Birthday Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups sugar; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 large eggs; 1 cup milk; 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt

Highlighted under: Celebration Flavors

I love making this Minimal White Pisces Birthday Cake for special occasions because it feels so elegant yet simple. The layers of fluffy white cake combined with a light buttercream frosting create a delightful treat that's perfect for anyone celebrating their birthday. I find that the minimalist design suits a variety of themes, and I appreciate how it allows for my personal touches, like fresh flowers or edible glitter. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser, and who doesn’t enjoy a slice of delicious cake?

Created by

Madeline Archer

Last updated on 2026-02-16T07:11:36.445Z

When I first baked this Minimal White Pisces Birthday Cake, I was amazed by how easy it was to achieve such an elegant look! I started with a simple white cake recipe, ensuring to measure the ingredients accurately to keep it light and fluffy. One key point I learned was to avoid over-mixing the batter once the flour is added; this preserves the cake's delicate structure.

To decorate, I whipped up a batch of smooth buttercream frosting, adding a hint of vanilla for depth. After stacking the layers, I took my time smoothing the frosting for that polished finish. Each slice reveals the simplicity of design without compromising on flavor, making it a true celebration in every bite!

Why You'll Love This Cake
Elegant and minimalistic design that fits any celebration
Light and fluffy texture that's melt-in-your-mouth delicious
Versatile flavor profile that can suit any palate

Mastering the Cake Layers

The foundation of this Minimal White Pisces Birthday Cake lies in the cake layers, which are crucial for achieving the desired fluffy texture. Make sure to cream the butter and sugar until light and airy, which should take about 3-4 minutes. This step incorporates air into the batter, contributing to the cake's leavening. Mixing the eggs in one at a time helps maintain the structure; be cautious to not overmix at this stage, as it could lead to a denser cake.

When preparing your oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C) to allow for even baking. The cake layers should take about 25 minutes to bake; a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. For the best results, avoid opening the oven door during the first 20 minutes, as this can cause the cake to sink. If you're unsure about your oven’s baking tendencies, you might want to invest in an oven thermometer.

Perfecting the Frosting

The buttercream frosting plays a vital role in adding flavor and moisture to each slice of cake. Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature; this usually means leaving it out for about 30-60 minutes. When you beat the butter, aim for a creamy consistency before gradually adding the powdered sugar. This will help achieve a light and fluffy frosting that is easy to spread without being overly sweet.

If you wish to adjust the sweetness of your frosting, consider reducing the powdered sugar slightly and adding more heavy cream to maintain the right consistency. This can produce a silkier texture that's perfect for a minimalist look. Additionally, if you're looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute the unsalted butter with vegan butter and use a plant-based cream, ensuring that you mix them well for a smooth result.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create your beautiful birthday cake:

For the Cake

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 large eggs
1 cup milk
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Buttercream Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before starting!

Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare your Minimal White Pisces Birthday Cake:

Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet, mixing until just combined.

Bake the Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly between two greased and floured 9-inch round cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Buttercream Frosting

In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with the heavy cream. Mix until light and fluffy, then stir in the vanilla extract and salt.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cake layers are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of buttercream on top. Place the second layer on top of the first and frost the top and sides of the cake with remaining buttercream. Smooth out the frosting for a polished look.

Decorate As Desired

Feel free to add fresh flowers, fruits, or edible glitter to decorate your cake for a festive touch. Serve and enjoy your Minimal White Pisces Birthday Cake in all its glory!

Enjoy every slice of this elegant cake!

Pro Tips

For a moist cake, do not overbake and use room temperature ingredients for the best results.

Creative Decoration Ideas

Decorating the Minimal White Pisces Birthday Cake allows you to showcase your personal style. Fresh flowers complement the cake’s elegant simplicity beautifully; just be sure to use food-safe blooms and wash them thoroughly before placement. Alternatively, a sprinkle of edible glitter can add just the right touch of celebration without overwhelming the minimalist aesthetic.

Try layering in some fresh fruit, like thinly sliced strawberries or raspberries, between the cake layers for a pop of color and flavor. This not only enhances the visual appeal of your cake but also introduces a refreshing taste contrast to the rich buttercream. Remember to choose fruits that won’t wilt too quickly.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

If you're planning to make the cake in advance, it stores very well. Once cooled, wrap each cake layer tightly in plastic wrap and freeze. This helps retain moisture and enhances the cake's texture upon defrosting. You can freeze the layers for up to a month. Just remember to bring them back to room temperature before frosting to avoid any condensation.

For the frosting, you can make it a day ahead as well. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and re-whip it with a bit more heavy cream for the best consistency before applying to the cake. This ensures that your frosting retains that light and fluffy texture which makes this cake a delight to eat.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different flavor of frosting?

Absolutely! You can experiment with chocolate, cream cheese, or fruit-flavored frostings.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.

→ Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day ahead. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to frost.

→ What can I add to the batter for extra flavor?

Consider adding citrus zest, almond extract, or even a splash of your favorite liqueur for added depth.