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Perfect Leo Constellation Galaxy Cake with Edible Gold Stars

Leo Constellation Galaxy Cake - featured image

A rich, moist chocolate galaxy cake decorated with swirling cosmic frosting and edible gold stars arranged in the Leo constellation pattern. Quick and easy to make with pantry staples, perfect for celebrations and themed parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • ¾ cup (75 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (115 g) butter, softened
  • 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (240 ml) hot water
  • 1 cup (230 g) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 4 cups (480 g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 34 tablespoons (4560 ml) heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • Gel food coloring: navy blue, purple, black, white (a few drops each)
  • 5060 edible gold stars
  • Silver edible glitter (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round pans, line bottoms with parchment paper, and grease again.
  2. In a large bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisk to combine.
  3. Using a mixer, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
  5. Add dry ingredients in thirds alternately with buttermilk, starting and ending with flour mixture. Mix gently.
  6. Slowly add hot water and mix until smooth. Batter will be thin.
  7. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Tap pans gently to release air bubbles.
  8. Bake 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cakes should spring back when pressed.
  9. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to racks to cool completely.
  10. For frosting, beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar alternating with heavy cream. Stir in vanilla extract.
  11. Divide frosting into four bowls. Tint with navy blue, purple, black, and leave one white using gel food coloring.
  12. On a flat plate, place dollops of each color side by side. Use an offset spatula to pick up mixed colors and spread thinly on cake, swirling gently to mimic a galaxy.
  13. Repeat frosting on all sides and top of cake.
  14. Using a food-safe paintbrush or toothpick, carefully place edible gold stars to outline the Leo constellation on top of the cake. Scatter additional stars around for effect.
  15. Optionally sprinkle silver edible glitter over the cake for extra sparkle.
  16. Chill briefly if frosting is too soft for star placement.

Notes

Do not over-mix batter after adding flour to keep cake light and fluffy. Use gel food coloring for vibrant frosting colors. Chill frosting slightly if too soft for detailed star placement. Keep cake layers cool before frosting to prevent melting. You can substitute almond or oat flour for gluten-free, and coconut cream for dairy-free frosting.

Nutrition

Keywords: galaxy cake, Leo constellation cake, edible gold stars, chocolate cake, cosmic cake, easy celebration cake, themed cake, starry cake