Dreamy Mermaid Cake 🧜‍♀️🌊💫

A whimsical pastel ocean-themed cake with coconut or vanilla flavors, designed to capture Pisces’ dreamy, artistic, and intuitive soul.

Ingredients

For the Coconut or Vanilla Cake:

• 2 ½ cups (310g) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or coconut extract for a tropical twist)
• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
• ½ cup (120g) shredded coconut (optional, for coconut flavor)
• ½ cup (120ml) coconut milk (if using coconut flavor)

For the Mermaid Buttercream Frosting:

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 ½ cups (420g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or coconut extract for a tropical touch)
• 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream
• Pastel food coloring (light pink, mint green, lavender, and pale blue)

For the Ocean Glaze (Optional):

• ½ cup (120g) white chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• Blue food coloring (to match ocean tones)
• Edible shimmer dust or glitter (optional for added sparkle)

For Decoration:

• Edible pearls or star-shaped sprinkles
• Shredded coconut (for “beach” effect)
• Mermaid tail or shell-shaped fondant decorations
• Fresh flowers or edible seaweed (optional for extra artistry)

Instructions

Make the Coconut or Vanilla Cake:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract (or coconut extract).
5. Mix in coconut milk and regular milk until smooth. If you want a coconut flavor, stir in shredded coconut.
6. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until combined.
7. Divide the batter evenly between the pans and bake for 28-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Mermaid Buttercream Frosting:

1. Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until smooth.
2. Stir in vanilla (or coconut extract) and heavy cream until the frosting reaches a soft, smooth consistency.
3. Divide the frosting into small bowls and color each one with pastel food coloring (pink, lavender, mint green, and pale blue).

Make the Ocean Glaze (Optional):

1. Heat heavy cream until simmering, then pour over white chocolate chips.
2. Stir until smooth, then add blue food coloring to match ocean tones.
3. Optional: Stir in edible shimmer dust or glitter for extra sparkle.

Assemble the Cake:

1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and frost with a layer of pastel-colored buttercream in waves.
2. Add the second cake layer and frost the entire cake, blending the colors for an ombré or ocean wave effect.
3. Swirl the frosting lightly to create a dreamy, watercolor look.

Create the Ocean-Inspired Decoration:

• Drizzle the ocean glaze over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
• Sprinkle edible pearls or star-shaped sprinkles over the top for a magical effect.
• Use shredded coconut around the base to create a “beach” feel.
• Decorate with mermaid tail or shell-shaped fondant pieces, fresh flowers, or edible seaweed for a natural, artistic look.

🌊 A dreamy, artistic cake that embodies the ethereal, intuitive essence of Pisces!