Playful Vanilla Fish-shaped Cake
This playful vanilla fish-shaped cake is perfect for birthdays or ocean-themed parties. With a tender vanilla cake and fluffy buttercream frosting, it's as delicious as it is adorable.
Equipment
- 9x13 inch baking pan
- parchment paper
- large bowls
- whisk
- electric mixer
- wire rack
- sharp knife
- cutting board
- serving platter
- spatula
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups unsalted butter, softened
- 2 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
For the Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4-5 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3-5 tablespoons whole milk or heavy cream
- 1 Gel food coloring (blue, green, yellow, orange – or your preferred fish colors)
Decorations:
- Round chocolate candies (for eyes)
- Assorted sprinkles, edible glitter, or small candies (for scales and fins)
Instructions
Baking the Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9x13 inch baking pan by greasing, flouring, and lining the bottom with parchment paper.
- Cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Frosting and Decorating
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy, then gradually add sifted powdered sugar and milk/cream until the desired consistency is reached, and beat in the vanilla extract.
- Once the cake is fully cooled, place it on a cutting board and cut a diagonal wedge from one corner to form the tail; remove the wedge.
- Transfer the main cake body to a serving platter and position the removed wedge at the back to form the tail, trimming if necessary.
- Apply a thin crumb coat of buttercream over the entire fish shape and chill for 15-20 minutes.
- Divide the remaining buttercream, color with gel food coloring, and frost the fish, getting creative with colors for fins, scales, and patterns.
- Decorate with round chocolate candies for eyes and use sprinkles, edible glitter, or other candies for scales, lips, and fin details.
Notes
Ensure the cake is completely cooled before cutting and frosting to prevent crumbling and melting of the frosting. For vibrant colors, use gel food coloring. Don't be afraid to get creative with your decorations!