GALAXY CAKE RECIPES

Steps:

• Galaxy cakes have exploded on Instagram, but making the mirror glaze on top can be tricky. We created this easy version using store-bought frosting instead. Place a round layer cake on an upside-down cake pan set on a baking sheet and cover with a thin, even layer of white frosting. Tint 2 cups frosting dark blue using gel food coloring, then tint another 1/2 cup teal, 1/2 cup purple and 1/2 cup royal blue. Microwave the dark blue frosting in 30-second intervals until it's very runny, then repeat with the other colors. Working quickly, pour the dark blue frosting over the cake to cover completely, letting it drip down the side. Drizzle a few lines of the other colors over the cake, then smooth over them with an offset spatula. Using a small pastry brush, splatter the top with white food coloring, sprinkle with edible glitter and let set.

Steps:

• SPECIAL EQUIPMENT:.
• 4-inch round cutter, pastry bag, 1-inch round pastry tip, candy thermometer, large offset spatula and small paintbrush.
• MAKE THE CAKE:.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line 4 (8-inch) cake pans with parchment paper and spray with non-stick cooking spray.
• In a large bowl, stir together cake mixes, eggs, water and oil until thoroughly combined.
• Evenly divide batter between the prepared cake pans. Bake for about 35 minutes until a tester inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Set aside to cool.
• Once completely cooled, remove from pans. Use a serrated knife to level off the domed tops of the cakes.
• In a large bowl, place the contents of the cans of frosting. Add purple food coloring until the desired color is reached and mix until fully incorporated. Fit piping bag with a large round tip. Add purple frosting.
• Attach one cake layer to a cake board with a dollop of frosting. Place a 4-inch circle cookie cutter in the center of the cake and fully frost around it, leaving the area inside the cookie cutter.
• Then, use the cookie cutter to cut out a center hole in the middle of the next two layers.
• Place a layer on top of the first, frost the ring of cake, then place the next cut layer on top.
• Fill the center cavity of the cake with a mix of galaxy sprinkles, M&Ms, rock candy and Pop Rocks.
• Add a final layer of frosting around the cake ring and attach the last cake layer upside down.
• Frost the top and sides of the cake with a thin, even layer of frosting to trap in any crumbs.
• Chill cake, uncovered, in a fridge for 30 minutes.
• Once chilled, add a 1/2-inch layer of frosting around the entire cake with the remaining frosting. Smooth the tops and sides of the cake. Make sure top coat is straight and level. The smoother the coat of frosting, the better the mirror glaze will adhere.
• Chill in fridge 1 hour.
• MAKE THE GLAZE:.
• Place white chocolate chips in a large bowl. Set aside.
• Whisk together 1/3 cup cold water and gelatin in a small bowl until smooth. Set aside.
• In a small pot over medium-high heat, stir together 1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons water, sugar and corn syrup. Bring to a boil.
• Remove from heat and whisk in gelatin. Mix until smooth. Add condensed milk and mix until combined.
• Pour mixture over white chocolate chips. Whisk until smooth.
• Stir occasionally while the mixture cools to 95 degrees F, using a candy thermometer.
• Take out 3/4 cup of the mixture and divide between 3 bowls.
• Color the large portion navy blue. Color the three smaller portions light blue, magenta and purple.
• Place cake on an upside bowl glass or cake pan set on a parchment-lined baking sheet. The diameter of the glass or pan should be smaller than the diameter of the cake.
• Once the temperature of the glazes reaches 90 degrees F, pour the dark blue glaze all over the cake. The excess glaze will run down the sides of the cake and into the pan.
• Using a spoon, create streaks across the cake with the light blue, magenta, and purple glazes.
• Gently glide a large offset spatula across the top of the cake to smooth the top and create a marbled effect. Let the excess glaze drip off.
• Use a small paint brush to splatter glitter all over the cake, then sprinkle with silver stars.
• Once the glaze has set, about 20 minutes, cut off the excess glaze drips.
• Cake can be stored, covered, for up to 5 days in the fridge.