Pin it
This Galaxy Mirror Glaze cake steals the show at any party. Thanks to the sparkly finish, it looks like something straight out of space. Deep chocolate flavor with a smooth bite and a magical look that'll wow everyone. Want people talking about your dessert? This is the one to try.
The first time I made this cake, I was honestly shocked how simple it was to pull off that wild look. Now my family asks for it every birthday.
Ingredients
- Gel food coloring: That's how you get those spacey, popping shades. Gel types really hold up and don’t run everywhere.
- Bittersweet chocolate: Makes it super rich. Go for a bar with at least 60% cacao for extra chocolate punch.
- Gelatin: Makes your glaze shiny and smooth. Use the sheet kind—the texture turns out way better than the powder.
- Unsalted butter: Keeps things soft and creamy inside. Pick a fresh stick for the best melt and taste.
- Sweetened condensed milk: This is what gives the batter its sweetness. Fewer additives will taste best.
Simple Step-by-Step Guide
- Cut and serve:
- Grab a sharp knife and slice up the cake—every cut makes a new pattern. Now it’s officially time to dig in and enjoy.
- Pour on the glaze:
- Put the cooled cake on a rack. Start pouring the glaze from the center, letting it flow out. Let any extra drip off, then leave it to set.
- Get the glaze ready and color:
- Mix your melted chocolate with the gelatin in a bowl. Add the food coloring and stir gently until you like the swirl. Don’t go too fast or the colors will get muddy.
- Get the gelatin soaking:
- Drop your gelatin sheets into cold water. After they soften, melt them with a little bit of water on low. Don’t let it boil or it stops working.
- Bake and cool completely:
- Stick it in the oven, middle rack, and bake for about 25–30 minutes. Test the middle with a toothpick. Let the baked cake cool to room temp for that smooth finish.
- Add condensed milk:
- Stir sweetened condensed milk slowly into the melted chocolate mix. Watch for air bubbles. Pour it all into the pan and smooth it out.
- Melt chocolate and butter:
- Break both up and gently melt them together in a water bath. Stir until it’s super glossy and lump-free.
- Prep the pan:
- Heat the oven to 180°C, grab a round baking tin and some parchment. Grease the pan so the cake pops out later without a fight.
Pin it
Good to Know
This treat is always the talk of the table and kids go crazy for the galaxy design. Kept in the fridge, it stays tasty and moist for up to two days. Even baking newbies have got this. My favorite part? Mixing up that galaxy glaze—each time the look is totally unique. In our family, it’s tradition to decorate together and see what wild colors we get.
How to Store It
Pop the cake in the fridge, covered, and it’ll last close to three days. Use a tall cake box so you don’t mess up the glaze. If you’ve got leftovers, toss them in the freezer with parchment in between. That way you can grab single slices anytime.
Swap outs & Alternatives
You don’t have to use dark chocolate—a semi-sweet block or couverture works too. Need dairy-free? Go with plant butter. Make it veggie by switching gelatin for agar agar, it works fine. Feel free to pick any food color you’re into.
Ways to Show Off Your Galaxy Cake
No matter the bash—from birthdays to New Year’s—people always love this one. It’s a showstopper at kids’ parties too. Goes great with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or some fresh berries. Sometimes I scatter silver sugar pearls on top like space stars.
Mirror Glaze: What’s the Buzz?
Mirror glazes come from modern French pastry chefs. The galaxy style got big thanks to food bloggers—it’s all about getting creative with color and patterns. The taste is great, but really it’s about catching eyes on the dessert table.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What makes the glaze super shiny?
The glaze shines because it mixes chocolate, gelatin, and sweet condensed milk. They come together to create that glossy finish on top.
- → Why do you need food coloring?
Food colors give the surface those awesome galaxy swirls and patterns, so your cake looks super creative and unique.
- → Why cool the cake before glazing?
If the cake isn’t cool, the glaze won’t spread right and might soak in. Cooling it keeps the finish smooth and neat.
- → Can you swap the chocolate type?
Dark chocolate gives a strong taste. If you want something softer, try milk chocolate instead for a milder flavor.
- → How long does it stay good?
Keep it in the fridge and you’re good for at least a couple of days. The glossy look holds up, too.