Man on the Moon Cake with Lunar Icing
Blast off into dessert heaven with the "Man on the Moon Cake with Lunar Icing," a chocolate lover's dream inspired by the mysteries of outer space! This towering creation features rich, tender layers of cocoa-infused cake made ultra-moist with boiling water, perfectly complemented by a light and fluffy marshmallow creme frosting. The show-stopping lunar icing gets its moon-like finish from craters and peaks formed with a spatula, plus an optional touch of gray food coloring for a celestial effect. Whether you're crafting this for a space-themed party or just indulging your inner astronaut, this cake is sure to orbit the minds of everyone who takes a bite. Ready in about an hour and serving up to 12, it's the perfect centerpiece for any occasion that aims for the stars.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- 2 cups Granulated sugar
- 0.75 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons Baking soda
- 1 teaspoon Baking powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 cup Whole milk
- 0.5 cup Vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla extract
- 1 cup Boiling water
- 1 cup Unsalted butter
- 3 cups Powdered sugar
- 2 cups Marshmallow creme
- 2 tablespoons Heavy cream
- 1-2 drops Gray food coloring (optional, for lunar effect)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, then line the bottoms with parchment paper for easier release.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat with a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until smooth and well incorporated.
Slowly add the boiling water to the batter, mixing on low speed to avoid splatters. The batter will be thin, which is normal.
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
To prepare the lunar icing, beat the butter in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing on low until combined.
Fold in the marshmallow creme and heavy cream. Beat on high speed until the frosting is light and fluffy. If desired, add 1-2 drops of gray food coloring and mix well to achieve a moon-like effect.
Once the cakes are completely cool, level the tops with a knife if necessary to ensure they are even. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a thick layer of frosting on top.
Place the second cake layer on top and spread a thin crumb coat of frosting over the entire cake. Chill for 15 minutes to set.
Apply the remaining frosting to the cake, creating peaks and craters with a spatula or using the back of a spoon to mimic the moon's surface.
Optional: Decorate with edible star sprinkles or small astronaut-themed toppers for a final celestial touch. Slice and serve to enjoy the out-of-this-world flavors!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
7958 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 255.2 g | 327% | |
| Saturated Fat | 99.2 g | 496% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 67.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 679 mg | 226% | |
| Sodium | 5921 mg | 257% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 1468.2 g | 534% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 70.8 g | 253% | |
| Total Sugars | 1089.5 g | ||
| Protein | 81.9 g | 164% | |
| Vitamin D | 4.7 mcg | 24% | |
| Calcium | 632 mg | 49% | |
| Iron | 41.7 mg | 232% | |
| Potassium | 3525 mg | 75% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
