Pisces Almond Joy Cake

Name: Pisces Almond Joy Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar; ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; 1 cup whole milk; ½ cup vegetable oil; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup boiling water; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon almond extract; 2 tablespoons milk; 1 ½ cups shredded coconut; 1 cup toasted almonds, chopped; Chocolate shavings; Whole toasted almonds

Highlighted under: Sweet Baking Recipes

I created the Pisces Almond Joy Cake to combine the flavors I adore into a festive treat. With layers of moist chocolate cake, creamy almond frosting, and a sweet coconut finish, it's a dessert that never fails to impress. Each bite brings a delightful crunch from the toasted almonds, making it a perfect centerpiece for any gathering. I love how this recipe brings smiles and happy memories, bringing together friends and family to indulge in its rich, nutty flavor.

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2026-01-30T00:13:28.384Z

When I first envisioned the Pisces Almond Joy Cake, it was all about creating a dessert that embodied the indulgence of the classic candy bar. That almond-coconut-chocolate combination simply calls out to be transformed into a sliceable cake! After a few trials, I found that adding almond extract not only intensified the flavor but gave a beautiful balance when paired with rich chocolate.

One particular detail I discovered was that toasting the almonds before adding them as a topping really elevates the flavor. The nutty aroma wafts through the kitchen and sets the tone for the final product. It’s an impressive cake to serve that’s sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Rich chocolate flavor paired with creamy almond frosting
Deliciously moist texture complemented by a coconut finish
Perfect for celebrations or as a special treat any time

Perfecting the Chocolate Cake Layers

The chocolate cake layers are the foundation of the Pisces Almond Joy Cake, and getting them just right is essential. Make sure to sift the dry ingredients like the cocoa powder to avoid clumps that can ruin the texture. It’s important to mix the batter thoroughly; however, be cautious not to overmix once you add the boiling water. This step helps the cocoa dissolve completely and results in a rich, moist cake. You’ll know when the cakes are done when they spring back slightly when pressed and make a light thumping sound when tapped.

After baking, allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling process is critical; if you remove them too soon, you risk them breaking apart. While they cool, don’t rush preparing the frosting. Waiting until the cakes are fully set will help you avoid a melty mess when spreading the frosting.

Crafting Light and Creamy Almond Frosting

The almond frosting is what elevates this cake from ordinary to extraordinary. Start by ensuring your butter is at room temperature; this helps it whip up light and fluffy. To make the frosting extra creamy, I recommend starting on a low speed to mix in the powdered sugar and then gradually increasing to medium. If you find the frosting too thick after adding the almond extract and milk, you can adjust the consistency by adding an extra tablespoon of milk until it's smooth and spreadable.

Folding in the shredded coconut and toasted almonds at the end not only boosts the flavor but also adds a delightful crunch. Be gentle when folding these ingredients; you want to keep that airy texture in the frosting while ensuring an even distribution of flavor and texture throughout your cake.

Decorating and Serving Your Cake

To create an eye-catching presentation, it's important to master the cake assembly and decoration. Use a cake turntable if you have one; it makes spreading the frosting much easier. When assembling, try to position the first layer upside down so that the flatter top surface is facing up. This gives your final cake a level top and allows for cleaner frosting application. As for decorating, I find that a few chocolate shavings scattered across the top and sides, along with whole toasted almonds, create a beautiful contrast against the white frosting.

If you have leftovers, store the cake covered at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate it for about a week. Should you want to prepare this cake ahead of time, you can bake and freeze the layers for up to a month. Just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Defrost the cakes in the fridge overnight before frosting to keep them moist.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create the Pisces Almond Joy Cake:

For the Cake

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
½ cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water

For the Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon almond extract
2 tablespoons milk
1 ½ cups shredded coconut
1 cup toasted almonds, chopped

For Decoration

Chocolate shavings
Whole toasted almonds

With these ingredients on hand, you’re ready to start baking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to assemble your Pisces Almond Joy Cake:

Prepare the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla; mix until smooth. Carefully stir in boiling water, and pour batter evenly into prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Make the Frosting

While the cakes are cooling, beat the softened butter in a large bowl until creamy. Gradually mix in powdered sugar, almond extract, and milk until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. Fold in the shredded coconut and chopped toasted almonds for added texture.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top, then place the second cake layer on top. Use the remaining frosting to cover the top and sides of the cake. Decorate with chocolate shavings and whole toasted almonds for an elegant touch.

Now your delicious Pisces Almond Joy Cake is ready to be enjoyed!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of coconut milk in the frosting. Also, remember to keep the cake tightly covered to maintain moisture.

Ingredient Substitutions and Adjustments

If you're looking to make a gluten-free version of this cake, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that the blend you choose includes xanthan gum to help the cake structure hold up. For those looking to reduce sugar, consider substituting half of the granulated sugar with a sugar alternative like coconut sugar, which adds a slight caramel flavor without compromising moisture.

For a dairy-free version, swap out the whole milk for almond milk and replace the butter in the frosting with a dairy-free buttery spread. Just keep in mind that these adjustments can slightly alter the texture and flavor, but they still produce a deliciously satisfying alternative.

Scaling the Recipe

If you're hosting a larger gathering, feel free to double the recipe and create a three-tier cake by baking in 8-inch or 9-inch round pans. Just be mindful to adjust the baking time; larger layers may need an additional 5-10 minutes. Alternatively, you can also bake the batter in a 9x13-inch pan for a sheet cake version, which generally bakes faster, about 25-30 minutes, but still check doneness with a toothpick.

Scaling down the recipe is simple as well. To make a smaller cake, halve the ingredients and bake in a single 9-inch round pan. The baking time will be reduced, so keep an eye on it after about 25 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this as a single layer cake?

Yes, simply halve the ingredients and bake in a single 9-inch round pan.

→ How should I store leftover cake?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

→ Can I use different nuts instead of almonds?

Absolutely! Pecans or walnuts can be delightful alternatives.

→ Is this cake suitable for freezing?

Yes, you can freeze the cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 2 months.