Ocean Cake

The idea for this cake came to me while watching my niece build sandcastles during a quiet beach afternoon.

She was so focused—piling crushed shells, smoothing out the “waves,” and carefully placing a cookie she’d saved for the top.

It reminded me how much joy can live in the small details. That feeling became this cake.

This ocean cake isn’t just decorated to look like the sea—it feels like it was made by someone who’s been daydreaming about tide pools and gentle surf.

The frosting swirls like soft waves, the “sand” has the crunch of sweet biscuits, and each fondant character tells its own little story.

There’s a dolphin racing through the icing, a crab with wide eyes and a crumb-covered smile, and a sandy beach scattered with chocolate shells and cookie rocks.

It’s not made to be perfect or overly polished. The beauty is in its playful, messy layers—just like real shorelines.

If you’ve got a summer birthday, beach-themed party, or just love the ocean enough to put it on a cake, this one’s worth every step.

Ocean Cake Recipe

Ingredients

For The Vanilla Cake (Three 8-Inch Layers)

3 cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
2 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp fine salt
1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs (room temperature)
1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
1 cup whole milk (room temperature)
½ cup plain yogurt or sour cream

For The Vanilla Buttercream

2 cups unsalted butter (room temperature)
6 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
3 tbsp heavy cream or milk
2 tsp vanilla extract
Blue gel food coloring (sky blue and turquoise tones)
White gel food coloring (if needed for touch-ups)

For The Ocean & Beach Decorations

Graham crackers or digestive biscuits (crushed into fine crumbs)
White chocolate or fondant seashells
Fondant dolphins, crabs, starfish (store-bought or homemade with silicone molds)
Optional: Mini fondant sea plants, candy pearls, or edible eyes for characters

2 round tea biscuits or cookies (for background “rocks”)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes on medium-high speed).

Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract.
Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk/yogurt mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—don’t overbeat.
Divide batter evenly among prepared pans. Smooth tops with a spatula.

Bake for 25–28 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
While cakes cool, make the buttercream. Beat butter for 3 minutes until creamy. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, beating after each addition.
Add vanilla and cream, then beat for another 2–3 minutes until fluffy. Divide frosting into three bowls: leave one white, tint one sky blue, and one turquoise.

Stack the cakes with a thin layer of white buttercream between each. Apply a crumb coat using remaining white frosting and chill the cake for 30 minutes.
Using an offset spatula, apply swipes of each blue shade and white in rough horizontal waves around the cake. Blend slightly for a sea-swirled effect.
Press crushed graham crackers or biscuit crumbs along the top and base of the cake to create a “sandy beach.”

Gently press fondant or chocolate seashells into the crumb topping and around the base.
Arrange fondant dolphins and fish onto the sides of the cake, pressing lightly into the buttercream.
Finish with a fondant starfish, cookies standing up as rocks, and a cheerful fondant crab front and center.

Chill the cake for 30 minutes to set decorations before serving.

How Can I Store The Ocean Cake And Keep It Fresh?

Storing your ocean cake the right way helps keep it moist, tasty, and safe to eat for days.

Room Temperature Storage (Short Term): If your kitchen is cool, you can keep the cake covered at room temperature for up to 1 day. Use a cake dome or a large bowl flipped over the top to keep the frosting protected from dust or drying out.

Refrigerator Storage (Up To 5 Days): Place the cake in an airtight container or cover it with plastic wrap. Keep it in the fridge if it has buttercream and fondant decorations. Take it out about 30 minutes before serving to soften.
Freezer Storage (Up To 2 Months): Slice the cake and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place the wrapped slices in a ziplock bag or freezer-safe box. Thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours before eating.
Avoid Moisture Traps: If fondant decorations start to “sweat” in the fridge, pat them gently with a paper towel after bringing the cake back to room temperature.

Can I Make The Cake Layers In Advance?

Yes, you can bake the cake layers ahead of time so you don’t have to do everything on the same day.

Bake And Cool: Bake the layers, let them cool completely, then wrap each one in plastic wrap.
Store In Fridge: You can refrigerate the wrapped layers for up to 3 days.

Store In Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the wrapped layers. Place them in a ziplock bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting.
Frost Slightly Cold Cakes: Chilled layers are easier to frost because they don’t crumble as much.

How Do I Make The Frosting Look Like Ocean Waves?

Creating the wave effect is easier than it looks—you just need the right colors and tools.

Use An Offset Spatula: This helps spread the frosting smoothly in long swipes.
Use 2–3 Shades Of Blue: Blend sky blue, turquoise, and white frosting around the cake in soft horizontal streaks. Don’t overmix the colors—leave some swirl for a natural look.
Apply Colors In Patches: Add small sections of each color, then blend with your spatula for that “moving water” look.

Work Quickly: Frosting sets fast, so do this part right after coloring your buttercream.

What Can I Use For The Edible Sand?

The “sand” on this cake is tasty, crunchy, and very easy to make at home using ingredients from your pantry.

Use Graham Crackers Or Digestive Biscuits: Crush them into fine crumbs using a food processor or rolling pin.

Add A Touch Of Brown Sugar (Optional): If you want a golden beach look, mix a bit of light brown sugar into the crumbs.
Don’t Over-Crush: Leave a few slightly bigger bits for texture—it makes the sand look more realistic.
Where To Put It: Sprinkle it on the top and base of the cake after frosting. Press it gently into the buttercream so it sticks.

Can I Use Store-Bought Fondant Decorations?

Yes, store-bought fondant decorations are great for saving time and still making your cake look amazing.

Buy From Cake Supply Stores Or Online: Look for sea-themed sets like crabs, dolphins, shells, and starfish.
Use Silicone Molds If Making Your Own: These help shape fondant easily without needing sculpting skills.

Let Them Dry Before Adding: If making them at home, allow your fondant figures to dry slightly so they hold their shape better on the cake.
Stick With Buttercream: Press them gently onto soft frosting. If your buttercream has set, use a dab of water or frosting to stick them on.

How Do I Transport The Ocean Cake Safely?

If you’re taking the cake to a party or another location, packing it properly will prevent damage.

Use A Cake Carrier: A sturdy cake box with a lid helps keep it protected and easy to carry.
Chill Before Moving: Cold buttercream holds better. Chill the cake for 30–60 minutes before moving it.
Keep It Flat: Transport the cake on a flat surface in the car—never on a slanted seat. A box on the floor of the car is usually safest.

Drive Gently: Avoid hard turns and bumpy roads. Drive slowly and take your time.

Can I Change The Colors Of The Ocean Cake?

Yes, you can make the ocean cake match any theme or personal taste.

Switch Up The Blues: Use darker navy for deep ocean vibes or pastel blues for a soft sea look.

Add Other Ocean Colors: Add sea green, coral pink, or sandy tan shades to match shells or fish.
Match Party Themes: Change the color palette to go with party decor—like mermaid themes or tropical parties.
Keep It Balanced: Stick to 2–3 main tones to avoid overwhelming the design.