Frankenstein Cake

This Frankenstein Cake is the ultimate Halloween treat that will wow your guests! With its striking green velvet layers and smooth cream cheese buttercream, it’s perfect for parties, celebrations, or just a fun festive dessert. Not only does it look incredible, but it also offers delightful flavors that everyone will enjoy. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this spooky yet delicious cake!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Eye-catching Design: The vibrant green color and creative decorations make this cake a standout centerpiece for any Halloween gathering.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of rich velvet cake and creamy frosting creates a mouthwatering experience that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
• Versatile Occasion: Perfect for Halloween parties, birthday celebrations, or simply as a fun baking project to enjoy with loved ones.
• Easy to Follow: This recipe is straightforward, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
• Makes Plenty: With 20 servings, it’s great for sharing at large gatherings or events.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools and equipment. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 10-inch greaseproof cake board
• Spinning cake stand
• Small offset spatula
• Large piping bag
• Small piping bags (3)
• Large round piping tips (2)
• Small round piping tip
• Tiny piping tip

Importance of Each Tool

• Spinning Cake Stand: Allows you to easily decorate the cake from all angles without moving it around.
• Piping Bags: Essential for creating beautiful frosting designs and decorations on your Frankenstein cake.

Ingredients

For the Cake Layers

• 2 1/2 cups cake flour (300g)
• 2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted (10g)
• 1 tsp baking soda (6g)
• 1/2 tsp fine salt (3g)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (113g)
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar (350g)
• 2 large eggs, room temperature (112g)
• 1 1/4 cups buttermilk, room temperature (300g)
• 2/3 cup vegetable or canola oil (145g)
• 2 squirts of green gel food coloring (or 1 Tbsp liquid food coloring)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (8g)
• 1 tsp white vinegar (4g)

For the Cream Cheese Buttercream

• 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, room temperature (339g – 3 sticks)
• 1/2 cup full-fat cream cheese, room temperature (113g or 4 oz.)
• 1 Tbsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (12g)
• 1 tsp fine salt (6g)
• 8 cups powdered sugar (1000g)
• 2 Tbsp heavy whipping cream, room temperature (30g)

For Decoration

• Electric Green Gel Food Coloring
• Black Gel Food Coloring

How to Make Frankenstein Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing them with butter and lining the bottoms with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine:
1. Cake flour
2. Cocoa powder
3. Baking soda
4. Salt

Whisk them together until well combined.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Wet Ingredients

Add the eggs one at a time to the butter mixture. Then mix in buttermilk, vegetable oil, green gel food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar until all ingredients are well blended.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.

Step 6: Bake the Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for about 28 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool in pans for about 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks.

Step 7: Prepare Cream Cheese Buttercream

In a mixing bowl, beat together unsalted butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add in powdered sugar while mixing on low speed. Once combined, add in vanilla extract, salt, and heavy cream. Whip until fluffy.

Step 8: Assemble Your Cake

Once cooled completely:
– Level off any domes on your cakes using a serrated knife.
– Place one layer on your serving board.
– Spread an even layer of cream cheese frosting on top before adding the second layer.
– Frost the top and sides of your cake with remaining frosting.

Step 9: Decorate Your Frankenstein Cake

Using different piping tips and colored gels:
– Create fun designs like stitches and eyes.
– Use black gel food coloring for accents to enhance the spooky effect!

Now you have an amazing Frankenstein Cake ready to impress at any celebration! Enjoy every bite!

How to Serve Frankenstein Cake

This Frankenstein cake is not just a treat for the taste buds; it’s also a visual delight! Here are some fun ways to serve this spooky dessert at your next Halloween gathering.

Fun Halloween Plates

• Use themed plates to enhance the spooky vibe of your dessert table. Look for skulls, pumpkins, or ghost designs.

Ghostly Scoops

• Serve slices of Frankenstein cake alongside scoops of vanilla or green-tinted ice cream for a delightful contrast that complements the flavors.

Creative Garnishes

• Add edible decorations like candy eyeballs or gummy worms on top of each slice. This adds an extra scare factor and makes for great photos!

Pair with Spooky Drinks

• Offer themed drinks such as “witches’ brew” punch made from fruit juices and sparkling water. It keeps the Halloween spirit alive while refreshing guests.

Mini Cake Slices

• Cut the cake into mini slices for easy serving and snacking. This allows guests to enjoy multiple treats without overindulging!

How to Perfect Frankenstein Cake

Creating the ultimate Frankenstein cake requires attention to detail and some handy tips. Follow these suggestions to ensure your cake stands out!

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature for better mixing and an airy texture.

• Sift Dry Ingredients: Sifting flour and cocoa powder helps eliminate lumps and ensures even distribution, leading to a smoother batter.

• Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until combined. Overmixing can result in a dense cake, defeating the purpose of that light and fluffy texture.

• Check Oven Temperature: Always use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy. Baking at the right temperature is key for proper rising.

• Cool Completely: Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting. This prevents melting your icing and helps maintain sharp edges.

Best Side Dishes for Frankenstein Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Frankenstein cake can elevate the entire dining experience. Here are some delightful options:

1. Spooky Salad: A mixed greens salad topped with pumpkin seeds and cranberries brings crunch and color without overpowering the sweetness of the cake.

2. Ghostly Fruit Platter: Arrange fruits like bananas, grapes, and oranges shaped into ghostly figures or jack-o’-lanterns for a healthy snack option.

3. Creepy Cheese Board: Include a variety of cheeses, crackers, and spooky-themed accompaniments like black olives shaped like spiders.

4. Witch’s Brew Soup: A vibrant green soup made from peas or spinach can complement the green velvet theme while being light on the palate.

5. Mummy Hot Dogs: Wrap turkey hot dogs in crescent dough strips to create mummy shapes; they are fun finger foods that kids will love.

6. Zombie Veggie Platter: Create a platter filled with assorted vegetables arranged creatively with dips that resemble slime or gooey potions!

7. Pumpkin Spice Muffins: These sweet treats echo autumn flavors, making them perfect companions alongside your decadent cake.

8. Chocolate Pudding Cups: These mini desserts topped with whipped cream can provide an additional chocolate flavor that pairs well with the cake’s richness!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Frankenstein cake, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Incorrect Measurements: Always measure your ingredients accurately. Use a kitchen scale for precision, especially for flour and sugar.
• Skipping Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature. This helps create a smooth batter and better texture.
• Under or Overmixing Batter: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake; undermixing may leave lumps that affect the texture.
• Not Adjusting Oven Temperature: Every oven is different. Always check your cake a few minutes early to prevent overbaking.
• Poor Cooling Technique: Allow the cake layers to cool completely in the pans before transferring them. This prevents breakage and ensures a nicer finish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep layers separated with parchment paper if possible to maintain texture.

Freezing Frankenstein Cake

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating Frankenstein Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Warm wrapped slices for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 15-30 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Frankenstein cake.

How do I achieve the best green color for my Frankenstein Cake?

Using gel food coloring will give you a vibrant hue. Start with two squirts and adjust as needed until you reach the desired shade.

Can I use other flavors instead of vanilla?

Absolutely! You can experiment with almond extract or lemon zest for a unique twist on your Frankenstein cake.

What can I substitute for buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk, mix one cup of milk with one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for five minutes before using.

How can I customize my Frankenstein Cake design?

Feel free to add fun decorations like candy eyes or themed sprinkles. You can also pipe different designs with colored buttercream for more flair.

Is this recipe suitable for large gatherings?

Yes! This recipe makes enough servings for about 20 people, making it perfect for parties or celebrations.

Final Thoughts

This Frankenstein cake is not only spooky but also delicious! Its moist green velvet layers paired with cream cheese buttercream make it a crowd-pleaser at any Halloween gathering. Feel free to get creative with decorations or even flavors to suit your taste!