Frankenstein Cake

This Frankenstein Cake is the ultimate Halloween dessert! With its vibrant green velvet layers and delicious cream cheese buttercream, this cake is sure to impress at any spooky celebration. Perfect for themed parties or as a fun treat for kids, it stands out with its unique colors and flavors. Get ready to create a show-stopping centerpiece that is both delightful and easy to make!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Eye-catching design: The bright green color makes this cake visually appealing for Halloween festivities.
• Moist texture: The combination of buttermilk and oil ensures a moist, tender crumb in every bite.
• Versatile flavor: The rich cream cheese buttercream pairs perfectly with the chocolate undertones of the green velvet cake.
• Fun to decorate: Unleash your creativity while decorating, making it a fun project for bakers of all ages.
• Feeds a crowd: This recipe yields up to 20 servings, making it ideal for gatherings and celebrations.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into baking, gather your tools and equipment to ensure a smooth process.

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: Makes decorating easier by allowing you to rotate the cake smoothly while piping or smoothing frosting.
• Large piping bag: Ideal for applying large amounts of frosting quickly and efficiently.

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Ingredients

To create this tasty Frankenstein Cake, you’ll need the following 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). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

In a large bowl:
1. Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. In another bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. Alternate adding dry ingredients with buttermilk and oil. Mix until just combined.
5. Stir in green food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar.

Step 3: Bake the Cakes

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

Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Buttercream

In a mixing bowl:
1. Beat butter until creamy.
2. Add cream cheese and continue beating until smooth.
3. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing on low speed.
4. Add heavy cream, salt, and vanilla; mix until well combined.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake

Once cakes are completely cooled:
– Level off tops if necessary using an offset spatula.
– Place one layer on a cake board; spread a layer of buttercream on top.
– Place second layer on top; frost entire cake with remaining buttercream.

Step 6: Decorate Your Frankenstein Cake

Use electric green gel food coloring to create fun designs:
– Pipe features like eyes, stitches using various piping tips for details.

Enjoy your delicious Frankenstein Cake at your next Halloween gathering!

How to Serve Frankenstein Cake

Frankenstein Cake is a delightful centerpiece for any Halloween gathering. Its vibrant green color and spooky design make it perfect for entertaining. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your dessert experience.

For a Spooky Presentation

• Use black plates or dishes to contrast the bright green cake.
• Garnish with edible eyes or plastic spiders for added fright.

With Halloween-themed Drinks

• Pair with apple cider or a non-alcoholic punch to complement the flavors.
• Offer colorful fruit juices in themed cups for kids.

As Part of a Dessert Table

• Include other Halloween-themed treats like ghost cookies and pumpkin cupcakes.
• Arrange the cake as the main attraction in the center of the table.

Individual Servings

• Cut into small squares and place on decorative paper doilies.
• Serve in mini cake boxes for guests to take home.

How to Perfect Frankenstein Cake

Perfecting your Frankenstein Cake will ensure it stands out at your Halloween celebration. Here are some tips to get it just right.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps achieve a smooth batter and fluffy texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined to keep the cake tender and moist.
• Level Your Cakes: Trim the tops of each layer for even stacking and a professional look.
• Chill Your Buttercream: A cooler buttercream will be easier to pipe and hold its shape better.
• Color Gradation: Use varying shades of green for decoration, adding depth and interest.

Best Side Dishes for Frankenstein Cake

Serving side dishes alongside your Frankenstein Cake can enhance the festive atmosphere. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Witch’s Brew Soup: A creamy green spinach soup that complements the cake’s theme beautifully.
2. Ghostly Salad: A mixed greens salad topped with ghost-shaped croutons and a tangy vinaigrette.
3. Pumpkin Spice Muffins: Moist muffins that add fall flavors to your dessert spread.
4. Monster Fruit Skewers: Colorful fruit arranged on skewers, making them fun for kids and adults alike.
5. Creepy Crawly Nachos: Tortilla chips topped with cheese, guacamole, and creepy toppings like olives or jalapeños.
6. Mummy Hot Dogs: Wrapped in crescent roll dough, these spooky snacks are sure to please kids at any gathering.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Creating a Frankenstein Cake can be fun, but there are common pitfalls to watch for. Here’s how to make sure your dessert turns out perfectly.

• Ignoring Room Temperature Ingredients: Using cold ingredients can affect the texture of your cake. Make sure butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature for better mixing.
• Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined to maintain a light texture.
• Not Measuring Flour Correctly: Too much flour can dry out your cake. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurement.
• Skipping the Cooling Time: Frosting a warm cake can melt your buttercream. Allow the layers to cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.
• Neglecting Gel Food Coloring: The color may not be as vibrant if you skip using gel food coloring. It’s essential for achieving that spooky green hue!

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep in the fridge to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.

Freezing Frankenstein Cake

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

Reheating Frankenstein Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 15-20 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a covered skillet over low heat for a few minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding making and enjoying your Frankenstein Cake.

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

Use gel food coloring instead of liquid food coloring. It provides a more vibrant green hue that stands out beautifully.

Can I substitute the buttermilk in this Frankenstein Cake recipe?

Yes, you can use milk mixed with vinegar or lemon juice as a buttermilk substitute. For every cup needed, mix one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice with enough milk to make one cup.

What is the best way to decorate my Frankenstein Cake?

Consider using black gel food coloring for facial features and electric green for hair. Use different piping tips for creative designs!

How long does it take to bake this Frankenstein Cake?

The total baking time is approximately 28 minutes per layer, plus cooling time before frosting.

Can I customize this Frankenstein Cake recipe?

Absolutely! You can add colorful sprinkles or switch up flavors by incorporating citrus zest or spices into the batter.

Final Thoughts

This Frankenstein Cake is not only perfect for Halloween but also versatile enough for any occasion. With its moist green velvet layers and creamy frosting, it’s bound to impress guests of all ages. Feel free to get creative with decorations and flavors to make it uniquely yours!