Frankenstein Cake

This Frankenstein cake is the perfect Halloween dessert! It’s a fun and festive treat that features moist green velvet layers, complemented by creamy buttercream. Ideal for parties, gatherings, or as a spooky surprise for kids, this cake stands out with its vibrant color and delicious flavor. Its playful design makes it a centerpiece at any celebration, ensuring that your Halloween festivities are memorable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Eye-Catching Design: The bright green color and fun decorations make this cake a showstopper at any event.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of rich cream cheese buttercream and moist cake layers creates an irresistible taste.
• Versatile Occasion: Perfect for Halloween parties, birthdays, or any festive gathering where you want to impress.
• Easy to Follow: Simple steps ensure that even novice bakers can create this delightful dessert with confidence.
• Customizable Decorations: Feel free to get creative with decorations to match your theme or personal style!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools to ensure a smooth experience in the kitchen.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 10-inch greaseproof cake board
• Spinning cake stand
• Small offset spatula
• 1 large piping bag
• 3 small piping bags
• 2 large round piping tips (like a Wilton 2A)
• 1 small round piping tip (like a Wilton 12)
• 1 tiny piping tip (like a Wilton 3)

Importance of Each Tool

• Spinning Cake Stand: This makes decorating your cake much easier by allowing you to rotate it without having to reposition yourself.
• Piping Bags and Tips: Essential for creating beautiful designs and adding intricate details to your cake.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Ingredients

This Frankenstein cake is made with moist green velvet cake layers and cream cheese buttercream!

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 flour two round cake pans.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the following:
1. Cake flour
2. Cocoa powder
3. Baking soda
4. Salt

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat together:
1. Unsalted butter and granulated sugar until creamy.
2. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Incorporate buttermilk, vegetable oil, green food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

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

Step 5: Bake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for about 28 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool Layers

Allow cakes to cool in pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 7: Prepare Buttercream

In a mixing bowl, beat unsalted butter until creamy. Add cream cheese and mix well. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing on low speed. Add heavy whipping cream and mix until fluffy.

Step 8: Assemble Cake

Once cooled, place one layer on the greaseproof board. Spread cream cheese buttercream on top before placing the second layer on top. Apply a thin layer of frosting around the sides and top of the cake as a crumb coat. Chill briefly.

Step 9: Decorate Cake

Use remaining buttercream to fully frost the cake. Add electric green gel food coloring for accents and black gel food coloring for facial features or other decorations as desired.

Enjoy your spooky creation!

How to Serve Frankenstein Cake

Serving your Frankenstein Cake creatively can enhance its appeal, especially during Halloween. Here are some fun suggestions to add a spooky touch to your presentation.

Spooky Dessert Table

• Arrange the cake as the centerpiece of a themed dessert table filled with Halloween treats like ghost-shaped cookies and pumpkin cupcakes.

Individual Servings

• Cut the cake into small squares or triangles and serve on black or orange plates for a festive touch. Top each piece with a dollop of cream cheese buttercream.

Cake Pops

• Transform leftover cake into cake pops by crumbling it, mixing with frosting, and dipping in green candy melts. Decorate with spooky faces using black gel food coloring.

Cupcake Toppers

• Use the same batter to make mini Frankenstein cupcakes. Top them with green buttercream and black eyes using piping tips for an adorable twist.

Party Favors

• Package slices of Frankenstein Cake in clear bags decorated with Halloween-themed ribbons for guests to take home as party favors.

How to Perfect Frankenstein Cake

Perfecting your Frankenstein Cake requires attention to detail and technique. Follow these tips for the best results.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring your eggs, butter, and buttermilk are at room temperature helps create a smoother batter that rises beautifully.

• Sift dry ingredients: Sifting the flour, cocoa powder, and baking soda can help prevent lumps and ensure even mixing throughout the batter.

• Don’t overmix: Mix the cake batter until just combined to maintain a light texture. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.

• Check doneness properly: Insert a toothpick in the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with few crumbs, it’s ready. Avoid opening the oven door too early.

• Let it cool completely: Before frosting, allow the layers to cool completely on a wire rack. This prevents melting or sliding of the frosting.

Best Side Dishes for Frankenstein Cake

Pairing delicious side dishes with your Frankenstein Cake can elevate your Halloween gathering. Here are some great options.

1. Witch’s Brew Punch: A fizzy green punch made from lime soda and lime sherbet creates a refreshing drink that matches the cake’s theme.

2. Ghostly Fruit Salad: Combine melon balls, grapes, and blueberries for a colorful salad topped with whipped cream ghosts made from dollops of cream.

3. Mummy Hot Dogs: Wrap hot dogs in crescent dough strips to resemble mummies; bake until golden brown for a fun savory treat.

4. Pumpkin Spice Muffins: These muffins add seasonal flavor and pair well with sweet desserts; serve warm with butter.

5. Creepy Veggie Platter: Arrange veggies in spooky shapes accompanied by ranch dip molded into a skull or pumpkin shape.

6. Graveyard Dirt Cups: Layer chocolate pudding with crushed cookies and gummy worms for an eerie dessert that complements your cake perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Frankenstein Cake, avoid these common pitfalls to ensure a spooky success!

• Overmixing the Batter: Mixing the batter too much can lead to dense cake layers. Mix just until ingredients are combined for a light and fluffy texture.
• Ignoring Temperature Requirements: Baking with cold ingredients can affect the rise of your cake. Always use room temperature eggs and buttermilk for best results.
• Using the Wrong Food Coloring: Choosing liquid food coloring instead of gel can result in a muted color. Opt for gel food coloring to achieve that vibrant green hue.
• Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Inaccurate measurements can lead to an undesired outcome. Use a kitchen scale for precise ingredient amounts.
• Skipping the Cooling Time: Cutting into a warm cake can cause it to crumble. Allow your cake layers to cool completely before frosting.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Frankenstein Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It will keep well for up to 5 days.

Freezing Frankenstein Cake

• Wrap individual slices or entire layers tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating Frankenstein Cake

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

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making this Frankenstein Cake, you’re not alone! Here are some common queries.

Can I use different colors for my Frankenstein Cake?

Yes! While traditional green is fun, you can customize your cake with any colors you like using food coloring.

How do I make my Frankenstein Cake even spookier?

Consider adding decorations like edible eyes or spooky designs made from fondant or colored icing to enhance its Halloween theme.

Is Frankenstein Cake suitable for other occasions?

Absolutely! This cake’s fun design makes it perfect not just for Halloween but also for birthday parties or themed events.

Can I substitute ingredients in the Frankenstein Cake?

Yes! You can swap buttermilk with yogurt or milk mixed with vinegar if needed. Just ensure all substitutes maintain the same texture.

How can I decorate my Frankenstein Cake?

Use cream cheese buttercream to create monster features, such as hair and scars. Get creative with piping techniques!

Final Thoughts

This Frankenstein Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a delightful centerpiece that brings fun to any gathering. Its moist green velvet layers paired with rich cream cheese buttercream are sure to impress. Feel free to customize the decorations based on your preferences — let your creativity shine!