Frankenstein Cake

This Frankenstein cake is the ultimate Halloween dessert that will impress your guests! With its vibrant green velvet layers and creamy buttercream, this cake is sure to be a showstopper at any Halloween gathering or party. Its unique color and rich flavor make it perfect for celebrating spooky occasions or even as a fun birthday cake.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Eye-catching Appearance: The vivid green color and whimsical design make this cake a standout centerpiece.
• Delicious Flavor: Moist green velvet paired with rich cream cheese buttercream creates an irresistible treat.
• Versatile Use: Ideal for Halloween parties, birthdays, or any festive occasion where you want to impress.
• Easy to Decorate: With simple piping techniques, you can create stunning designs without being a professional baker.
• Large Servings: This recipe yields enough cake to serve 20, making it great for gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Frankenstein cake, you’ll need some essential tools that ensure smooth baking and decorating processes.

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 tool allows for easier frosting and decorating by providing full access to all sides of the cake.
• Piping Bags: Essential for controlled icing application; they help create neat designs and decorations effortlessly.

Ingredients

This Frankenstein cake is the perfect Halloween dessert! It’s made with moist green velvet cake layers and cream cheese buttercream!!

For the Cake

• 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)

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 round cake pans by greasing them and lining them with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, sift together the cake flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside for later use.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy. This can take about 3-5 minutes.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Wet Ingredients

Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then mix in the buttermilk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, white vinegar, and green gel food coloring until combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

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

Step 6: Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter equally between the prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for about 28 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow cooling in pans before transferring to wire racks.

Step 7: Prepare Cream Cheese Buttercream

In another bowl, beat together softened unsalted butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing on low speed. Then add vanilla extract, salt, and heavy whipping cream until well blended.

Step 8: Frost the Cake

Once cakes are completely cool, level them if necessary. Place one layer on your spinning cake stand. Spread a layer of cream cheese buttercream on top before adding the second layer. Apply a thin crumb coat around the entire cake before chilling it in the fridge for about half an hour.

Step 9: Final Frosting

After chilling, apply a thicker layer of cream cheese frosting all over the cake. Use your colored gel food colors to create fun decorative details like Frankenstein’s face!

Enjoy making this delightful Frankenstein Cake that will surely become a Halloween favorite!

How to Serve Frankenstein Cake

Frankenstein Cake is a fun and festive dessert perfect for Halloween celebrations. Whether you’re hosting a party or just indulging in something spooky, here are some creative serving suggestions.

Creative Plate Presentation

• Use themed plates featuring Halloween designs to enhance the spooky vibe.
• Add edible decorations like candy eyes or chocolate spiders on top for an extra fright.

Pair with Ice Cream

• Serve slices of Frankenstein Cake with a scoop of vanilla or mint ice cream to balance the sweetness.
• Drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce for a decadent touch.

Make it a Dessert Buffet

• Create a dessert table featuring various Halloween treats alongside your cake.
• Include items like ghost-shaped cookies and pumpkin cupcakes for diverse flavors.

Incorporate Seasonal Fruits

• Garnish each slice with fresh fruits like strawberries or raspberries for color and freshness.
• Consider using orange or black fruits to align with the Halloween theme.

How to Perfect Frankenstein Cake

To ensure your Frankenstein Cake turns out perfectly, keep these tips in mind.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps create a smooth batter and ensures even baking.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix just until combined to maintain a tender cake texture.
• Check Oven Temperature: Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer for accuracy.
• Level Your Cake Layers: Use a serrated knife to trim any domed tops for even stacking.
• Chill Your Buttercream: If you find the buttercream too soft, refrigerate it briefly before decorating.

Best Side Dishes for Frankenstein Cake

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

1. Spooky Fruit Salad: A mix of melons, grapes, and dark berries with ghostly yogurt dressing.
2. Witch’s Brew Punch: A refreshing non-alcoholic punch made with fruit juices and soda, served in cauldrons.
3. Mummy Hot Dogs: Mini hot dogs wrapped in crescent roll dough, baked until golden, perfect finger food.
4. Pumpkin Soup: A creamy pumpkin soup seasoned with spices, served in hollowed-out mini pumpkins for flair.
5. Ghostly Popcorn: White popcorn drizzled with white chocolate and decorated with candy eyes for a fun snack.
6. Vegetable Platter: An assortment of colorful veggies arranged to look like creepy creatures, served with hummus dip.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Frankenstein Cake, avoid these common pitfalls to ensure a spooktacular dessert!

• Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too long can lead to a dense cake. Mix until ingredients are just combined for fluffiness.
• Using Cold Ingredients: Cold butter or eggs can affect the cake’s rise. Always use room temperature ingredients for better texture.
• Not Measuring Accurately: Inaccurate measurements can ruin your cake. Use a kitchen scale and measuring cups for precise amounts.
• Skipping the Cooling Time: Removing the cake from pans too early can lead to breakage. Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting.
• Neglecting the Food Coloring: Insufficient food coloring will result in a dull cake color. Use enough gel coloring to achieve that vibrant green hue.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Frankenstein Cake

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

Reheating Frankenstein Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm covered with foil for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on low power for 10-15 seconds at a time until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a pan on low heat, covering it with a lid, for about 5 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making the Frankenstein Cake.

What makes this Frankenstein Cake unique?

This Frankenstein Cake features moist green velvet layers and creamy buttercream, perfect for Halloween celebrations.

Can I use different colors for the cake?

Absolutely! You can customize the color using various gel food colors to create a unique look.

How do I achieve the best frosting consistency?

Ensure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing on low speed until smooth.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! The cake can be baked and frozen, then decorated closer to your event for maximum freshness.

Is this Frankenstein Cake suitable for kids?

Yes! This fun and colorful dessert is perfect for kids’ parties and Halloween gatherings.

Final Thoughts

The Frankenstein Cake is not only visually stunning but also deliciously moist, making it an ideal treat for Halloween or any festive occasion. Feel free to customize it with different colors or toppings to match your theme!