Frankenstein Cake

This Frankenstein Cake is a showstopper for any Halloween celebration! With its vibrant green velvet layers and creamy buttercream frosting, it captures the spooky spirit of the season. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or as a fun treat for kids, this cake not only looks fantastic but tastes incredible too. Its unique color and playful presentation make it a memorable dessert that will delight guests of all ages.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: The simple steps ensure that even beginner bakers can create a stunning cake.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of rich green velvet cake and cream cheese buttercream offers a delightful taste experience.
• Versatile Decoration: You can customize the cake’s design to match your Halloween theme or personal preference.
• Great for Sharing: With 20 servings, it’s perfect for parties, gatherings, or family celebrations.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: Kids will love both helping to make this cake and enjoying its deliciously spooky appearance!

Tools and Preparation

To make this Frankenstein Cake successfully, you’ll need some essential tools. These items help streamline the baking process and ensure great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Spinning Cake Stand: This tool makes decorating easy by allowing you to rotate the cake smoothly while applying frosting.
• Large Piping Bag: Perfect for applying large amounts of frosting quickly, making your decorating process more efficient.
• Small Offset Spatula: Ideal for smoothing out frosting and reaching tricky spots on your cake without disturbing the layers.

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 flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients

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

Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Beat the unsalted butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add eggs one at a time, mixing until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl:
1. Whisk together buttermilk, vegetable oil, green gel food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar.

Step 5: Mix All Ingredients Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three parts:
1. Alternate with the wet ingredients until just combined.
2. Do not overmix; some lumps are okay.

Step 6: Bake the Cakes

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

Step 7: Cool Down

Remove from oven and let cakes cool in pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Make Cream Cheese Buttercream

While cakes are cooling:
1. In a large bowl, beat together unsalted butter and cream cheese until smooth.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix on low speed until combined.
3. Add vanilla extract, salt, and heavy whipping cream; beat on high speed until fluffy.

Continue with assembling and decorating your Frankenstein Cake by layering cooled cakes with cream cheese buttercream between each layer and on top!

How to Serve Frankenstein Cake

Frankenstein Cake is a delightful treat that will impress your guests at any Halloween gathering. Here are some creative serving suggestions to make your dessert stand out.

Individual Slices

• Serve each slice on a colorful plate to enhance the spooky theme. Add a small dollop of whipped cream on top for added flair.

Cake Pops

• Transform leftover cake into fun cake pops. Crumble the cake, mix it with frosting, and dip in green candy coating for a festive bite-sized treat.

Layered Dessert Cups

• Create layered dessert cups using crumbled Frankenstein Cake and whipped cream. This presentation allows guests to see the vibrant green layers.

Cupcake Versions

• Bake mini versions of the Frankenstein Cake as cupcakes. Frost them with green buttercream and add fun edible eyes on top for an adorable touch.

How to Perfect Frankenstein Cake

Getting the perfect Frankenstein Cake requires careful attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out amazing.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring that your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature helps achieve a smooth batter and optimal rise.

• Don’t skip the vinegar: Adding vinegar reacts with baking soda, ensuring your cake rises well and stays moist throughout the baking process.

• Sift dry ingredients: Sifting cake flour and cocoa powder eliminates lumps, leading to a lighter and fluffier cake texture.

• Monitor baking time closely: Ovens can vary in temperature; start checking for doneness a few minutes before the recommended time to avoid overbaking.

Best Side Dishes for Frankenstein Cake

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

1. Pumpkin Soup: A creamy pumpkin soup adds warmth and complements the sweetness of the cake perfectly.

2. Spooky Cheese Platter: Include a variety of cheeses, crackers, and fruits arranged creatively to fit the Halloween theme.

3. Roasted Vegetable Medley: Roasting seasonal veggies like carrots, squash, and Brussels sprouts brings savory balance alongside sweet treats.

4. Crispy Kale Chips: These healthy snacks provide a crunchy contrast while keeping with the festive vibe.

5. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad adds color and lightness, helping cleanse the palate after indulging in sweet cake.

6. Chili Con Carne: A hearty bowl of chili offers a satisfying savory option that pairs well with dessert after hearty fall meals.

7. Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad with seasonal vegetables provides a filling yet light complement to your spooky spread.

8. Popcorn Mix: Create a playful popcorn mix with candy corn and chocolate-covered pretzels for an easy snack that fits perfectly with Halloween festivities.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

• Skipping Room Temperature Ingredients: Using cold ingredients can affect the batter’s texture. Always bring butter, eggs, and buttermilk to room temperature before mixing.

• Not Sifting Dry Ingredients: Failing to sift flour and cocoa powder can lead to lumps in your cake. Take the time to sift for a smoother batter.

• Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can make the cake tough. Mix just until combined for a light and fluffy texture.

• Ignoring Oven Temperature Calibration: An inaccurate oven temperature can result in undercooked or burnt cake. Always preheat your oven and consider using an oven thermometer.

• Insufficient Cooling Time: Cutting the cake while it’s still warm can cause it to crumble. Allow each layer to cool completely before frosting.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Frankenstein Cake

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Frankenstein Cake

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

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making your Frankenstein Cake, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries:

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

Using gel food coloring is key. Two squirts of green gel will give you that vibrant shade without affecting the batter consistency.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake and frost the cake a day in advance. Just store it properly in the fridge until ready to serve.

What are some fun decorations for my Frankenstein Cake?

Consider using black gel frosting for eyes and mouth, or edible googly eyes for an extra spooky touch!

Is this Frankenstein Cake suitable for kids?

Yes! This cake is fun and festive, making it perfect for Halloween parties or birthdays!

How can I customize my Frankenstein Cake?

Feel free to add different fillings between layers or switch up the colors with other food dyes for unique designs!

Final Thoughts

This Frankenstein Cake is not only a showstopper but also versatile enough for various occasions. You can customize it with different colors or decorations to suit your theme. Don’t hesitate—try baking this charming dessert and impress your friends and family!