Frankenstein Cake

This Frankenstein Cake is a delightful dessert that brings Halloween to life! With its vibrant green velvet layers and fluffy cream cheese buttercream, it’s perfect for parties, family gatherings, or as a spooky surprise for your loved ones. Its unique appearance and delicious flavor make it a standout treat that will leave everyone smiling.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fun and Festive: This cake is a great way to celebrate Halloween with a playful twist on traditional desserts.
• Moist and Flavorful: The combination of buttermilk and butter ensures every bite is rich and satisfying.
• Versatile Decoration: Customize the cake’s appearance with different colors and designs to suit any Halloween theme.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps, you can create an impressive cake without professional baking skills.
• Perfect for Sharing: Serving 20 people, this cake is ideal for gatherings, ensuring everyone gets a slice.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to make the process smoother. Having everything ready will help you focus on creating your delicious Frankenstein Cake.

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: This allows you to easily decorate your cake from all angles without needing to move it around.
• Piping bags: Perfect for creating intricate designs and decorations, adding a professional touch to your cake.

Ingredients

For the Frankenstein Cake, you will 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 flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, sift 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 together unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

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

Step 5: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add dry ingredients into the butter mixture alternating with wet ingredients. Start and end with dry ingredients.

Step 6: Bake the Cakes

Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for approximately 28 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool the Cakes

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

Step 8: Prepare the Buttercream

In a large bowl:
1. Beat together unsalted butter and cream cheese until smooth.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar until well combined.
3. Mix in salt, vanilla extract, and heavy whipping cream until desired consistency is reached.

Step 9: Assemble the Cake

Once cooled:
1. Level tops of cakes if necessary.
2. Place one layer on your greaseproof board; spread with cream cheese frosting.
3. Top with second layer and frost entire cake with remaining buttercream.

Step 10: Decorate

Use piping bags fitted with different tips to create fun designs on your cake using electric green and black gel food coloring! Enjoy your festive Frankenstein Cake!

How to Serve Frankenstein Cake

This Frankenstein cake is a delightful Halloween treat that can be served in various ways to impress your guests. Whether at a party or a casual gathering, these serving suggestions will make your cake the star of the show.

Festive Platter

• Arrange slices of Frankenstein cake on a colorful platter. Add Halloween-themed decorations like mini pumpkins or spider figurines for a fun touch.

Individual Portions

• Use small cake boxes or cupcake liners to serve individual portions. This makes it easy for guests to grab and enjoy without needing plates.

Cake Pops

• Transform leftover slices into cake pops! Crumble the cake, mix with frosting, and shape into balls before dipping in green chocolate for a spooky treat.

Layered Trifle

• Create a layered trifle by alternating layers of cake, cream cheese frosting, and crushed cookies in clear cups. This adds an elegant touch to your dessert table.

Ice Cream Pairing

• Serve slices of Frankenstein cake with a scoop of vanilla or mint ice cream. The creamy texture complements the moistness of the cake perfectly.

How to Perfect Frankenstein Cake

Achieving the perfect Frankenstein cake requires attention to detail. Follow these tips for an impressive result that will wow your guests.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.

• Sift Dry Ingredients: Sifting helps remove lumps and aerates the flour, leading to a lighter cake.

• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined; overmixing can lead to a dense texture.

• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures for even cooking.

• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow your cake layers to cool completely on wire racks before applying frosting to prevent melting.

Best Side Dishes for Frankenstein Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Frankenstein cake can enhance your Halloween spread. Here are some delicious options:

1. Pumpkin Soup: A warm and creamy pumpkin soup adds seasonal flavor that complements the sweetness of the cake.

2. Spooky Salad: Create a salad with dark greens, purple cabbage, and orange carrots topped with a tangy vinaigrette for a colorful contrast.

3. Cheesy Garlic Bread: Soft garlic bread pairs well with any meal and provides a savory balance to the sweet flavors of the cake.

4. Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted seasonal vegetables brings warmth and earthiness that balances out dessert.

5. Candy Corn Fruit Cups: Layer fresh fruits resembling candy corn colors in cups for a festive touch that’s refreshing alongside rich cake.

6. Ghostly Deviled Eggs: Decorate deviled eggs with olive pieces to resemble ghosts; they’re fun and easy finger foods perfect for Halloween gatherings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a perfect Frankenstein Cake can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Ignoring Room Temperature Ingredients: Using cold eggs or butter can result in a dense cake. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.
• Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too much can create a tough texture. Mix just until combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
• Not Measuring Accurately: Incorrect measurements can ruin your cake. Use a kitchen scale for precision, especially with flour and sugar.
• Skipping the Gel Food Coloring: Not adding enough coloring can lead to a dull cake. Use gel food coloring for vibrant color and adjust as needed.
• Not Letting Cakes Cool Properly: Removing cakes from pans too soon can cause them to break. Allow them to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Frankenstein Cake

• Wrap slices of cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Frankenstein Cake

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the cake in foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 10-15 seconds at medium power. Check if it’s warm enough.
• Stovetop: Heat a non-stick skillet over low heat. Place the cake slice in the skillet, cover, and warm gently for about 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making this Frankenstein Cake, you’re not alone! Here are some commonly asked questions:

What makes this Frankenstein Cake special?

This Frankenstein Cake stands out due to its vibrant green color and delicious cream cheese buttercream, making it perfect for Halloween festivities.

Can I customize my Frankenstein Cake?

Absolutely! You can add different colors or decorations, such as candy eyes or themed sprinkles, to make it even more festive.

How should I store my leftover Frankenstein Cake?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze individual slices for longer storage.

What is the best way to decorate my Frankenstein Cake?

You can use black gel food coloring for facial features and electric green frosting to create fun designs that resemble Frankens’ monster look!

Final Thoughts

This Frankenstein Cake is not only an eye-catching dessert but also incredibly delicious! Its moist green velvet layers paired with creamy buttercream make it a delightful treat. Feel free to customize it with various decorations or flavors, making it perfect for any Halloween celebration or festive occasion. Don’t hesitate—give this recipe a try!