Frankenstein Cake

This Frankenstein Cake is the ultimate Halloween dessert! Its moist green velvet layers paired with rich cream cheese buttercream make it not only visually striking but also incredibly delicious. This cake is perfect for Halloween parties, themed events, or simply to impress your friends and family. With its fun color and spooky design, it stands out as a delightful centerpiece that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Eye-Catching Appearance: The vibrant green color and unique design make this cake a showstopper at any gathering.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of green velvet cake and cream cheese buttercream creates a rich and flavorful treat.
• Versatile for Occasions: Ideal for Halloween, birthdays, or any festive celebration, this cake fits right in.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can create this impressive dessert.
• Customizable Design: Feel free to get creative with decorations to suit your theme or personal taste.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential. Below are some must-have items for creating your Frankenstein Cake.

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 frosting and decorating much easier by allowing you to rotate the cake smoothly.
• Piping Bags: Essential for decorating the cake beautifully with precision using different sized tips.

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 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

Creating this fun and delicious Frankenstein Cake is easy when you follow these steps!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two round cake pans by greasing them lightly with butter and lining them with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together:
1. The cake flour.
2. Cocoa powder.
3. Baking soda.
4. Fine salt.

Set aside once mixed well.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add granulated sugar while continuing to beat until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Wet Ingredients

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

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for about 28 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let them cool in pans for about ten minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 7: Prepare Cream Cheese Buttercream

In a bowl, beat together unsalted butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing on low speed. Add vanilla extract, salt, and heavy whipping cream; mix well until fluffy.

Step 8: Assemble Your Cake

Once cooled, place one layer on your cake board. Spread a generous amount of cream cheese buttercream on top before adding the second layer. Frost the entire cake with remaining buttercream.

Step 9: Decorate

Use green gel food coloring for accents on your cake’s outer surface as needed. Use black gel food coloring for eyes or other spooky decorations as desired.

Enjoy your deliciously spooky Frankenstein Cake at your next celebration!

How to Serve Frankenstein Cake

This Frankenstein cake is a delightful centerpiece for any Halloween gathering. Its vibrant green layers and spooky decorations make it a fun dessert for both kids and adults alike.

Fun Halloween Party

• Slice and Serve: Cut the cake into generous slices and serve on festive plates. Add a dollop of whipped cream for extra flair.
• Cupcake Version: Bake the batter in cupcake tins for individual servings. Decorate each with spooky toppings like candy eyes or chocolate spiders.
• Layered Dessert Cups: Crumble the cake and layer it in clear cups with cream cheese buttercream. Top with colorful sprinkles for a fun presentation.
• Themed Platter: Arrange slices on a platter surrounded by Halloween-themed candies, like gummy worms or chocolate bats, for an eye-catching display.

School Celebrations

• Portioned Treats: Prepare smaller slices or bite-sized pieces that are easy to grab during school events or parties.
• Decorative Toppers: Use themed picks or flags with spooky characters to add a festive touch to each piece served.

Family Gatherings

• Interactive Dessert Bar: Set up a decorating station where guests can add their own toppings, such as crushed cookies and colored sprinkles.
• Serve with Drinks: Pair the cake with fun beverages like green lemonade or themed mocktails to enhance the overall experience.

How to Perfect Frankenstein Cake

To ensure your Frankenstein cake turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind.

• Bold Colors: Use gel food coloring instead of liquid to achieve vibrant green layers that pop visually.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Sift Dry Ingredients: Sifting flour and cocoa powder helps eliminate lumps and ensures an even texture throughout the cake.
• Proper Measuring: Use a kitchen scale for accuracy when measuring flour and sugar, especially if you’re adjusting serving sizes.
• Cool Completely: Allow the cake layers to cool fully before frosting; this prevents melting the buttercream.
• Chill Frosting: If the cream cheese buttercream becomes too soft while decorating, refrigerate it briefly before use.

Best Side Dishes for Frankenstein Cake

Pair your Frankenstein cake with these delicious side dishes to create a well-rounded Halloween feast.

1. Pumpkin Soup: A warm, creamy pumpkin soup adds seasonal flavors that complement the sweetness of the cake.
2. Spooky Salad: A mixed greens salad topped with black olives (cut into spider shapes) provides a fresh contrast to the rich cake.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Serve an assortment of roasted vegetables drizzled with balsamic glaze for a savory side dish that’s easy to prepare.
4. Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks: These cheesy breadsticks offer a delightful crunch that pairs well with any sweet dessert.
5. Candy Corn Fruit Salad: A colorful fruit salad featuring pineapple, mango, and banana mimics candy corn colors while being refreshing.
6. Savory Meatballs: Mini meatballs made from turkey or beef can be served with toothpicks as finger food alongside your dessert table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the Frankenstein Cake, it’s crucial to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the final result. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the Room Temperature Ingredients: Using cold ingredients can lead to a dense cake. Make sure your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature before mixing.

• Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can make the cake tough. Mix until just combined to keep it light and fluffy.

• Ignoring Baking Times: Every oven is different. Check for doneness a few minutes before the recommended time to prevent overbaking.

• Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Baking is a science. Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements to achieve the best texture and taste.

• Using Old Baking Powder or Soda: Expired leavening agents may not provide enough rise. Always check the expiration date before use.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• The cake will last up to 5 days in the fridge.

Freezing Frankenstein Cake

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Frankenstein Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), wrap the cake in foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 15-20 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place a slice in a covered skillet over low heat for about 5 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making a Frankenstein Cake:

What makes a Frankenstein Cake special?

The vibrant green velvet layers combined with cream cheese buttercream create a fun and festive dessert perfect for Halloween celebrations.

Can I customize my Frankenstein Cake?

Absolutely! You can add your favorite flavors or colors to the batter and decorate it as you like, making each cake unique.

How do I prevent my cake from sinking?

Make sure your leavening agents are fresh and avoid overmixing the batter, which can cause it to lose air.

How should I decorate my Frankenstein Cake?

Use black gel food coloring for facial features and electric green gel for an eerie effect. Get creative with your decorations!

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free cake flour blend designed for baking cakes.

Final Thoughts

This Frankenstein Cake is not just visually appealing; it’s also deliciously moist and rich. Perfect for Halloween parties or any festive gathering, you can easily customize it with different flavors or decorations. Try this fun recipe today and impress your guests with your baking skills!