Frankenstein Cake

This Frankenstein cake is the perfect Halloween dessert! With its vibrant green velvet layers and delicious cream cheese buttercream, it’s sure to be a showstopper at any spooky celebration. This cake not only delights the eyes but also tantalizes the taste buds, making it suitable for birthdays, Halloween parties, or any fun gathering. Its unique color and festive design set it apart from traditional cakes, ensuring that it will be a hit with guests of all ages.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Eye-Catching Design: The bright green color and whimsical decoration make this cake perfect for Halloween.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of green velvet and cream cheese buttercream creates a rich and delightful taste.
• Versatile Occasions: Ideal for birthdays, Halloween parties, or any festive gathering.
• Easy to Customize: You can easily add your own creative touches to the cake’s decoration.
• Feeds a Crowd: With 20 servings, it’s perfect for large gatherings or celebrations.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Frankenstein cake, having the right tools can make the process smoother and more enjoyable. Here are some essential tools you’ll need:

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 tool allows you to easily decorate your cake from all angles, ensuring an even finish.
• Large Piping Bag: Perfect for applying generous amounts of frosting quickly and efficiently.
• Small Offset Spatula: Great for smoothing out frosting on the sides and top of the cake.

Ingredients

This Frankenstein cake is made with moist green velvet cake layers and creamy 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 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). Prepare two round cake pans by greasing them with butter and lining them with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Whisk together until well mixed.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Beat the unsalted butter until creamy.
2. Gradually add granulated sugar and continue beating until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Buttermilk

Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then incorporate buttermilk into the mixture.

Step 5: Color Your Batter

Add vegetable oil, green gel food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar into your batter. Mix until combined.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add dry ingredients into the wet mix. Stir until just combined; do not overmix.

Step 7: Bake the Cakes

Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for about 28 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool in pans for about 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks.

Step 8: Prepare Buttercream

In another bowl:
1. Beat unsalted butter until creamy.
2. Add cream cheese; mix until smooth.
3. Gradually add powdered sugar and salt while mixing on low speed.
4. Add heavy whipping cream; beat until light and fluffy.

Step 9: Assemble Your Cake

Once cakes are completely cool:
1. Place one layer on a cake board.
2. Spread a layer of buttercream on top before adding the second layer.
3. Coat the entire cake with remaining buttercream.

Step 10: Decorate

Use gel food coloring for fun decorations like Frankenstein’s features using piping bags fitted with different tips!

Enjoy your spooky creation!

How to Serve Frankenstein Cake

Frankenstein Cake is a delightful treat that will steal the show at your Halloween party. Its vibrant green layers and fun decorations make it perfect for serving at any spooky celebration. Here are some creative ways to serve this festive cake.

Individual Slice Presentation

• Arrange individual slices on decorative plates for a charming presentation.
• Garnish with Halloween-themed sprinkles or edible glitter for an extra festive touch.

Cake Pops

• Crumble leftover cake and mix with frosting to create delicious cake pops.
• Dip in green chocolate coating and decorate with eyes for a ghoulish look.

Layered Dessert Cups

• Fill clear cups with layers of cake and cream cheese buttercream.
• Top with crushed cookies or gummy worms for added texture and flavor.

Cupcake Version

• Use the same batter to make Frankenstein-themed cupcakes.
• Pipe green buttercream on top, using black gel food coloring to create spooky faces.

Cake Trifle

• Layer pieces of the cake with whipped cream and fruit in a large trifle dish.
• This not only looks impressive but also adds a refreshing element to the dessert.

How to Perfect Frankenstein Cake

To ensure your Frankenstein Cake turns out perfectly moist and flavorful, follow these tips. They will enhance both the taste and appearance of your Halloween creation.

• Measure accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements of ingredients; this helps achieve the desired texture.
• Room temperature ingredients: Ensure all dairy products are at room temperature for better mixing and consistency in batter.
• Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined to avoid dense cake layers; gentle folding creates light, fluffy cakes.
• Use gel food coloring: Gel coloring provides vibrant shades without altering the batter’s consistency; it’s perfect for achieving that vivid green hue.
• Chill the cake: Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 30 minutes before decorating; this helps set the buttercream and makes decorating easier.

Best Side Dishes for Frankenstein Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Frankenstein Cake can elevate your Halloween dessert spread. Here are some ideas that complement this spooky treat well.

1. Pumpkin Soup
   A creamy pumpkin soup warms up the palate and sets a cozy tone for your Halloween gathering.

2. Spooky Salad
   Create a salad with dark leafy greens, orange bell peppers, and edible flowers for a colorful, nutritious option.

3. Ghostly Cheese Platter
   Offer assorted cheeses shaped like ghosts or carved into fun Halloween shapes alongside crackers for snacking.

4. Witch’s Brew Punch
   A non-alcoholic fruit punch with floating fruit pieces adds a refreshing drink option that fits the theme perfectly.

5. Mummy Dogs
   Wrap hot dogs in crescent dough to resemble mummies; bake until golden brown for an easy, fun finger food.

6. Veggie Skeleton Tray
   Arrange fresh vegetables in the shape of a skeleton on a platter, served with hummus or ranch dip for crunch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To achieve the perfect Frankenstein cake, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls. Here are some frequent mistakes and how to avoid them:

• Ignoring ingredient temperature: Using cold ingredients can prevent the batter from mixing properly. Always ensure your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature.
• Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until combined to maintain a light texture.
• Skipping the cooling step: A warm cake can melt your frosting. Let your layers cool completely before decorating for best results.
• Not measuring accurately: Baking is a science, and inaccurate measurements can ruin your cake. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
• Using stale ingredients: Old baking soda or expired flour can affect the rise and flavor of your cake. Always check expiration dates before use.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep layers separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing Frankenstein Cake

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 months.
• Place wrapped slices in an airtight freezer bag for added protection.

Reheating Frankenstein Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat a slice on medium power for 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a non-stick skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about making a Frankenstein cake:

What is Frankenstein Cake?

Frankenstein Cake is a fun Halloween dessert featuring green velvet layers and cream cheese buttercream decorated in a spooky style.

Can I customize the flavors of my Frankenstein Cake?

Yes! You can add different extracts or spices like almond or cinnamon for unique flavor variations.

How do I make my frosting hold its shape on the Frankenstein Cake?

Ensure your cream cheese and butter are well-mixed and add powdered sugar gradually until you achieve a thick consistency.

Can I make Frankenstein Cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers in advance and freeze them. Frost it just before serving for the best taste and texture.

Final Thoughts

This Frankenstein cake is not only an eye-catching dessert but also deliciously moist with its green velvet layers. Perfect for Halloween gatherings, this recipe allows for customization in flavors and decorations. Give it a try, and impress your guests with this fun creation!