Frankenstein Cake

This Frankenstein Cake is the ultimate Halloween dessert that will delight both kids and adults alike! Made with moist green velvet cake layers and topped with a rich cream cheese buttercream, it stands out not just for its spooky look but also for its delicious flavor. Perfect for Halloween parties, birthdays, or any festive occasion, this cake will surely be the highlight of your dessert table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Eye-catching Appearance: The vibrant green color and fun decorations make it a showstopper.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of rich cake and creamy frosting creates a perfect balance.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, anyone can create this cake.
• Versatile Design: Customize the decorations to match your Halloween theme or personal taste.
• Great for Sharing: Serves 20, making it perfect for gatherings and celebrations.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into creating this spooky masterpiece, gather your tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

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: Makes decorating easier by allowing you to rotate the cake smoothly.
• Piping Bags: Essential for applying detailed frosting designs, helping achieve professional-looking results.

Ingredients

For this Frankenstein Cake, you’ll 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). Prepare two round cake pans by greasing them and lining with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, cream together:
1. Unsalted butter
2. Granulated sugar

Beat until fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Wet Ingredients

Add in:
1. Eggs
2. Buttermilk
3. Vegetable oil
4. Green gel food coloring
5. Vanilla extract
6. White vinegar

Mix until well combined.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

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

Step 6: Bake Cakes

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

Step 7: Cool and Prepare Frosting

Let cakes cool in pans for about ten minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Meanwhile, prepare your cream cheese buttercream by beating together:
– Unsalted butter
– Cream cheese
– Vanilla extract
– Salt

Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing before adding heavy whipping cream until fluffy.

Step 8: Assemble Your Cake

Once cooled, spread frosting between layers before covering the entire cake with more frosting. Use piping bags fitted with various tips to create fun decorations that resemble Frankenstein’s features.

Now you’re ready to impress everyone with your amazing Frankenstein Cake! Enjoy!

How to Serve Frankenstein Cake

Frankenstein Cake is an eye-catching dessert that brings a fun twist to any Halloween gathering. Here are some delightful ways to serve this spooky treat.

For a Halloween Party

• Individual Slices – Cut the cake into generous slices and serve on festive plates for easy enjoyment.
• Cupcake Style – Use small cupcake liners to serve bite-sized pieces, perfect for kids and guests who want just a taste.
• Cake Pops – Transform leftover cake into cake pops by crumbling the cake, mixing it with frosting, and coating in green chocolate.

As a Themed Dessert Table

• Decorative Stands – Use multi-tiered stands to display the Frankenstein Cake alongside other Halloween-themed treats, creating an impressive focal point.
• Spooky Garnishes – Add gummy worms or edible eyes on top of the cake for an extra spooky touch that will delight your guests.
• Themed Serving Utensils – Use Halloween-themed serving spoons and knives to enhance the spooky presentation.

For Kids’ Birthday Parties

• Character Plates – Serve slices on plates featuring popular characters from Halloween shows or movies to make it more appealing to children.
• Mini Versions – Make mini cakes using the same green velvet batter for individual servings that kids can easily handle.

How to Perfect Frankenstein Cake

Creating the perfect Frankenstein Cake requires attention to detail and a few handy tips. Follow these suggestions for a show-stopping dessert.

• Bold Food Coloring – Use high-quality gel food coloring to achieve that vibrant green color; this makes your cake visually striking.
• Room Temperature Ingredients – Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and fluffier texture.
• Sift Dry Ingredients – Sifting flour and cocoa powder together helps eliminate lumps and ensures even distribution of leavening agents.
• Avoid Overmixing – Mix your batter until just combined; overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of a light, fluffy one.
• Cooling Period – Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting. This prevents melting the buttercream and keeps your layers intact.
• Piping Technique Practice – Before decorating, practice piping techniques on parchment paper. This helps you gain confidence in your design skills.

Best Side Dishes for Frankenstein Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Frankenstein Cake can enhance the overall experience. Here are some delicious options.

1. Pumpkin Soup – A warm and creamy pumpkin soup adds seasonal flavor and complements the sweetness of the cake.
2. Autumn Salad – A mixed green salad with apples, walnuts, and cranberries provides freshness amidst the rich dessert.
3. Roasted Vegetables – Seasoned roasted vegetables add earthy flavors that balance out the sweetness of the cake.
4. Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks – These savory breadsticks offer a comforting contrast to the sweet dessert, making them perfect for sharing.
5. Spooky Fruit Platter – Create a platter with ghost-shaped bananas and spider-webbed strawberries for a fun, healthy accompaniment.
6. Caramel Popcorn – Sweet caramel popcorn adds crunch and can be served in cute Halloween-themed containers for added flair.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Frankenstein Cake turns out perfectly, avoid these common pitfalls.

• Bold Ingredients: Using the wrong type of food coloring can lead to an undesired shade. Always use gel food coloring for vibrant colors and avoid liquid versions that may alter the cake’s texture.
• Bold Overmixing Batter: Mixing the batter too much can make the cake dense. Mix until just combined to keep it light and fluffy.
• Bold Skipping Room Temperature Ingredients: Cold ingredients can affect how well your batter comes together. Always bring butter, eggs, and buttermilk to room temperature before mixing.
• Bold Ignoring Oven Temperature: An incorrect oven temperature can lead to uneven baking. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate heating.
• Bold Not Cooling Layers Completely: If you frost the layers while still warm, the frosting may melt. Allow each layer to cool completely before assembly.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store the Frankenstein Cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep it away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor transfer.

Freezing Frankenstein Cake

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

Reheating Frankenstein Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm slices for about 10 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place a slice in a non-stick skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and heat for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making a Frankenstein Cake.

What is a Frankenstein Cake?

A Frankenstein Cake is a fun Halloween dessert featuring green velvet cake layers topped with cream cheese buttercream, perfect for spooky celebrations.

How do I achieve the green color in my Frankenstein Cake?

Using gel food coloring is key. Two squirts of electric green gel will give you that vibrant hue without altering the texture of your cake.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the cake layers one or two days in advance and store them properly in the refrigerator or freezer until you’re ready to frost.

What can I use instead of cream cheese in the frosting?

You can substitute cream cheese with mascarpone or a dairy-free alternative if you prefer a different flavor or dietary option.

How do I customize my Frankenstein Cake?

Add edible decorations like candy eyeballs or chocolate pieces for extra flair. You can also experiment by adding different flavors or fillings between layers!

Final Thoughts

This Frankenstein Cake is not only visually appealing but also deliciously moist and creamy. Its versatility allows you to customize flavors and decorations according to your taste. Whether it’s for Halloween or any celebration, this cake is sure to impress!