Frankenstein Cake

This Frankenstein cake is the ultimate Halloween dessert! With its vibrant green velvet layers and creamy buttercream, it’s perfect for spooky celebrations. Not only does it look fantastic, but it also dazzles the taste buds, making it a hit at parties and gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a Halloween bash or celebrating a birthday in October, this cake is sure to impress both kids and adults alike!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Visually Striking: The green velvet layers make this cake a showstopper at any event.
• Deliciously Moist: Thanks to the buttermilk and oil, each bite is rich and flavorful.
• Versatile Design: Customize the decorations to fit any Halloween theme or occasion.
• Easy to Make: Follow simple steps to create this stunning cake without stress.
• Great for Sharing: Serves 20 people, perfect for large gatherings with family and friends.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience smooth, gather the right tools. Having the right equipment will ensure your Frankenstein cake turns out beautifully.

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 for easy access to all sides of your cake while decorating, ensuring an even finish.
• Piping Bags: Ideal for creating detailed designs with frosting, they help you achieve a professional look without much effort.

Ingredients

This Frankenstein cake features moist green velvet layers paired with creamy frosting that’s sure to delight everyone.

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 Frosting

• 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 two round 9-inch cake pans with butter or non-stick spray and line them with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Prepare Your Batter

In a large bowl:
1. Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. In another bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. Mix in buttermilk, oil, green food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar until combined.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients until just mixed.

Step 3: Bake the Cakes

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

Step 4: Make the Frosting

In a mixing bowl:
1. Beat together butter and cream cheese until smooth.
2. Add vanilla extract and salt; mix well.
3. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing on low speed.
4. Add heavy whipping cream and beat until fluffy.

Step 5: Assemble Your Cake

Once cakes are completely cool:
1. Place one layer on a cake board or serving plate.
2. Spread a layer of frosting on top of the first layer.
3. Place the second layer on top and frost the entire outside of the cake smoothly.

Step 6: Decorate!

Using colored gel food icing:
– Pipe details using various piping tips to create facial features reminiscent of Frankenstein’s monster.

Now you have a fabulous Frankenstein Cake ready for any spooky celebration!

How to Serve Frankenstein Cake

Frankenstein Cake is not just a treat; it’s a spooky centerpiece for your Halloween gatherings! Here are some fun serving suggestions to impress your guests.

Creative Serving Suggestions

• Witch’s Hat Slices: Cut the cake into triangle slices and decorate the top with chocolate fondant to resemble witch hats.
• Monster Cupcakes: Use leftover cake to make cupcakes. Top them with green buttercream and candy eyes for a fun twist!
• Spooky Platter: Serve slices of Frankenstein Cake alongside gummy worms and black licorice for an eerie dessert platter.
• Themed Plates: Use Halloween-themed plates and napkins to enhance the festive atmosphere during your serving.

Drink Pairings

• Green Punch: A refreshing green fruit punch complements the cake’s color perfectly.
• Milkshakes: Serve vanilla or mint milkshakes topped with whipped cream for a delightful pairing.

How to Perfect Frankenstein Cake

To ensure your Frankenstein Cake turns out perfectly, follow these handy tips for baking success!

• Bold Food Coloring: Use gel food coloring for deeper green hues that make the cake visually striking.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients, especially eggs and buttermilk, are at room temperature for even mixing and baking.
• Sift Dry Ingredients: Sifting flour, cocoa powder, and baking soda prevents clumps and results in a smoother batter.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix your batter just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cake layers.
• Cool Completely: Allow the cake layers to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting your buttercream.

Best Side Dishes for Frankenstein Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Frankenstein Cake can elevate the dining experience. Here are some tasty options!

1. Crispy Apple Slices: Fresh apple slices drizzled with caramel sauce provide a sweet contrast to the rich cake.
2. Pumpkin Soup: A warm pumpkin soup served in small cups adds a seasonal touch that complements the dessert.
3. Cheese Board: An assortment of cheeses, crackers, and dried fruits creates a savory balance against the sweet cake.
4. Vegetable Platter: Crisp veggies with ranch dip offer a light option that’s perfect before indulging in dessert.
5. Chocolate-Dipped Pretzels: Sweet and salty pretzels dipped in chocolate make for an addictive snack alongside the cake.
6. Mini Cornbread Muffins: These fluffy muffins add a rustic charm and pair well with all types of sweets.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Frankenstein Cake, it’s easy to encounter some common pitfalls. Here are mistakes to watch out for:

• Ignoring Room Temperature Ingredients: Using cold ingredients can lead to uneven mixing and texture. Ensure butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature for the best results.

• Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can cause a dense cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined to keep your cake light and fluffy.

• Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Accurate measurements are crucial in baking. Use a kitchen scale for precise ingredient amounts instead of relying on volume measurements.

• Skipping the Greasing Step: Failing to grease your cake pans can result in sticking. Always grease and flour your pans before pouring in the batter.

• Underbaking the Cake Layers: Undercooked layers may not hold their shape. Use a toothpick to check for doneness; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs.

• Neglecting Cooling Time: Removing the cake from pans too soon can cause breakage. Allow your layers to cool for about 10-15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Frankenstein Cake

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating Frankenstein Cake

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place slices on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes.

• Microwave: Heat slices on a microwave-safe plate for about 15-20 seconds. Check frequently to avoid overheating.

• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding the Frankenstein Cake recipe:

What is a Frankenstein Cake?

A Frankenstein Cake is a fun Halloween-themed dessert made with green velvet cake layers and decorated with cream cheese buttercream to resemble Frankenstein’s monster.

Can I customize my Frankenstein Cake?

Absolutely! You can add different flavors or colors using various food colorings or extracts according to your preference.

How do I store leftover Frankenstein Cake?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days or freeze them for three months.

What can I use instead of buttermilk?

You can create a buttermilk substitute by mixing regular milk with vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using it.

Is there a vegan option for this Frankenstein Cake?

Yes! Replace eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water, use plant-based butter and cream cheese, and choose non-dairy milk as an alternative.

Final Thoughts

This Frankenstein Cake is not only perfect for Halloween but also versatile enough for any fun celebration. The vibrant green color and delicious cream cheese frosting make it a showstopper at parties! Don’t hesitate to customize it with different flavors or decorations based on your taste preferences—your creativity will make this cake even more special!