Frankenstein Cake

This Frankenstein cake is the perfect Halloween dessert! With its vibrant green velvet layers and fluffy cream cheese buttercream, it’s sure to be a showstopper at any gathering. Not only does it look amazing, but it also packs a delicious flavor that everyone will love. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or hosting a spooky party, this cake is versatile enough for all occasions. Its unique features make it stand out, ensuring your celebration will be memorable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Eye-Catching Design: The bright green color and fun decorations make this cake a centerpiece for any Halloween event.
• Deliciously Moist: The combination of buttermilk and oil creates a moist and tender cake that melts in your mouth.
• Easy to Decorate: With simple piping techniques, you can create fun shapes and designs that are perfect for the spooky season.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The balance of sweet cream cheese buttercream with the rich green velvet cake is irresistible to all ages.
• Customizable Options: Feel free to get creative with decorations or flavors, making it easy to adapt for other celebrations!

Tools and Preparation

Preparing this Frankenstein cake requires some essential tools to ensure your baking experience is 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: This tool allows for easy decoration by enabling you to rotate the cake without having to move around.
• Piping Bags: Using large and small piping bags helps in creating intricate designs with different icing colors, making decorating easier.

Ingredients

For this delectable Frankenstein cake, gather 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 lightly and lining them with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine:
1. Cake flour
2. Cocoa powder
3. Baking soda
4. Salt
Whisk together until evenly mixed.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl:
1. Beat the unsalted butter until creamy.
2. Gradually add granulated sugar and beat until fluffy.
3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In your butter mixture:
1. Mix in buttermilk and oil until combined.
2. Stir in green gel food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually incorporate the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Bake the Cakes

Pour batter into prepared pans. Bake for about 28 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cakes cool completely before frosting.

Step 7: Make Cream Cheese Buttercream

In a large bowl:
1. Beat unsalted butter until light.
2. Add cream cheese and mix until smooth.
3. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing on low speed.
4. Stir in vanilla extract and salt.
5. Add heavy whipping cream as needed for desired consistency.

Step 8: Assemble Your Cake

Once cooled:
1. Place one layer on your serving board.
2. Spread an even layer of cream cheese buttercream on top.
3. Add the second layer and frost the entire cake with remaining frosting.

Step 9: Decorate Your Cake

Use piping bags with various tips to create fun decorations like eyes or scars using black gel coloring for contrast against the green frosting.

Now you’re ready to enjoy this delightful Frankenstein cake!

How to Serve Frankenstein Cake

Frankenstein Cake is not just a feast for the eyes; it’s also a delightful dessert that can be served in various fun ways. Here are some creative serving suggestions to impress your guests.

Individual Slices

• Serve slices of the cake on colorful plates for a festive look. Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for extra indulgence.

Cupcake Style

• Transform leftovers into cupcakes by cutting the cake into smaller rounds and placing them in cupcake liners. This makes for easy serving and adds a playful touch.

Layered Parfaits

• Create layered parfaits by crumbling pieces of the cake and layering them with whipped cream and chocolate sauce in clear cups. This presentation highlights the vibrant colors of the cake.

Halloween Dessert Table

• Include the Frankenstein Cake as the centerpiece of a Halloween dessert table. Surround it with themed treats like spider cookies or ghost-shaped marshmallows for an eye-catching display.

With Fruit Garnish

• Serve slices with fresh fruit such as berries or green apple slices. This adds brightness and a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cake.

How to Perfect Frankenstein Cake

To ensure your Frankenstein Cake turns out perfectly, consider these helpful tips for baking and decorating.

• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps achieve a smooth batter and ensures even baking.
• Sift dry ingredients: Sifting flour and cocoa powder prevents lumps, resulting in a finer texture.
• Monitor baking time: Check your cake a few minutes before the timer goes off; this helps prevent over-baking.
• Cool cakes completely: Allow cakes to cool on wire racks before frosting to avoid melting your buttercream.
• Experiment with colors: Adjust gel food coloring based on desired shade; more color gives you that spooky green hue.
• Store properly: Keep any leftover cake in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to three days.

Best Side Dishes for Frankenstein Cake

While Frankenstein Cake stands out as the main attraction, pairing it with complementary side dishes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Crispy Apple Slices
   Fresh, crispy apple slices offer a crunchy contrast that balances out the sweetness of the cake.
2. Chocolate-Covered Pretzels
   The salty crunch of chocolate-covered pretzels pairs wonderfully with sweet desserts, enhancing flavor profiles.
3. Pumpkin Spice Whipped Cream
   Add seasonal flair by whipping cream with pumpkin spice—perfect for dolloping atop your cake or serving alongside it.
4. Gingerbread Cookies
   These spiced treats provide a delightful holiday twist that complements the flavors of Frankenstein Cake beautifully.
5. Vanilla Ice Cream
   A classic pairing, vanilla ice cream adds creamy richness that enhances each bite of cake while cooling down the sweetness.
6. Fruit Salad
   A light fruit salad made with seasonal fruits brings brightness and freshness, balancing out heavier desserts like cake.
7. Spooky Marshmallow Pops
   Fun and festive, these pops make an excellent treat alongside cake, especially at Halloween gatherings.
8. Chocolate Mousse Cups
   Rich chocolate mousse served in small cups offers an indulgent yet elegant side dish that pairs well with any dessert spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Frankenstein Cake can be fun and rewarding, but avoiding common mistakes is key to success.

• Overmixing the batter: This can lead to a tough cake. Mix just until combined to ensure a light texture.
• Not using room temperature ingredients: Cold ingredients can create an uneven batter. Let your eggs and butter sit out for about 30 minutes before starting.
• Skipping the cooling time: Cutting into a warm cake can result in crumbles. Allow layers to cool completely before frosting.
• Ignoring the measurements: Baking is precise; even a small deviation in ingredients can affect the outcome. Use a kitchen scale for accuracy.
• Using the wrong food coloring: Not all gel colors perform the same. Ensure you have quality gel food coloring for vibrant green layers.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store the cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers of cake if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Frankenstein Cake

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Frankenstein Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place slices on a baking sheet and warm for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat a slice on medium power for about 15-20 seconds or until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, covering it with a lid and warming for several minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Frankenstein Cake.

What is Frankenstein Cake?

Frankenstein Cake is a festive Halloween dessert made with green velvet layers and cream cheese buttercream, perfect for spooky celebrations.

Can I use other colors instead of green?

Yes! You can customize the cake’s color by using different gel food colorings to match any theme or occasion.

How do I make the frosting less sweet?

To balance sweetness, add more cream cheese or a pinch of salt to your buttercream frosting recipe.

Can I substitute the buttermilk?

You can replace buttermilk with non-dairy alternatives like almond milk or soy milk mixed with vinegar (1 cup milk + 1 Tbsp vinegar) as a substitute.

Final Thoughts

This Frankenstein Cake is an eye-catching addition to any Halloween gathering. Its vibrant layers and creamy frosting make it both delicious and fun. Feel free to customize it with different colors or decorations to suit your theme!