Frankenstein Cake

If you’re looking for a fun and festive dessert that will steal the show this Halloween, you’ve come to the right place! This Frankenstein Cake is not only vibrant and eye-catching, but it’s also incredibly delicious with its moist green velvet layers and creamy buttercream frosting. I can’t help but smile when I see this cake—it just radiates joy and spookiness all at once!

This recipe has become a family favorite at our gatherings. Whether it’s a Halloween party or a fun birthday bash, this cake brings everyone together. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make! You can whip it up on a busy weeknight or make it ahead of time for your special occasion. Let’s dive into why you’ll love making this Frankenstein Cake!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This recipe is straightforward with simple steps, perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Family-Friendly Fun: Kids will love helping decorate this spooky delight, making it a great activity for family bonding.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: The cake can be baked in advance, saving you time on the day of your celebration.
• Delicious Flavors: The combination of green velvet cake and cream cheese buttercream is simply irresistible!
• Eye-Catching Presentation: Your guests will be amazed by the vibrant colors and unique theme—perfect for Halloween!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is half the fun! For this Frankenstein Cake, you’ll need some simple and wholesome items that you might already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful dessert:

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 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)

Additional Supplies

You’ll also need some fun decorating supplies:
* Electric Green Gel Food Coloring
* Black Gel Food Coloring
* 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)

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is! Here are some fun variations to try:

• Change Up the Colors: Use different colors of gel food coloring to create unique themes for other holidays.
• Swap the Frosting: Try using chocolate ganache instead of cream cheese buttercream for a richer flavor.
• Add Flavored Extracts: Experiment with different extracts like almond or peppermint to give your cake an extra twist.
• Decorate Creatively: Get creative with toppings—add gummy worms or eyeball candies for extra spookiness!

How to Make Frankenstein Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Cake Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two round cake pans so that our cake layers release easily. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This step helps ensure everything combines well later.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, beat together the room-temperature butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, making your cake light. Gradually add in your eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a measuring jug, mix together buttermilk, vegetable oil, green gel food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar. Add these wet ingredients into your creamed butter mixture alternately with the dry ingredients. Mixing gently will keep your batter light.

Step 4: Bake Your Cakes

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

Step 5: Make Your Buttercream Frosting

While your cakes cool down completely, let’s whip up that delicious cream cheese buttercream! Beat together unsalted butter and cream cheese until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until smooth. Add heavy cream to reach your desired consistency.

Step 6: Assemble Your Cake

Once cooled completely, level off any domed tops on your cakes with a knife. Place one layer on your greaseproof board or plate. Spread a good amount of frosting on top before adding the second layer. Crumb coat the entire cake with frosting then chill briefly.

Step 7: Decorate Like Frankenstein

Now comes the fun part! Use electric green gel food coloring to tint part of your frosting for decorating. Pipe it onto your chilled cake using various tips for texture and detail—think hair and scars! A little black gel food coloring can add personality too!

With every slice of this delightful Frankenstein Cake shared among friends or family during Halloween festivities—or any occasion—the smiles it brings are truly priceless! Enjoy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Frankenstein Cake

Making a show-stopping Frankenstein cake can be easier than you think with a few helpful tips! Here are some pro suggestions to ensure your cake turns out perfectly spooky.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Always make sure your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature. This helps create a smoother batter and ensures better mixing, leading to a moist and fluffy cake.
• Sift Your Dry Ingredients: Sifting the flour, cocoa powder, and baking soda not only removes lumps but also aerates the mixture. This results in a lighter cake that rises beautifully.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, which is not what we want for our delightful Frankenstein creation!
• Chill Your Buttercream: If you find your cream cheese buttercream is too soft to work with, pop it in the fridge for about 15 minutes. This makes it easier to pipe those spooky details onto your cake.
• Practice Piping Techniques: Before decorating your Frankenstein cake, practice piping on a piece of parchment paper. This will help you get comfortable with the piping bag and achieve those perfect monster features!

How to Serve Frankenstein Cake

Presenting your Frankenstein cake in an appealing way can take your Halloween celebration to the next level. Whether it’s for a spooky gathering or a fun birthday party, here are some ideas on how to serve this delightful dessert.

Garnishes

• Candy Eyes: Add edible candy eyes on top of the frosting for a playful touch that adds character to your monster.
• Chocolate Sprinkles: A sprinkle of chocolate on the sides creates an added texture that complements the smooth buttercream.

Side Dishes

• Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes: These mini treats bring in festive flavors that pair wonderfully with the sweet green velvet cake.
• Ghostly Meringues: Light and airy meringues shaped like ghosts add a whimsical touch to your dessert table.
• Witch’s Brew Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits like oranges, grapes, and kiwi served in a cauldron-style bowl adds freshness alongside the rich cake.
• Creepy Cheese Platter: Offer an assortment of cheeses paired with crackers and fruits for guests who may prefer savory options amidst all the sweets.

With these serving suggestions and garnishes, your Halloween festivities will be complete! Enjoy every bite of this charming Frankenstein cake as you celebrate with family and friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Frankenstein Cake is a fantastic choice for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy its deliciousness throughout the Halloween season! Here’s how to store and extend the life of your cake.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing

• To freeze, wrap the cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
• Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

• Enjoy it cold, or if you’d like it warm, gently reheat slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
• Avoid overheating to prevent drying out the cake.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making the Frankenstein Cake.

What is a Frankenstein Cake?

A Frankenstein Cake is a fun and festive dessert made with moist green velvet layers and cream cheese buttercream, perfect for Halloween celebrations!

How can I make a gluten-free version of Frankenstein Cake?

You can substitute regular cake flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well for a delicious alternative!

Can I use different colors for the Frankenstein Cake?

Absolutely! While green is traditional, feel free to use any food coloring of your choice to create a unique spin on this spooky dessert.

How do I decorate my Frankenstein Cake?

Use green and black gel food coloring for decoration. Pipe facial features using your favorite piping tips and let your creativity shine!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this delightful Frankenstein Cake as much as I do! It’s not just a treat; it’s a celebration of fun flavors and creativity that will impress friends and family alike. Whether you’re hosting a Halloween party or just want something special, this cake is sure to bring smiles all around. Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear how your spooky creation turns out!