Frankenstein Cake

This Frankenstein cake is a delightful Halloween dessert that will impress your guests! With its vibrant green velvet layers and creamy buttercream, this cake stands out at any celebration. It’s perfect for Halloween parties, birthdays, or any spooky gathering. The unique flavor and eye-catching design make it a fun and festive choice!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Eye-catching Appearance: The vivid green color and fun design make this cake a showstopper.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of chocolate and buttermilk gives the cake a moist, rich taste.
• Versatile Design: Customize the decorations to fit any occasion—Halloween or otherwise.
• Easy to Make: Step-by-step instructions simplify the baking process for all skill levels.
• Feeds a Crowd: With 20 servings, it’s perfect for parties and gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking, gather your tools. Having everything ready makes the process smoother.

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: Makes frosting easier by allowing you to rotate the cake smoothly.
• Piping Bags: Essential for decorating; they help create intricate designs with ease.

Ingredients

To make this delicious Frankenstein cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:

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)

For Decoration

• Electric Green Gel Food Coloring
• Black Gel Food Coloring

How to Make Frankenstein Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Cake Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two round 10-inch cake pans.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Whisk these together until well mixed.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

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

Step 4: Add Eggs and Wet Ingredients

Mix in:
1. Eggs one at a time.
2. Buttermilk, vegetable oil, green food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar until fully 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 the Cakes

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

Step 7: Make Cream Cheese Buttercream

In a large bowl:
1. Beat together softened butter and cream cheese until smooth.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar and salt while mixing well.
3. Finally, mix in heavy cream until desired consistency is achieved.

Step 8: Assemble Your Cake

Place one layer on your cake board:
1. Spread a layer of buttercream on top.
2. Add the second layer on top.
3. Frost the entire outside with remaining buttercream.

Step 9: Decorate

Use electric green and black gel food coloring to create Frankenstein’s features using piping bags.

Now your stunning Frankenstein cake is ready to wow your guests! Enjoy every slice of this festive treat!

How to Serve Frankenstein Cake

Frankenstein Cake is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether it’s for a Halloween party or a themed event, serving it creatively can enhance the overall experience.

Creative Presentation Ideas

• Cake Stand Display: Present your Frankenstein Cake on a spinning cake stand to showcase its vibrant colors and intricate designs.
• Themed Plates: Use Halloween-themed plates for serving to add an extra spooky touch.
• Garnished Slices: Top each slice with edible decorations like ghosts or pumpkins made from fondant or chocolate.
• Accompanying Treats: Serve with fun-sized candy bars or Halloween cookies for an added festive flair.

Fun Serving Styles

• Layered Slices: Cut the cake into thick, layered slices to highlight its moist green velvet texture.
• Cupcake Versions: Create mini Frankenstein cupcakes using the same batter and decorate them similarly for individual servings.
• Dessert Bars: Transform leftover cake into dessert bars by cutting them into squares and drizzling with extra cream cheese frosting.

How to Perfect Frankenstein Cake

To make your Frankenstein Cake truly spectacular, consider these essential tips that guarantee success.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to achieve a smooth batter and even baking.
• Gel Food Coloring: Opt for gel food coloring for vibrant green hues without altering the cake’s texture or flavor.
• Sift Dry Ingredients: Always sift flour and cocoa powder to prevent lumps and create a lighter cake.
• Proper Baking Time: Check the cake’s doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean but moist.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow the layers to cool fully before adding cream cheese buttercream to avoid melting.

Best Side Dishes for Frankenstein Cake

Pair your Frankenstein Cake with delightful side dishes that complement its flavor and theme. Here are some excellent suggestions:

1. Pumpkin Spice Cookies: Soft cookies infused with pumpkin spice, perfect for capturing the fall spirit.
2. Caramel Apples: Crispy apples drizzled with homemade caramel sauce make for a sweet contrast.
3. Witch’s Brew Punch: A refreshing non-alcoholic punch made with fruit juices, soda, and floating gummy worms.
4. Spooky Fruit Skewers: Colorful fruit skewers featuring grapes, melon balls, and strawberries—fun and healthy!
5. Chocolate-Dipped Pretzels: Salty pretzels coated in rich chocolate provide a satisfying crunch alongside your cake.
6. Ghostly Meringues: Light and airy meringue cookies shaped like ghosts, adding an adorable touch to your dessert table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making a Frankenstein cake, there are several common mistakes to keep in mind. Avoiding these will lead to a more successful and enjoyable baking experience.

• Skipping the Sifting: Not sifting your cake flour and cocoa powder can lead to clumps in the batter. Always sift these ingredients together to ensure a smooth texture.
• Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can cause the cake to become dense. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a light and fluffy cake.
• Ignoring Room Temperature Ingredients: Using cold eggs or butter can affect how well they incorporate into the batter. Let these ingredients come to room temperature for best results.
• Not Measuring Accurately: Baking is a science, and incorrect measurements can ruin your cake. Use a kitchen scale for precision when measuring ingredients like flour and sugar.
• Forgetting to Preheat: Not preheating your oven can result in uneven baking. Always preheat your oven before placing your cake inside for even cooking.
• Neglecting Cake Cooling Time: Cutting into your cake too soon can cause it to crumble. Allow it to cool fully before frosting for the best presentation.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftover Frankenstein cake in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Frankenstein Cake

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

Reheating Frankenstein Cake

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the slice on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 15-20 seconds or until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm gently for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making and enjoying Frankenstein Cake.

What makes this Frankenstein Cake green?

The vibrant green color comes from gel food coloring added to the batter. Adjust the amount based on how bright you want the cake!

Can I use different types of oil in this Frankenstein Cake?

Yes, you can substitute vegetable oil with canola or any neutral-flavored oil in this recipe without compromising flavor.

How do I make this Frankenstein Cake dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, substitute buttermilk with almond milk mixed with vinegar or lemon juice and replace butter with plant-based alternatives.

How should I decorate my Frankenstein Cake?

Decorate with black gel icing for facial features, using cream cheese buttercream for hair, or other fun Halloween-themed decorations!

Can I customize flavors in my Frankenstein Cake?

Absolutely! You can add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg or mix in chocolate chips for added flavor variations.

How long does it take to prepare this Frankenstein Cake?

The total time is about 108 minutes, including prepping, baking, and cooling before decorating.

Final Thoughts

This Frankenstein cake is not only perfect for Halloween but also versatile enough for year-round celebrations! Its moist green velvet layers paired with creamy buttercream make it an irresistible treat. Feel free to customize it with different colors or flavors to suit your taste!