Frankenstein Cake

This Frankenstein cake is the perfect Halloween dessert! It’s made with moist green velvet cake layers and rich cream cheese buttercream, making it a delightful treat for any spooky celebration. Whether you’re hosting a Halloween party or looking for a fun birthday cake, this cake will impress guests of all ages. The vibrant green color and playful design make it a standout addition to your dessert table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Eye-catching design – The bright green color and fun Frankenstein face make this cake a showstopper at any event.
• Delicious flavor – Combining the richness of cream cheese buttercream with the unique taste of green velvet cake creates a flavor that’s both familiar and exciting.
• Versatile for occasions – Perfect for Halloween parties, birthdays, or any festive gathering, this cake adapts to any celebration.
• Easy to decorate – With simple piping techniques, you can easily achieve the signature Frankenstein look without advanced skills.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this fun baking adventure, gather all necessary tools and ensure your workspace is clean. Having everything prepared will streamline the process.

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 decorating by rotating the cake as you pipe, ensuring even coverage.
• Piping bags – Essential for applying decorative icing details, these bags help you create intricate designs effortlessly.

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: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two round cake pans with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, beat together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Wet Ingredients

Add in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then mix in buttermilk, vegetable oil, food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar until fully combined.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

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

Step 6: Bake the Cakes

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

Step 7: Prepare Cream Cheese Buttercream

While cakes cool, beat together unsalted butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing on low speed. Then add heavy whipping cream and mix until fluffy.

Step 8: Assemble the Cake

Once cooled, place one layer on your greaseproof board. Spread an even layer of cream cheese buttercream on top before adding the second layer.

Step 9: Decorate Your Frankenstein Cake

Use your piping bags fitted with different tips to create details like eyes and stitches using black gel food coloring. Use electric green gel food coloring to give your Frankenstein its vibrant look!

Enjoy serving this deliciously spooky Frankenstein cake at your next celebration!

How to Serve Frankenstein Cake

Serving your Frankenstein cake can be just as fun as making it! This vibrant and spooky dessert is perfect for Halloween gatherings, birthday parties, or any festive occasion. Here are some creative ways to serve this delightful cake.

Individual Slices

• Cut the cake into generous slices and plate them individually. This allows guests to enjoy their own personal piece of the cake.

Cake Pops

• Transform leftover cake into cake pops by crumbling the cake, mixing it with buttercream, and rolling into balls. Dip in green candy coating for a fun treat!

Layered Parfaits

• Create layered parfaits using crumbled Frankenstein cake and whipped cream or yogurt. Serve in clear cups for a visually appealing snack.

Themed Dessert Table

• Set up a dessert table with your Frankenstein cake as the centerpiece. Add spooky decorations like mini ghosts or pumpkins to enhance the theme.

How to Perfect Frankenstein Cake

To ensure your Frankenstein cake turns out beautifully every time, follow these handy tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before you start baking. This helps them combine better for a smoother batter.

• Sift Dry Ingredients: Always sift your cake flour and cocoa powder together to remove lumps and ensure an even mix.

• Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough texture.

• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the right temperature. Baking at the correct heat is crucial for an even rise.

Best Side Dishes for Frankenstein Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Frankenstein cake can elevate any gathering. Here are some delicious options that complement this festive dessert.

1. Pumpkin Soup: A warm and creamy pumpkin soup adds a cozy touch to your Halloween celebration.

2. Spooky Salad: Create a mixed greens salad topped with black olives (for eyes) and orange carrots for a colorful, seasonal dish.

3. Vegetable Platter: A platter of fresh vegetables served with ranch dip provides a healthy contrast to the rich cake.

4. Cheese Board: Offer a selection of cheeses and crackers for guests to nibble on while enjoying their cake.

5. Fruit Skewers: Assemble skewers with seasonal fruits like grapes, oranges, and apples for a refreshing side.

6. Mini Quiches: Serve bite-sized quiches filled with spinach or cheese for savory bites alongside sweet treats.

7. Breadsticks: Garlic breadsticks add a nice crunch and flavor that pairs well with desserts like the Frankenstein cake.

8. Chocolate Mousse Cups: For chocolate lovers, small cups of chocolate mousse provide an indulgent side option that complements the flavors of the cake beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a Frankenstein cake can be fun, but there are common mistakes that can lead to disappointing results. Here are some tips to help you get it right.

• Using cold ingredients – Always ensure your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can affect the texture of your cake.
• Overmixing the batter – Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until combined for a light and fluffy texture.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately – Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups carefully. Inaccurate measurements can change the outcome.
• Skipping the cooling stage – Allow your cake layers to cool completely before frosting. This prevents melting and sliding of the icing.
• Ignoring the food coloring – When coloring your cake batter, start with less gel food coloring and gradually add more until you reach your desired shade.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep it on a flat surface to prevent damage to the layers.

Freezing Frankenstein Cake

• Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 3 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before decorating or serving.

Reheating Frankenstein Cake

• Oven – Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat individual slices on medium power for about 20-30 seconds.
• Stovetop – Place a slice in a covered pan over low heat for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Frankenstein Cake?

A Frankenstein cake is a fun Halloween-themed dessert featuring green velvet layers decorated with cream cheese buttercream, perfect for celebrations.

How do I achieve the best green color for my Frankenstein Cake?

Use gel food coloring instead of liquid food coloring. Gel colors provide more intense shades without altering the batter’s consistency.

Can I customize my Frankenstein Cake recipe?

Absolutely! You can add different flavors or fillings like chocolate chips, or swap out the cream cheese buttercream for a different frosting.

How many servings does this Frankenstein Cake provide?

This recipe yields approximately 20 servings, making it ideal for large gatherings or parties.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the cake layers a day in advance and store them properly in the refrigerator or freeze them for later use.

Final Thoughts

This Frankenstein cake is not only visually striking but also delicious, making it an ideal treat for Halloween gatherings or any festive occasion. Feel free to customize it with your favorite flavors or decorations to make it uniquely yours!