Frankenstein Cake
This Frankenstein cake is the perfect Halloween dessert! With its vibrant green velvet layers and creamy buttercream, it not only looks spooky but also tastes delicious. Ideal for parties, gatherings, or any festive occasion, this cake will impress both kids and adults alike. Get ready to bring some fun to your Halloween celebrations with this charmingly eerie treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Eye-catching design: The bright green color and fun decoration make it a standout centerpiece for any Halloween event.
- Delicious flavor: The combination of moist cake and rich cream cheese buttercream creates a delightful balance of sweetness.
- Easy to customize: You can adjust the colors and decorations to suit your theme or personal preference.
- Perfect for sharing: This recipe yields 20 servings, making it ideal for parties or family gatherings.
- Kid-friendly activity: Decorating this cake can be a fun group activity, perfect for spending quality time with loved ones.
Tools and Preparation
To make the Frankenstein cake effectively, having the right tools is essential. These tools will help you create a beautifully decorated cake with ease.
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 allows you to smoothly decorate your cake from all angles without having to move it around excessively.
- Large piping bag: Perfect for applying generous amounts of frosting quickly and efficiently.
- Small offset spatula: Great for spreading and smoothing out your buttercream on the cake layers.

Ingredients
This Frankenstein cake is the perfect Halloween dessert! It’s made with moist green velvet cake layers and cream cheese buttercream!!
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 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 flour two round 9-inch cake pans to prevent sticking.
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 a large mixing 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
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then mix in buttermilk, oil, food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar until combined.
Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing.
Step 6: Bake Cakes
Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake in preheated oven for about 28 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool Cakes
Once baked, let cakes cool in pans for about 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Step 8: Prepare Buttercream
In a mixing bowl:
1. Beat together softened butter and cream cheese until smooth.
2. Add vanilla extract and salt.
3. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar while mixing until fluffy.
4. Add heavy cream until desired consistency is reached.
Step 9: Assemble Cake
Place one layer on a greaseproof board:
– Spread an even layer of buttercream on top.
– Place the second layer on top of that.
Step 10: Decorate Cake
Use remaining buttercream to frost the entire cake smoothly using an offset spatula. Use colored gels for creating Frankenstein’s features as desired.
Enjoy your delightful Frankenstein cake at your next Halloween festivity!
How to Serve Frankenstein Cake
This Frankenstein cake is not only a delightful treat but also a fun centerpiece for any Halloween gathering. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your spooky dessert experience.
Individual Servings
- Present slices on mini plates for easy serving and a festive touch.
- Use clear plastic cups to layer cake pieces with whipped cream for parfait-style servings.
Themed Platter
- Arrange pieces of Frankenstein cake on a large platter surrounded by Halloween-themed decorations, such as plastic spiders or candy corn.
- Create a colorful display by adding assorted Halloween candies alongside the cake.
Cupcake Version
- Transform the Frankenstein cake into cupcakes for individual servings. Top with green frosting and themed decorations like edible eyes or chocolate sprinkles.
- Use cupcake liners in Halloween designs to add an extra festive flair.
Ice Cream Pairing
- Serve each slice of Frankenstein cake with a scoop of vanilla or mint ice cream to balance the rich flavors.
- Drizzle chocolate or green syrup over the top for added sweetness and decoration.
How to Perfect Frankenstein Cake
To achieve a stunning and delicious Frankenstein cake, keep these tips in mind.
- Measure Ingredients Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially with flour and sugar, to ensure the right texture.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure eggs, butter, and cream cheese are at room temperature for better mixing and smoother batter.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cake layers rather than light and fluffy ones.
- Use Gel Food Coloring Sparingly: Start with a small amount of green gel food coloring and gradually add more until you reach the desired shade without overpowering the flavor.
- Chill Your Frosting: If your cream cheese buttercream is too soft, chill it briefly before piping for better control during decoration.
- Level Your Cakes: After baking, use a serrated knife to level each layer. This will help your cake stack neatly and look professional.
Best Side Dishes for Frankenstein Cake
Pair your delightful Frankenstein cake with these tasty side dishes that complement its flavors perfectly.
- Pumpkin Soup: A warm pumpkin soup adds a creamy texture and seasonal flavor that pairs well with sweet desserts.
- Spooky Salad: A salad featuring dark greens, cranberries, and almonds creates a refreshing contrast while keeping the Halloween theme alive.
- Candy Corn Fruit Cups: Bright fruit cups layered with orange slices and bananas mimic candy corn colors while being healthy and visually appealing.
- Ghostly Marshmallow Treats: Rice cereal treats shaped like ghosts provide a fun snack that kids will love along with their cake.
- Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks: These savory breadsticks can balance out the sweetness of the cake while providing hearty satisfaction.
- Witch’s Brew Punch: A fruity punch made from fruit juices garnished with gummy worms adds an exciting drink option that enhances the celebration atmosphere.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking a Frankenstein Cake can be fun, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls:
- Overmixing the batter: This can lead to a dense cake. Mix until just combined for a light texture.
- Skipping room temperature ingredients: Cold ingredients can affect the cake’s rise. Always use room temperature butter, eggs, and buttermilk.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is a science. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
- Ignoring baking times: Every oven is different. Check your cake a few minutes before the suggested time to avoid overbaking.
- Neglecting cooling time: Cutting into a warm cake can ruin its structure. Let it cool completely before frosting.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover slices in an airtight container.
- The cake will stay fresh for up to 4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Frankenstein Cake
- Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in an airtight container.
- You can freeze the cake for up to 2 months.
Reheating Frankenstein Cake
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat a slice for 15-20 seconds for a quick treat.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, covered, for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about making and enjoying your Frankenstein Cake:
Can I customize my Frankenstein Cake?
Absolutely! You can experiment with different colors or add fun toppings like candy eyes or chocolate sprinkles.
What’s the best way to decorate a Frankenstein Cake?
Use colored buttercream frosting and fun piping techniques to create features that resemble Frankenstein’s monster.
How do I know when my Frankenstein Cake is done?
A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking.
How long does this Frankenstein Cake last?
When stored properly, it stays fresh in the refrigerator for about 4 days and up to 2 months in the freezer.
Final Thoughts
This Frankenstein Cake is not only perfect for Halloween but also versatile enough for any occasion. Its moist green velvet layers paired with creamy frosting make it delicious and visually striking. Feel free to get creative with decorations or fillings to suit your taste!
Frankenstein Cake
Create a spine-tingling experience with this delightful Frankenstein Cake, an extraordinary Halloween dessert that captures the spirit of the season. Featuring luscious green velvet layers and a rich cream cheese buttercream, this cake is not only visually striking but also irresistibly delicious. Perfect for any festive gathering, it’s sure to be a hit among kids and adults alike. With easy customization options and a vibrant presentation, this cake will elevate your Halloween celebrations and impress your guests. Gather your loved ones for a fun decorating session, making it a memorable activity as you whip up this frightfully delicious treat!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Total Time: 58 minutes
- Yield: Serves 20 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups cake flour
- 2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp fine salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 ¼ cups buttermilk, room temperature
- 2/3 cup vegetable or canola oil
- 2 squirts of green gel food coloring
- 2 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1 ½ cups unsalted butter, room temperature
- ½ cup full-fat cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 Tbsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
- 1 tsp fine salt
- 8 cups powdered sugar
- 2 Tbsp heavy whipping cream, room temperature
- Electric Green Gel Food Coloring
- Black Gel Food Coloring
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two round 9-inch cake pans.
- Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in one bowl.
- In another bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
- Incorporate buttermilk, oil, food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar into the wet mixture.
- Gradually mix in dry ingredients until just combined; do not overmix.
- Divide batter between prepared pans and bake for about 28 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool cakes before frosting with cream cheese buttercream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 63g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg