Frankenstein Cake
This Frankenstein Cake is the ultimate Halloween dessert! With vibrant green velvet layers and rich cream cheese buttercream, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any spooky gathering. Whether you’re celebrating Halloween, a birthday, or simply indulging your sweet tooth, this cake stands out with its fun design and delicious flavor. Get ready to impress your guests with this show-stopping treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fun for All Occasions: Perfect for Halloween parties, birthdays, or themed events.
- Vibrant Color: The bright green color adds a festive touch that’s visually appealing.
- Moist and Flavorful: The combination of buttermilk and gel food coloring ensures a moist cake with rich taste.
- Easy to Decorate: Simple decorating techniques make it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
- Creamy Frosting Delight: The cream cheese buttercream adds a perfect balance of sweetness.

Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools and set up your workspace. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
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: Allows for easy frosting and decorating from all angles.
- Large Piping Bag: Ideal for applying frosting quickly and evenly on larger surfaces.
- Small Offset Spatula: Great for spreading frosting smoothly over the cake layers.
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). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly.
Step 2: Prepare Cake Pans
Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with non-stick spray or butter. Line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together:
Cake flour
Cocoa powder
Baking soda
Salt
Set aside until needed.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, beat together unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3–5 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed.
Step 5: Add Eggs and Wet Ingredients
Add eggs one at a time to the butter mixture. Beat well after each addition. Then mix in buttermilk, oil, food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar until fully combined.
Step 6: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
Step 7: Bake
Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for about 28 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
Continue following these steps to create your beautiful Frankenstein Cake!
How to Serve Frankenstein Cake
Serving your Frankenstein cake can be just as fun as baking it! This festive dessert is perfect for Halloween parties, birthday celebrations, or any spooky gathering. Here are some creative ways to present this delightful cake.
Fun Serving Suggestions
- Cake Pops: Slice leftover cake into small squares, dip them in chocolate, and add a stick for a spooky treat on the go.
- Cupcake Portions: Bake mini versions of the Frankenstein cake in cupcake liners for easy serving and individual portions.
- Layered Parfaits: Crumble the cake layers and alternate with cream cheese buttercream in clear cups for a visually appealing dessert.
- Themed Plates: Serve slices on Halloween-themed plates to enhance the festive atmosphere.
- Decorative Garnishes: Top each slice with gummy worms or creepy candy eyeballs for an extra touch of Halloween fun.
How to Perfect Frankenstein Cake
To ensure your Frankenstein cake turns out perfectly, follow these helpful tips. These suggestions will enhance both flavor and presentation.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing to achieve a smooth batter and even baking.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix your batter until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture that isn’t ideal for cakes.
- Adjust Baking Times: Keep an eye on the baking time; ovens vary. Check for doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center—if it comes out clean, it’s done!
- Chill the Buttercream: If your buttercream feels too soft, chill it briefly in the fridge to make piping easier and more precise.
- Experiment with Colors: Feel free to mix different shades of green gel food coloring for a more vibrant Frankenstein look!
- Let It Cool Completely: Allow the cake layers to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting your buttercream.
Best Side Dishes for Frankenstein Cake
Pairing side dishes with your Frankenstein cake can elevate your Halloween celebration. Here are some delicious options that complement this spooky dessert beautifully.
- Witch’s Brew Punch: A fizzy green punch made from lime sherbet and lemon-lime soda that matches the color of your cake.
- Mummy Hot Dogs: Hot dogs wrapped in crescent roll dough, baked until golden brown; they look like mummies!
- Ghostly Veggie Tray: Arrange fresh vegetables in the shape of ghosts using hummus or ranch dip for a healthy option.
- Spider Deviled Eggs: Classic deviled eggs topped with olive slices arranged to resemble spiders—perfect for adding some creepiness!
- Graveyard Dirt Cups: Chocolate pudding layered with crushed cookies and gummy worms create a fun visual that pairs well with sweets.
- Pumpkin Soup Shots: Serve warm pumpkin soup in small cups as a savory contrast to sweet desserts—a seasonal favorite!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making a Frankenstein cake, it’s easy to overlook some key steps that can affect the final result. Here are common mistakes to avoid for a successful bake.
- Using cold ingredients: Always ensure your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature. This helps in creating a smoother batter and better texture.
- Not measuring accurately: Baking is a science. Use proper measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient quantities to achieve the best results.
- Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined to prevent a dense cake. Overmixing can lead to tough layers that won’t rise properly.
- Ignoring oven temperature: Preheat your oven properly before baking. An incorrect temperature can lead to uneven baking or burnt edges.
- Choosing the wrong food coloring: Use high-quality gel food coloring for vibrant color without affecting the cake’s texture. Liquid dyes can alter moisture levels.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store any leftover cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
- If layered with frosting, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing Frankenstein Cake
- Wrap slices or whole cakes tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil for up to 3 months.
- Label with the date for easy tracking of freshness.
Reheating Frankenstein Cake
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and place the cake on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 20 seconds at a time until warm.
- Stovetop: Place a slice in a covered skillet on low heat for about 5 minutes, checking frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about making or storing your Frankenstein cake, you’re in the right place!
What is Frankenstein Cake?
Frankenstein Cake is a festive Halloween dessert made with green velvet layers and cream cheese frosting, perfect for spooky celebrations.
How do I make green velvet cake?
To achieve the green color, add gel food coloring to your batter. Ensure it’s well-mixed for an even hue throughout your cake layers.
Can I customize my Frankenstein Cake?
Absolutely! You can switch up flavors or add different decorations. Consider using chocolate ganache or alternative frosting styles.
How long does it take to bake a Frankenstein Cake?
The total time from preparation to baking is approximately 1 hour and 48 minutes, including cooling time.
Is Frankenstein Cake suitable for kids?
Yes! This cake is fun and visually appealing, making it great for kids’ parties or Halloween gatherings.
Final Thoughts
This Frankenstein cake is not just a treat; it’s an experience! Its vibrant colors and delicious flavors make it perfect for Halloween festivities or any themed celebration. Feel free to customize it with different colors or decorations to suit your event. Try this delightful recipe today!
Frankenstein Cake
Indulge in the spirit of Halloween with our vibrant Frankenstein Cake, a delightful fusion of fun and flavor! This eye-catching dessert features moist green velvet layers paired with creamy cream cheese buttercream frosting. Whether you’re throwing a spooky bash, celebrating a birthday, or simply satisfying your sweet cravings, this cake is bound to steal the spotlight at any gathering.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Total Time: 58 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups cake flour
- 2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp fine salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 1/4 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 1/2 cups unsalted butter, room temperature (for frosting)
- 1/2 cup full-fat cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 Tbsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (for frosting)
- 1 tsp fine salt (for frosting)
- 8 cups powdered sugar
- 2 Tbsp heavy whipping cream, room temperature
- Electric Green Gel Food Coloring
- Black Gel Food Coloring
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line them with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together cake flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat unsalted butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, followed by buttermilk, oil, food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar.
- Gradually mix in dry ingredients until just combined.
- Divide batter between prepared pans and bake for about 28 minutes. Cool before frosting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg