This Brain Cake is a delightful and spooky treat, perfect for Halloween or any themed party! Its vibrant red velvet layers paired with pink buttercream and raspberry jam create an eye-catching dessert that will impress both kids and adults alike. The unique brain shape adds a fun and creepy twist, making it a standout centerpiece for your celebrations.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Eye-Catching Design: The brain shape and vivid colors make this cake a showstopper at any event.
- Rich Flavor: Moist red velvet cake combined with creamy buttercream offers a delicious taste experience.
- Customizable Decoration: You can easily modify the colors and toppings to suit different occasions or personal preferences.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making this cake is a breeze!
- Perfect for Sharing: Serves 20, making it ideal for parties or gatherings.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into baking, gather the essential tools needed to create this spooky masterpiece.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Baking pans (round)
- Parchment paper
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: Saves time and ensures the buttercream is perfectly whipped for a smooth consistency.
- Baking pans: Necessary for achieving the right shape and size of your brain cake layers.
- Spatula: Useful for spreading frosting evenly on the cake layers, creating a polished finish.
Ingredients
To create this delicious Brain Cake, you will 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 (1 stick) 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)
- 1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil (120g)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (8g)
- 1 tsp white vinegar (4g)
- 1 tsp red gel food coloring (or 1 Tbsp liquid food coloring)
For the Buttercream Frosting
- 1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature (339g)
- 1 cup (8 oz) full-fat cream cheese, room temperature (226g)
- 1 Tbsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (12g)
- 1 tsp fine salt (6g)
- 7 cups powdered sugar (904g or a 2lb. bag)
- 3 Tbsp heavy whipping cream, room temperature (45g)
- small squirt of red gel food coloring (or 1 tsp liquid food coloring)
For the Raspberry Jam Blood
- 1/2 cup seedless raspberry or strawberry jam
- 3 Tbsp water (45g)
- (Optional: 1/4 tsp red gel food coloring or 1 tsp liquid food coloring)
How to Make Brain Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your baking pans by greasing them lightly and lining them with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine:
1. Cake flour
2. Cocoa powder
3. Baking soda
4. Salt
Whisk together until well blended.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, beat together:
1. Unsalted butter
2. Granulated sugar
Mix until light and fluffy.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Wet Ingredients
Add:
1. Eggs one at a time
2. Buttermilk
3. Vegetable oil
4. Vanilla extract
5. White vinegar
6. Red gel food coloring
Mix until fully incorporated.
Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix!
Step 6: Bake
Pour the batter evenly into prepared pans. Bake for about 27 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to cooling racks.
Step 7: Prepare Buttercream Frosting
In a mixing bowl, beat together:
– Unsalted butter
– Cream cheese
– Vanilla extract
– Salt
Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing on low speed until combined. Add heavy whipping cream and mix on high until fluffy.
Step 8: Assemble the Cake
Once cooled, place one layer on your serving plate. Spread raspberry jam on top followed by buttercream frosting before adding the second layer. Repeat if using three layers.
Step 9: Decorate
Cover the entire cake with remaining buttercream frosting, shaping it as desired to resemble brain ridges using your spatula or piping tools.
Enjoy creating this spooky yet delicious Brain Cake that’s sure to be a hit at any Halloween celebration!
How to Serve Brain Cake
This brain cake makes a striking centerpiece for any Halloween gathering or themed party. Here are some creative serving suggestions to make your presentation even more enjoyable.
Spooky Platter
- Arrange slices of the brain cake on a dark, eerie platter to enhance the Halloween vibe.
- Add additional treats like gummy worms or chocolate spiders for an added fright.
Individual Servings
- Use clear dessert cups to serve small portions of brain cake topped with raspberry jam blood for a fun twist.
- Garnish with a mint leaf or edible flower for a pop of color.
Themed Dessert Table
- Place the brain cake alongside other spooky treats like ghost cupcakes and tombstone cookies.
- Use Halloween-themed decorations like mini pumpkins and cobwebs to set the scene.
Cake Pops
- Crumble leftover cake into balls, dip them in pink chocolate, and place them on sticks for fun brain cake pops.
- Drizzle with red gel food coloring for a bloody effect.
Creative Cake Slice Display
- Cut slices into fun shapes using cookie cutters before serving, presenting them on a festive tray.
- Dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
How to Perfect Brain Cake
To ensure your brain cake turns out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips.
- Use room temperature ingredients: This helps achieve a smooth batter and better texture in your cake.
- Sift dry ingredients: Sifting flour and cocoa powder removes lumps and ensures even mixing for a lighter cake.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Mix just until combined to prevent tough, dense layers; this keeps the cake moist.
- Test doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with crumbs, your cake is ready!
- Chill your buttercream: If it’s too soft to pipe, refrigerate briefly before decorating—it’ll hold its shape better.
Best Side Dishes for Brain Cake
Pairing your brain cake with delicious side dishes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some fantastic options:
- Crispy Veggie Platter: A selection of fresh vegetables served with hummus or ranch dip adds crunch and freshness.
- Fruit Skewers: Colorful skewers of seasonal fruits provide a refreshing contrast to the rich sweetness of the cake.
- Spooky Salad: A mixed green salad topped with candied nuts and cranberries adds a festive touch while balancing flavors.
- Popcorn Mix: Offer bowls of spooky popcorn mix with candy corn and chocolate-covered treats for a sweet-salty option.
- Cheese Board: A variety of cheeses paired with crackers and fruit creates a savory complement to dessert.
- Miniature Pies: Bite-sized pumpkin or pecan pies can add variety while keeping within the holiday spirit.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making a Brain Cake, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are common mistakes to watch out for.
Incorrect measurements: Using the wrong amounts of ingredients can lead to a cake that’s too dense or dry. Always use a kitchen scale or measuring cups accurately.
Skipping the cooling step: If you don’t let your cake layers cool completely before frosting, the buttercream may melt. Allow your cakes to cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes.
Not using room temperature ingredients: Cold eggs or butter can affect how well they blend together. Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature for a smooth batter.
Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to a tough cake. Mix until just combined for the best texture.
Ignoring baking times: Oven temperatures can vary. Start checking your cake a few minutes before the recommended time to prevent overbaking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Brain Cake in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Brain Cake
- Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container.
- The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Brain Cake
Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cake on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 15-20 seconds until warm.
Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, cover with a lid, and heat for about 5 minutes to warm through without drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making and enjoying Brain Cake.
How do I make a Brain Cake without fondant?
You can create the brain shape using just buttercream and food coloring. Pipe the design directly onto the cooled cake for an effective look without fondant.
What is the best way to decorate my Brain Cake?
Use pink buttercream as icing and drizzle raspberry or strawberry jam over it for that blood effect. This adds both flavor and visual appeal!
Can I customize my Brain Cake?
Absolutely! You can try different flavors of cake or filling, such as chocolate or lemon, while keeping the brain decoration theme intact.
How do I make a gluten-free version of Brain Cake?
Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend that works well in cakes, ensuring all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
This Brain Cake is not only visually striking but also deliciously moist with its red velvet layers complemented by sweet buttercream and fruity jam. Feel free to customize it with different flavors or colors to suit your occasion! It’s perfect for Halloween parties, birthdays, or any fun celebration where you want to impress guests with creativity and taste!
Brain Cake
Prepare to impress your guests with this delightful Brain Cake, perfect for Halloween or any themed gathering! This visually striking dessert features moist red velvet layers, creamy pink buttercream, and a fruity raspberry jam that mimics “blood,” making it a fun centerpiece for your celebration. The brain-shaped design adds an eerie twist that will have both kids and adults talking. With its rich flavors and easy preparation, this cake is sure to be a hit at your next event!
- Total Time: 57 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 20 slices 1x
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups cake flour
- 2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp fine salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/4 cups buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1 tsp red gel food coloring
- 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter for frosting
- 1 cup full-fat cream cheese
- 1 Tbsp vanilla extract for frosting
- 1 tsp fine salt for frosting
- 7 cups powdered sugar
- 3 Tbsp heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup seedless raspberry jam
- 3 Tbsp water
- Optional: 1/4 tsp red gel food coloring
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line baking pans with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together cake flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream together unsalted butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, followed by buttermilk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, vinegar, and red food coloring.
- Gradually mix in dry ingredients until just combined.
- Pour batter into prepared pans and bake for about 27 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool on racks.
- Prepare the buttercream by beating together unsalted butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until fluffy.
- Assemble the cake by layering it with raspberry jam and buttercream frosting between layers. Frost the entire cake with remaining buttercream.
- Decorate to resemble brain ridges using piping tools.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 27 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg