Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Brain Cake: A Spooktacular Treat for Halloween

Brain Cake

  • Author: eleanor
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Indulge in the whimsical allure of Brain Cake, a delightful red velvet cake adorned with a luscious cream cheese buttercream frosting and a dramatic edible fake blood finish, perfect for Halloween or themed parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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
  • liquid food coloring
  • 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter
  • 1 cup full-fat cream cheese
  • 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp fine salt
  • 7 cups powdered sugar
  • 3 Tbsp heavy whipping cream
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 tsp red gel food coloring

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two round cake pans by greasing them and lining with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together cake flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then mix in buttermilk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, white vinegar, and food coloring until well combined.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined.
  6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
  8. While the cakes are cooling, make the cream cheese buttercream by beating together the unsalted butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well, then add vanilla extract, salt, and heavy whipping cream; mix until creamy.
  9. Once the cakes are cool, level them if necessary and frost between the layers and on top and sides with cream cheese buttercream.
  10. To make the edible fake blood, mix water with red food coloring to achieve your desired effect. Drizzle over the top of the cake for a spooky look.
  11. Slice and serve your Brain Cake, and enjoy the haunted delights!

Notes

For a deeper red color, you can adjust the amount of food coloring used. Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 780 kcal
  • Sugar: 88 g
  • Sodium: 470 mg
  • Fat: 42 g
  • Saturated Fat: 24 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 98 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 125 mg

Keywords: Brain Cake, Red Velvet Cake, Halloween Cake, Cream Cheese Frosting, Spooky Desserts

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Find it online: https://eleanorrecipes.com/brain-cake/