Brain Cake

This Brain Cake is an eye-catching dessert perfect for Halloween celebrations, birthday parties, or any spooky gathering. Its moist red velvet layers, creamy pink buttercream, and raspberry jam blood make it a unique treat that combines fun and flavor. Not only does this cake look impressive, but it also tastes divine, ensuring your guests will be both amazed and delighted!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Visually Striking: The brain shape and vibrant colors make it a showstopper at any event.
• Deliciously Moist: With red velvet layers and rich buttercream, every bite is full of flavor.
• Versatile Occasions: Perfect for Halloween, birthdays, or any themed party where fun is the focus.
• Easy to Make: Follow simple steps to create this stunning cake without needing advanced baking skills.
• Customizable Flavors: You can experiment with different fillings or decorations to suit your taste.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making this Brain Cake, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9-inch round cake pans
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when mixing batter and frosting for a fluffy texture.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements for the best results.
• Cooling rack: Allows cakes to cool evenly, preventing sogginess.

Ingredients

This brain cake is perfect for Halloween! It’s made with moist red velvet cake layers, pink buttercream and raspberry jam blood.

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 Filling

• 1/2 cup seedless raspberry or strawberry jam

Optional Coloring

• [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 cake pans by greasing them with butter or cooking spray.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Whisk these ingredients together until well blended.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another mixing bowl, beat together:
1. Unsalted butter
2. Granulated sugar

Mix until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Wet Ingredients

Add in the eggs one at a time while mixing on low speed. Then add:
– Buttermilk
– Vegetable oil
– Vanilla extract
– White vinegar
– Red gel food coloring

Mix until combined.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix!

Step 6: Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake in preheated oven for about 27 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool the Cakes

Once baked, let them cool in pans for about 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 8: Make Buttercream Frosting

While cakes are cooling, prepare frosting by beating together:
– Unsalted butter
– Cream cheese
– Vanilla extract

Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing on low speed until fluffy. Adjust consistency with heavy whipping cream if needed.

Step 9: Assemble the Cake

Once cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread raspberry jam on top followed by a layer of frosting. Add the second layer of cake and frost the top and sides generously.

Step 10: Decorate as Desired

Use remaining frosting to pipe decorative swirls on top of the cake. Optionally add more raspberry jam for that blood effect!

Enjoy your spooky creation!

How to Serve Brain Cake

This brain cake is sure to be a hit at any Halloween gathering. Its striking appearance and delicious flavor make it a memorable dessert that will impress your guests. Here are some fun ways to serve this spooky treat.

Individual Slices

• Serve each slice on a decorative plate for an elegant look.
• Add a dollop of raspberry jam on the side for an extra touch of sweetness.

Cake Pops

• Transform leftover cake into fun cake pops.
• Dip them in pink chocolate and add sprinkles for a festive touch.

Dessert Buffet

• Include the brain cake as a centerpiece on a Halloween dessert table.
• Surround it with spooky treats like ghost-shaped cookies and mini pumpkin pies.

Themed Plates

• Use themed plates featuring Halloween designs to enhance the presentation.
• Pair with creepy napkins or utensils to keep the spirit alive.

Party Favors

• Cut small pieces of the brain cake and package them in clear bags as party favors.
• Tie with a ribbon and tag for a personal touch that guests will love.

How to Perfect Brain Cake

Perfecting your brain cake can elevate it from good to unforgettable. Follow these tips to ensure your cake turns out just right every time.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Sift your flour: Sifting helps remove lumps and makes your cake lighter and fluffier.
• Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined to avoid a dense cake; this keeps your brain cake moist.
• Check for doneness: Use a toothpick inserted into the center; it should come out clean when the cake is done baking.
• Chill before frosting: Let the cakes cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and sliding of buttercream.

Best Side Dishes for Brain Cake

Pairing side dishes with your brain cake can create a well-rounded Halloween feast. Here are some ideas that complement its flavors beautifully.

1. Spooky Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits like oranges, grapes, and blackberries arranged in a creepy way.
2. Witch’s Brew Soup: A green vegetable soup served in cauldrons, perfect for a ghoulish meal before dessert.
3. Graveyard Tacos: Mini tacos decorated with tombstone-shaped cheese cutouts for fun, spooky flair.
4. Mummy Hot Dogs: Hot dogs wrapped in crescent roll dough, baked until golden, resembling mummies.
5. Pumpkin Deviled Eggs: Seasoned eggs colored with paprika to mimic pumpkins, adding color and taste.
6. Ghostly Cheese Platter: An assortment of cheeses shaped into ghost figures complete with olive eyes.

These side dishes will not only complement your brain cake but also enhance your Halloween celebration!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your brain cake turns out perfectly, avoid these common pitfalls.

• Using the wrong flour: Always use cake flour for a lighter texture. All-purpose flour can make your cake dense and heavy.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to a tough cake. Mix just until combined to maintain a fluffy texture.
• Ignoring room temperature ingredients: Cold eggs and butter can affect the batter’s consistency. Let them sit out for about 30 minutes before starting.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision. Incorrect measurements can ruin the cake’s texture and flavor.
• Skipping the vinegar: The vinegar enhances the red color and reacts with baking soda. Don’t skip it; it’s essential for achieving that vibrant hue.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your brain cake in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freezing Brain Cake

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container.
• You can freeze brain cake for up to 3 months without compromising quality.

Reheating Brain Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place slices on a baking sheet and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 15-20 seconds. Keep an eye on it to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, cover, and warm slices for about 5 minutes until they are warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making and serving brain cake.

How do I make a brain cake without fondant?

You can create a realistic brain shape using buttercream techniques. Pipe the pink buttercream in swirls to mimic brain folds.

What type of food coloring should I use for my brain cake?

Using gel food coloring is recommended as it provides vibrant color without adding too much liquid.

Can I customize my brain cake?

Absolutely! You can add different fillings like chocolate ganache or swap the raspberry jam for strawberry jam based on your preference.

How long does it take to bake the brain cake?

The total baking time is approximately 27 minutes, but allow extra time for cooling and decorating.

Is this brain cake suitable for kids’ parties?

Yes! The bright colors and fun design make it perfect for Halloween or any themed party that kids will enjoy.

Final Thoughts

This brain cake is not only spooky but also delicious, making it an ideal treat for Halloween celebrations. Its moist red velvet layers combined with sweet pink buttercream create an irresistible dessert that everyone will love. Customize it with different flavors or decorations to suit your occasion, and let your creativity shine!

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Brain Cake

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This Brain Cake is the ultimate spooky dessert for Halloween gatherings, birthday parties, or any themed event. Featuring layers of moist red velvet cake paired with creamy pink buttercream and a delicious raspberry jam ‘blood’ filling, this cake not only looks impressive but also delights the taste buds. With its striking brain shape and vibrant colors, it’s guaranteed to be a showstopper at your next celebration! Easy to make with simple steps, this cake can be customized with different flavors or decorations to match your occasion perfectly.

• Total Time: 57 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 1/2 cups cake flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/4 cups buttermilk
• Red gel food coloring
• 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter (for frosting)
• 1 cup cream cheese
• Raspberry or strawberry jam

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in buttermilk, oil, vanilla, vinegar, and food coloring until combined.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture without overmixing.
5. Divide batter between pans and bake for about 27 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely on wire racks.
6. For frosting, beat together butter and cream cheese; gradually add powdered sugar until fluffy. Adjust with heavy cream if needed.
7. Assemble the cake by layering with raspberry jam and frosting; decorate as desired.

• Author: Natalia
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 27 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (85g)
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 35g
• Sodium: 220mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: Allow all ingredients to reach room temperature before mixing for best results. Feel free to get creative with decorations like edible glitter or spooky chocolate shapes. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days or freeze slices for up to three months.