Brain Cake

This Brain Cake is a stunning centerpiece for Halloween celebrations! With its moist red velvet layers, vibrant pink buttercream, and a drizzle of raspberry jam, it’s both eye-catching and delicious. Perfect for parties or themed events, this cake will impress guests of all ages. Plus, it’s easy to make without any complicated molds, making it a fun baking project!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Visually Striking: The unique brain shape and bright colors make this cake a showstopper at any gathering.
• Deliciously Moist: The combination of buttermilk and oil ensures every bite is rich and satisfying.
• Versatile Flavors: Customize the flavors by experimenting with different jams or cake variations!
• Easy to Decorate: With simple buttercream techniques, you can achieve a professional look without much effort.
• Perfect for All Occasions: While great for Halloween, this cake can also work for birthdays or any spooky-themed event.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the delicious recipe, gather your tools and equipment. Having everything in place makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• 9-inch round cake pans
• Spatula
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Ensures that your batter is well-combined and fluffy, leading to a lighter cake texture.
• Spatula: Perfect for spreading frosting evenly on the cake layers, giving it a polished look.
• Cooling rack: Allows cakes to cool evenly and prevents sogginess from steam buildup.

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Ingredients

To make this delicious Brain Cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Cake Layers

• 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)
• [1/4 tsp red gel food coloring or 1 tsp liquid food coloring – optional]

How to Make Brain Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cakes start baking at the right temperature for optimal rise.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Pans

Grease your 9-inch round cake pans with butter and lightly dust them with flour. This prevents sticking and allows for easy removal after baking.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Whisk these together until well blended.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together:
1. Unsalted butter
2. Granulated sugar

Beat until light and fluffy.

Step 5: Add Eggs and Wet Ingredients

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

Mix until just combined.

Step 6: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until smooth but do not overmix.

Step 7: Bake the Cake Layers

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

Step 8: Cool Cakes

Allow cakes to cool in pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Step 9: Prepare Buttercream Frosting

While cakes cool down, prepare the frosting:
– Beat together softened unsalted butter and cream cheese until smooth.
– Gradually add powdered sugar followed by heavy cream.
– Mix until creamy and add salt along with red gel food coloring.

Step 10: Assemble the Cake

Once cakes are completely cooled:
– Place one layer on a serving plate.
– Spread raspberry jam on top followed by a layer of buttercream.
– Place second layer on top and repeat with frosting around the sides.

Now your Brain Cake is ready for slicing! Enjoy this creepy yet delightful treat at your next gathering!

How to Serve Brain Cake

Serving Brain Cake can be as fun and creative as making it! This Halloween treat is sure to impress your guests and is perfect for themed parties or spooky gatherings. Here are some serving suggestions that will elevate your Brain Cake experience.

Festive Cake Stand

• Use a decorative cake stand to display your Brain Cake. A pedestal stand enhances the cake’s appearance and adds an elegant touch to your presentation.

Spooky Garnishes

• Decorate the plate with edible decorations like candy eyeballs or gummy worms. These additions create an inviting yet eerie atmosphere that fits the Halloween theme.

Themed Plates and Cutlery

• Serve the cake on themed plates, such as those featuring ghosts or pumpkins. Pairing the cake with matching cutlery adds to the festive spirit of your gathering.

Individual Servings

• Consider cutting the cake into smaller, individual portions. This makes it easy for guests to grab a slice without needing serving utensils, keeping things neat and tidy.

How to Perfect Brain Cake

Achieving the perfect Brain Cake requires attention to detail. Follow these tips for a flawless bake that will impress everyone at your Halloween party.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all dairy products are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth batter and ensures even baking.
• Measure Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements of ingredients like flour and sugar. Accurate measurements lead to better texture and flavor in your cake.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix just until combined when adding wet ingredients to dry. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake rather than the light and fluffy texture desired.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow the cake layers to cool completely before applying buttercream frosting. This prevents melting and maintains the integrity of your design.
• Experiment with Colors: Feel free to adjust the amount of food coloring used in both the cake and frosting. This can enhance visual appeal and make your Brain Cake even more striking!

Best Side Dishes for Brain Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Brain Cake can complete your Halloween feast! Here are some delicious options that complement its unique flavor profile perfectly.

1. Pumpkin Soup: A warm and creamy pumpkin soup is a comforting side that balances out the sweetness of the cake while adding seasonal flavors.
2. Crispy Kale Chips: Lightly salted kale chips provide a crunchy contrast to the soft texture of Brain Cake, making for an interesting snack alongside dessert.
3. Spiced Apple Cider: Serve warm spiced apple cider as a beverage option. Its warm spices enhance the festive atmosphere while being a delightful drink choice with dessert.
4. Cheese Platter: A variety of cheeses, crackers, and fruits creates an appealing charcuterie board that guests can enjoy before indulging in their slice of cake.
5. Roasted Beet Salad: This colorful salad adds freshness with earthy flavors that complement sweet treats like Brain Cake beautifully.
6. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These classic bites add elegance and sweetness that pair well with red velvet flavors, making them a perfect side dish for any occasion!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a brain cake can be fun, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Ignoring room temperature ingredients: Using cold eggs or butter can lead to a lumpy batter. Always let your ingredients sit out until they reach room temperature before mixing.
• Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can make the cake dense. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a light and fluffy texture.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Using too much flour can dry out the cake. Use a kitchen scale or spoon flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife for accuracy.
• Skipping the cooling step: Cutting into a warm cake can cause it to crumble. Let your cakes cool completely before frosting to maintain their shape.
• Using the wrong type of food coloring: Liquid food coloring may not give you the desired vibrancy. Opt for gel food coloring for brighter, more intense colors in your brain cake.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

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Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover brain cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Ensure it’s well covered with plastic wrap or foil to prevent drying out.

Freezing Brain Cake

• Wrap slices or whole cakes tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil before freezing.
• The brain cake can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating Brain Cake

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the cake in foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat; cover with a lid and warm for about 5 minutes, checking frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding the brain cake recipe.

How can I customize my Brain Cake?

You can customize your brain cake by adding different flavors of jam or using various colors of food coloring to achieve unique effects.

Can I make a Brain Cake without fondant?

Yes! This brain cake uses buttercream instead of fondant, making it easier and just as delicious.

What is the best way to achieve a smooth buttercream finish?

To achieve a smooth finish, ensure your buttercream is at room temperature and use an offset spatula to spread it evenly over the cooled cake.

What should I serve with my Brain Cake?

Pairing your brain cake with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream can enhance its flavors and provide a delightful contrast.

How do I store leftover Brain Cake?

Store leftover slices in an airtight container either in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze them wrapped tightly for up to 3 months.

Final Thoughts

This Brain Cake is an exciting treat that will impress your guests at any Halloween gathering. Its moist red velvet layers, creamy pink buttercream, and raspberry jam blood make it not only visually stunning but also deliciously satisfying. Feel free to personalize it further with different colors or flavors to make it truly your own!