Brain Cake

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that’s perfect for Halloween, look no further than this delicious Brain Cake! It’s a fun and spooky treat that combines moist red velvet cake layers with creamy pink buttercream and a delightful raspberry jam that gives it a bloody twist. This cake is not only a great centerpiece for your Halloween party but also a wonderful way to celebrate birthdays or any festive gathering. Trust me, your friends and family will be talking about this cake long after the last slice is gone!

What makes this Brain Cake so special is its playful design and fantastic flavor. The combination of rich red velvet and sweet raspberry jam creates a dessert that’s both eye-catching and incredibly tasty. Plus, the best part? It’s easy to make, so you can enjoy baking without feeling overwhelmed.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Spooky Fun: This cake adds an exciting theme to your Halloween celebrations.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of red velvet and raspberry jam is simply irresistible.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps, you’ll have this brain cake ready in no time!
• Impressive Presentation: Everyone will be amazed when they see this unique cake on your table.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this fun treat!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! This Brain Cake uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful treat:

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

• 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)

Variations

One of the best things about this Brain Cake recipe is how flexible it is! You can easily customize it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are some fun variations to consider:

• Make it Chocolate: Swap out some of the cake flour for cocoa powder to create a chocolate version.
• Add Nuts: Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for some added texture.
• Different Flavors: Use lemon or orange zest in the buttercream for a fruity twist.
• Colorful Buttercream: Experiment with different shades for the buttercream using various colors of gel food coloring.

How to Make Brain Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients ensures even distribution of flavors in your cake. In another bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy – about 5 minutes. This step is crucial because it adds air into your mixture which helps create that lovely rise.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

Next, add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then mix in the buttermilk, oil, vanilla extract, vinegar, and red gel food coloring until everything is combined. The vinegar reacts with the baking soda to help leaven the cake while adding moisture.

Step 3: Bake Your Cakes

Pour your batter evenly into two greased round pans. Bake for about 27 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them onto wire racks to cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Buttercream

While your cakes are cooling down, let’s whip up that delicious pink buttercream! In a large bowl, beat together softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing on low speed to avoid a sugary cloud! Finally, stir in heavy whipping cream and a squirt of red gel food coloring until you reach your desired color.

Step 5: Assemble Your Brain Cake

Once everything is cooled down completely, level off each cake layer if needed. Spread raspberry jam between the layers along with a thick layer of buttercream. Stack them up carefully! Then cover the entire cake with more buttercream giving it that brain-like texture by swirling it around with a spatula.

Step 6: Final Touches

For an extra spooky effect, drizzle some thin raspberry jam mixed with water on top as “blood.” If you’re feeling creative, add decorative elements like candy eyes or sprinkles!

And just like that, you have created an unforgettable Brain Cake perfect for any Halloween festivity! Enjoy every delicious bite with family and friends!

Pro Tips for Making Brain Cake

Creating the perfect brain cake can be a fun and rewarding experience, and with these helpful tips, you’ll ensure your cake is both spooky and delicious!

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Starting with ingredients at room temperature helps your batter mix more smoothly, resulting in a lighter and fluffier cake. This is especially important for the butter and eggs.
• Sift Your Dry Ingredients: Sifting the flour, cocoa powder, and baking soda together not only removes lumps but also aerates the flour, leading to a more tender cake. It’s a small step that makes a big difference!
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Once you combine your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture instead of that lovely lightness we all crave.
• Chill the Buttercream: If your buttercream seems too soft to pipe into brain-like shapes, pop it in the fridge for about 15 minutes. Chilling helps firm it up so you can achieve those spooky textures easily.
• Experiment with Colors: For an extra creepy effect, add different shades of red or even some purple food coloring to your buttercream. This will give your brain cake an even more realistic appearance!

How to Serve Brain Cake

Serving your brain cake can be as fun as making it! Here are some creative ideas to present this ghoulish delight that will wow your guests.

Garnishes

• Fresh Berries: Adding fresh raspberries or strawberries around the base of the cake not only enhances its visual appeal but also adds a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the buttercream.
• Chocolate Shavings: Sprinkle some dark chocolate shavings on top for an elegant touch that complements the rich flavors of the red velvet cake.

Side Dishes

• Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes: These little treats bring fall flavors into play and make a delightful pairing with the rich sweetness of your brain cake.
• Creepy Eyeball Cookies: Decorate sugar cookies with candy eyeballs for a fun and spooky side that fits perfectly with the Halloween theme.
• Witch’s Brew Punch: A vibrant fruit punch or mocktail served in a cauldron adds flair to your dessert table while keeping everyone refreshed!
• Ghostly Meringues: Light, airy meringue cookies shaped like ghosts offer a delightful contrast in texture while keeping in line with your Halloween spirit.

With these tips and serving ideas, you’re well on your way to creating an unforgettable brain cake experience that’s sure to impress! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Brain Cake is not only a fantastic treat for Halloween, but it also works beautifully for meal prep. You can bake the cake layers in advance and prepare the frosting, making your assembly process quick and easy when you’re ready to enjoy this creepy dessert.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer, refrigerate the cake to extend its freshness for up to a week.
• Make sure to keep any cut surfaces covered to prevent drying.

Freezing

• Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months; this helps maintain the cake’s moisture.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

• If you’d like to serve your cake warm, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place slices on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, use a microwave for about 15-20 seconds per slice, but be cautious not to overheat.

FAQs

Got questions? Don’t worry! Here are some common queries regarding this delightful Brain Cake recipe.

How do I make a Brain Cake without fondant?

You can create a visual effect by using buttercream frosting shaped into brain-like textures. Use piping bags with different tips to achieve the desired look. This method is not only simpler but also adds delicious flavor!

What is the best way to color my Brain Cake?

Using gel food coloring is ideal as it provides vibrant hues without altering the consistency of your batter. For this recipe, stick with red gel food coloring for that perfect spooky look!

Can I make a Brain Cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the layers and store them wrapped until you’re ready to frost and assemble. This makes it convenient if you’re planning for a party or gathering.

Is there a way to make this Brain Cake lower in sugar?

You can reduce the amount of powdered sugar in the buttercream or substitute with natural sweeteners like agave or maple syrup. However, keep in mind that it may change the texture slightly.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to create this spooky yet scrumptious Brain Cake! It’s a fun project that will surely impress your friends and family during Halloween celebrations. Enjoy every moment of baking and decorating—after all, it’s all about making delightful memories together. Happy baking!