Brain Cake

This Brain Cake is the ultimate treat for Halloween! With its vibrant red velvet layers, fluffy pink buttercream, and a gooey raspberry jam blood filling, it’s not just a feast for the eyes but also a delicious dessert. Perfect for parties or as a fun birthday cake, this spooky creation is sure to impress your guests with its unique look and delightful flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Eye-Catching Design: The brain shape makes it a standout centerpiece for any Halloween gathering.
• Delicious Flavor: Moist red velvet paired with creamy buttercream offers a delightful taste experience.
• Versatile Occasion: Suitable for Halloween parties, creepy-themed birthdays, or any fun event where you want to impress.
• Easy to Customize: You can adjust the colors and flavors to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
• Perfect for Sharing: This recipe serves 20, making it ideal for large gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into creating this spooky Brain Cake, gather all necessary tools and prepare your workspace.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Baking pans (round)
• Offset spatula
• Piping bags
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: This tool ensures that your batter is mixed evenly and thoroughly, resulting in a light and fluffy cake.
• Offset spatula: Perfect for spreading frosting smoothly over your cake layers, creating that professional finish.
• Baking pans: Using round pans allows you to achieve the brain shape easily while baking multiple layers at once.

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

• 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 Jam Filling

• 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). Grease two round baking pans and line them with parchment paper.

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 combined.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl:
1. Beat unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
2. Add in eggs one at a time until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

Stir in buttermilk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, white vinegar, and red food coloring into the butter mixture until smooth.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients while mixing on low speed until just combined.

Step 6: Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for about 27 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool completely on wire racks before frosting.

Continue with additional steps as needed for assembling and decorating your Brain Cake!

How to Serve Brain Cake

Serving Brain Cake is all about enhancing its spooky charm and making it a memorable centerpiece for any Halloween gathering. Here are some fun ways to present this delicious treat.

Individual Slices

• Serve slices on Halloween-themed plates for a festive touch.
• Add a dollop of raspberry jam on top for an extra bloody effect.

Cake Pops

• Cut leftover cake into small cubes, dip in chocolate, and place on sticks.
• Decorate with pink buttercream to resemble tiny brains.

Cupcake Versions

• Bake mini versions of the Brain Cake in cupcake liners.
• Top each with buttercream and a drizzle of raspberry jam for a bite-sized treat.

Halloween Dessert Table

• Create a dessert table featuring the Brain Cake alongside other spooky sweets.
• Use props like fake spiders or cobwebs to enhance the theme.

How to Perfect Brain Cake

To ensure your Brain Cake turns out perfect, follow these helpful tips. They will guide you through the process and improve the overall outcome.

• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps the batter mix evenly and creates a fluffier texture.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Mix just until combined to keep your cake light and airy.
• Test for doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when done.
• Cool completely: Let the layers cool before frosting to prevent melting your buttercream.
• Chill before decorating: A chilled cake is easier to frost and will hold its shape better.

Best Side Dishes for Brain Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Brain Cake can create a delightful spread that complements its unique flavor. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Spooky Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses shaped like bones or ghosts, served with crackers.
2. Witch’s Brew Soup: A creamy pumpkin or green pea soup garnished with spider-shaped croutons.
3. Creepy Veggie Tray: Fresh vegetables arranged like a skeleton, served with blood-red ranch dip (use red food coloring).
4. Freaky Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits dressed in yogurt and topped with gummy worms.
5. Mummy Dogs: Hot dogs wrapped in crescent dough, baked until golden, looking like little mummies.
6. Ghostly Popcorn: Popcorn drizzled with white chocolate and sprinkled with Halloween-themed candy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Brain Cake, it’s easy to overlook a few details. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping room temperature ingredients: Using cold butter or eggs can affect the cake’s texture. Always let them sit out before baking.
• Overmixing the batter: This can lead to a dense cake. Mix until just combined for light and fluffy layers.
• Not leveling the cake layers: Uneven layers can result in a lopsided brain shape. Use a serrated knife to level them off.
• Ignoring food coloring proportions: Too little or too much can alter the appearance. Start with a small amount and gradually add more until you achieve the desired hue.
• Forgetting to check for doneness: Baking times can vary; always use a toothpick to test if the cake is done.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Brain Cake in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing Brain Cake

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
• You can freeze it for up to 3 months.

Reheating Brain Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat a slice on medium power for 20-30 seconds. Check frequently.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat. Cover and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making a Brain Cake:

How do I make a Brain Cake without fondant?

You can create the brain shape using buttercream frosting alone. Pipe the frosting into circular patterns on top of the cake.

What flavors work well with Brain Cake?

Red velvet is traditional, but you can also try chocolate or vanilla flavors if you want something different.

Can I make this Brain Cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the cake layers ahead and frost them right before serving. This keeps them fresh and moist.

What are some decoration ideas for a Halloween Brain Cake?

Consider using gummy worms, edible eyeballs, or dark chocolate shavings for added spooky effects!

Final Thoughts

This Brain Cake is not only perfect for Halloween but also versatile enough for any occasion. With its moist red velvet layers and delightful pink buttercream, it’s sure to impress your guests. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite flavors or decorations!