Brain Cake

This brain cake is a showstopper for any Halloween celebration! With its vibrant red velvet layers and delicious pink buttercream, it’s not just a treat for the eyes but also for the taste buds. The addition of raspberry jam gives it a spooky yet delightful twist that’s perfect for parties, birthdays, or just a fun baking project. Whether you’re hosting a creepy gathering or surprising someone with a unique cake, this recipe is sure to impress with its striking appearance and rich flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Eye-Catching Appearance: The brain shape and bright colors make this cake an instant conversation starter at any event.
• Delicious Flavor: Moist red velvet paired with creamy buttercream and fruity jam creates a delightful combination that everyone will love.
• Fun to Make: Get creative in the kitchen! Assembling this cake can be a fun activity for families or friends.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for Halloween parties, themed birthdays, or any occasion where you want to impress guests with something unique.
• Easy to Customize: You can adjust the colors and flavors to match your theme or personal preference.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your brain cake, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking pans (round)
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack
• Offset spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: This tool helps achieve a light and fluffy batter quickly, ensuring even texture throughout the cake layers.
• Baking pans: Round pans are essential for creating the layered brain shape that makes this cake distinctive.
• Cooling rack: Allows cakes to cool evenly, preventing sogginess and helping maintain their structure before frosting.

Ingredients

To create this stunning brain cake, gather 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 Blood Drip

• 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). Prepare your baking pans by greasing them lightly and lining the bottoms 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 blended.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another large bowl:
1. Beat together unsalted butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy.
2. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

To the butter mixture:
1. Mix in buttermilk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, white vinegar, and red gel food coloring until evenly combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not over-mix.

Step 6: Bake the Cake Layers

Divide batter evenly between prepared baking pans. Bake for about 27 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool in pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Step 7: Prepare Buttercream Frosting

In a large bowl:
1. Beat together unsalted butter and cream cheese until smooth.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing on low speed.
3. Add heavy whipping cream and continue mixing until fluffy; adjust consistency with more cream if needed.
4. Mix in salt and desired amount of red gel food coloring.

Step 8: Assemble Your Brain Cake

Once cooled:
1. Level each layer if necessary.
2. Place one layer on your serving plate; spread frosting on top followed by raspberry jam.
3. Add another layer on top; repeat until all layers are stacked.
4. Frost the top and sides evenly with remaining buttercream.

Step 9: Create Raspberry Blood Drip

In a small saucepan:
1. Combine raspberry jam with water over low heat until smooth; add optional food coloring if desired.
2. Allow it to cool slightly before drizzling around edges of the frosted cake for that spooky blood effect.

Enjoy your creatively crafted brain cake! It’s bound to be both delicious and memorable at any gathering!

How to Serve Brain Cake

Serving Brain Cake can be a delightful experience, especially during Halloween celebrations or themed parties. This unique cake not only looks impressive but also tastes divine with its rich flavors.

Creative Serving Suggestions

• On a spooky platter – Arrange slices of Brain Cake on a black or orange platter for a festive look.
• With edible decorations – Add gummy worms or candy eyeballs for that extra creepy effect.
• As individual servings – Cut the cake into smaller brain-shaped pieces and serve on mini dessert plates.
• Accompanied by ice cream – Serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast.
• With themed drinks – Pair it with fun beverages like blood orange soda or spooky punch to enhance the atmosphere.

How to Perfect Brain Cake

To ensure your Brain Cake turns out perfectly, consider these helpful tips.

• Use room temperature ingredients – Allow butter, eggs, and buttermilk to reach room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Don’t overmix the batter – Mix just until combined to prevent a dense cake; this keeps it light and fluffy.
• Check oven temperature – Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the right temperature for even baking.
• Cool completely before frosting – Let the cake layers cool completely before adding frosting to prevent melting and sliding.
• Experiment with food coloring – Adjust the amount of red gel food coloring for desired depth of color; test on a small portion first.

Best Side Dishes for Brain Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Brain Cake can enhance your overall menu. Here are some great options.

1. Pumpkin Soup – A warm, creamy soup that adds a cozy touch to your Halloween feast.
2. Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks – Soft breadsticks topped with melted cheese and garlic make for a delightful side.
3. Spooky Salad – A mix of greens with black olives shaped like spiders and cherry tomatoes for added fun.
4. Crispy Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal veggies roasted until crisp add color and nutrition to your table.
5. Macaroni and Cheese – Creamy mac and cheese is always a crowd-pleaser, perfect alongside sweet treats.
6. Fruit Skewers – Colorful skewers made from seasonal fruits offer a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cake.
7. Popcorn Bar – Provide various popcorn flavors as a fun snack option that guests can customize themselves.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a Brain Cake can be fun, but there are common mistakes that can affect the final result. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.

• Incorrect measurements: Always measure your ingredients accurately. Using too much or too little can lead to a cake that’s too dry or too dense.
• Skipping room temperature ingredients: Make sure your eggs, butter, and cream cheese are at room temperature. This helps create a smooth batter and better texture in the cake.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can toughen the cake. Mix until just combined for a tender crumb.
• Not preheating the oven: Always preheat your oven before baking. This ensures even cooking and helps your cake rise properly.
• Ignoring baking time: Keep an eye on your cake as it bakes. Starting with the minimum baking time and checking for doneness is crucial to avoid overbaking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store the Brain Cake in an airtight container.
• It can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Brain Cake

• Wrap slices or whole cakes tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Brain Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the cake on a baking sheet and warm for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Warm individual slices in short bursts of 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as this may dry it out.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, cover it with a lid, and heat for about 5 minutes until warmed through.

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 realistic brain shapes using buttercream frosting and piping techniques instead of fondant.

What flavors work best for Brain Cake?

Red velvet is popular, but you can experiment with chocolate or vanilla flavors to suit your taste.

Can I customize my Brain Cake?

Absolutely! You can add different colors or decorations based on your theme, like using green frosting for a zombie look.

How do I store leftover Brain Cake?

Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

This Brain Cake is not only visually striking but also delicious! Its moist red velvet layers paired with sweet buttercream make it perfect for any occasion, especially Halloween. Feel free to customize the colors and flavors according to your preferences!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Brain Cake

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 57 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 12 1x

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Description

Prepare to impress your guests with a stunning Brain Cake, the perfect centerpiece for Halloween gatherings or themed celebrations! This cake features moist red velvet layers adorned with creamy pink buttercream and a delightful raspberry jam filling, creating a visual feast that tastes just as good as it looks. The eye-catching brain shape and bold colors make it not only a delicious treat but also an engaging conversation starter. Ideal for parties, birthdays, or a fun baking activity, this unique dessert is sure to leave a lasting impression. Get ready to unleash your creativity in the kitchen with this simple yet impressive recipe!

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Ingredients

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• 2 1/2 cups cake flour
• 2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp fine salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 1/4 cups buttermilk, room temperature
• 1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil
• 2 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
• 1 tsp white vinegar
• 1 tsp red gel food coloring
• 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup full-fat cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 Tbsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
• 1 tsp fine salt
• 7 cups powdered sugar
• 3 Tbsp heavy whipping cream, room temperature
• small squirt of red gel food coloring
• 1/2 cup seedless raspberry or strawberry jam
• 3 Tbsp water

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare baking pans.
2. Mix dry ingredients (cake flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt).
3. Cream together unsalted butter and granulated sugar until fluffy; add eggs one at a time.
4. Combine wet ingredients (buttermilk, oil, vanilla extract, vinegar, and food coloring) into the butter mixture.
5. Gradually incorporate dry ingredients until just combined.
6. Divide batter between prepared pans and bake for about 27 minutes; cool on racks once done.
7. For the buttercream, mix room temperature butter and cream cheese; gradually add powdered sugar until fluffy.
8. Assemble layers with frosting and raspberry jam in between; frost the top and sides with remaining buttercream.
9. Create a raspberry drip effect by heating jam with water until smooth.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 48g
• Sodium: 210mg
• Fat: 19g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 51g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 55mg