This Frankenstein cake is the perfect Halloween dessert! It’s made with moist green velvet cake layers and creamy buttercream, making it a delightful centerpiece for any spooky celebration. Its vibrant color and fun design will impress your guests at parties, birthdays, or Halloween gatherings. Get ready to create a show-stopping treat that’s as delicious as it is eye-catching!

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Cake
- For the Buttercream
- For Decorating
- How to Make Frankenstein Cake
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
- Step 4: Add Eggs and Liquid Ingredients
- Step 5: Combine Mixtures
- Step 6: Bake the Cakes
- Step 7: Prepare Buttercream
- Step 8: Assemble the Cake
- Step 9: Decorate Your Cake
- How to Serve Frankenstein Cake
- Fun Serving Ideas
- Creative Toppings
- How to Perfect Frankenstein Cake
- Best Side Dishes for Frankenstein Cake
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Frankenstein Cake
- Reheating Frankenstein Cake
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What makes this Frankenstein Cake special?
- Can I customize the flavors of my Frankenstein Cake?
- How do I achieve the perfect green color for my cake?
- How should I decorate my Frankenstein Cake?
- Can I make this cake ahead of time?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fun and Festive: The bright green color and playful design make this cake a hit for Halloween parties.
- Moist Texture: The combination of buttermilk and oil ensures every bite is soft and delicious.
- Versatile Design: You can customize the decorations for different occasions, making it suitable for birthdays and other celebrations too.
- Easy to Follow: With straightforward instructions, even novice bakers can create this impressive cake.
- Rich Flavor: The cream cheese buttercream adds a tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the cake.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into baking, gather your essential tools to ensure a smooth process. These items help you achieve the best results with ease.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 10-inch greaseproof cake board
- Spinning cake stand
- Small offset spatula
- Large piping bag
- Small piping bags (3)
- Large round piping tips (2)
- Small round piping tip
- Tiny piping tip
Importance of Each Tool
- Spinning Cake Stand: This tool allows you to easily decorate your cake from all angles without moving it around excessively.
- Piping Bags: Perfect for applying buttercream smoothly and artistically, helping you achieve professional-looking designs.

Ingredients
To make the delicious Frankenstein cake, gather the following ingredients:
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 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)
- 2/3 cup vegetable or canola oil (145g)
- 2 squirts of green gel food coloring (or 1 Tbsp liquid food coloring)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (8g)
- 1 tsp white vinegar (4g)
For the Buttercream
- 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, room temperature (339g – 3 sticks)
- 1/2 cup full-fat cream cheese, room temperature (113g or 4 oz.)
- 1 Tbsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (12g)
- 1 tsp fine salt (6g)
- 8 cups powdered sugar (1000g)
- 2 Tbsp heavy whipping cream, room temperature (30g)
For Decorating
- Electric Green Gel Food Coloring
- Black Gel Food Coloring
How to Make Frankenstein Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together:
1. Cake flour
2. Cocoa powder
3. Baking soda
4. Fine salt
Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, beat together:
1. Unsalted butter
2. Granulated sugar
Mix until light and fluffy.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Liquid Ingredients
Add the eggs one at a time to the butter mixture. Then mix in:
– Buttermilk
– Vegetable oil
– Green gel food coloring
– Vanilla extract
– White vinegar
Mix until combined.
Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined; do not overmix.
Step 6: Bake the Cakes
Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for about 28 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
Step 7: Prepare Buttercream
In a large bowl, beat together:
– Unsalted butter
– Cream cheese
Add powdered sugar gradually while mixing until smooth. Add vanilla extract, salt, and heavy cream; mix until fluffy.
Step 8: Assemble the Cake
Once cooled, place one layer on a cake board. Spread a layer of buttercream on top before adding the second layer. Apply a crumb coat over the entire cake and chill briefly in the fridge.
Step 9: Decorate Your Cake
Using colored gel food coloring in piping bags, create your desired Frankenstein face design!
Now you’re ready to wow your guests with this stunning Frankenstein cake! Enjoy every spooky bite!
How to Serve Frankenstein Cake
Frankenstein Cake is a fun and festive dessert that can be served in various creative ways. Whether at a Halloween party or a themed birthday celebration, it’s sure to be a hit among guests of all ages.
Fun Serving Ideas
- Layered Slice: Present a tall slice of the cake, showcasing the vibrant green layers. This makes for an eye-catching display.
- Mini Cupcakes: Bake extra batter in cupcake liners to create mini Frankenstein cakes. Top them with cream cheese buttercream for individual treats.
- Cake Pops: Turn leftover cake into cake pops by crumbling it and mixing it with frosting. Dip in chocolate and decorate.
- Themed Plates: Serve slices on spooky-themed plates or garnished with plastic Halloween decorations for added fun.
Creative Toppings
- Sprinkles: Add colorful sprinkles or edible glitter on top of the frosting to make it even more festive.
- Candy Eyes: Place candy eyes on top of the cake or cupcakes for a whimsical look that ties into the Halloween theme.
How to Perfect Frankenstein Cake
To achieve the best results with your Frankenstein Cake, follow these essential tips for baking and decorating.
- Bold Coloring: Use gel food coloring instead of liquid to achieve vibrant green layers without affecting the cake’s texture.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients, especially butter and eggs, are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Sift Dry Ingredients: Sifting flour and cocoa powder together helps eliminate lumps and ensures an even distribution in the batter.
- Use Piping Tips Wisely: Choose piping tips according to your desired decoration style; larger tips create bold designs while smaller tips offer detail.
- Cool Completely: Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting or sliding of the buttercream.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the frosted cake for about 30 minutes before serving. This helps set the frosting and makes cutting easier.
Best Side Dishes for Frankenstein Cake
Pairing side dishes with your Frankenstein Cake can enhance the overall dining experience. Here are some delightful options that complement this festive dessert.
- Bold Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cake.
- Spooky Cheese Platter: Include an assortment of cheeses, crackers, and fruits arranged in a Halloween theme for savory snacking.
- Pumpkin Soup: A warm bowl of creamy pumpkin soup provides comfort and pairs well with sweet desserts during fall gatherings.
- Vegetable Crudités: Offer crunchy vegetables with a fun dip like hummus or ranch dressing for a healthy option.
- Mummy Dogs: Wrap turkey hot dogs in crescent roll dough to create “mummy” figures, providing a playful finger food experience.
- Savory Pumpkin Bread: Serve slices of moist pumpkin bread as a delightful side that complements both savory and sweet flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your Frankenstein Cake, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few you should keep in mind:
- Using cold ingredients: Make sure to use room temperature eggs and buttermilk for a smoother batter and even baking.
- Overmixing the batter: Mix only until the ingredients are combined to avoid a dense cake.
- Skipping the cooling time: Allow the layers to cool completely before frosting. This prevents melting and sliding of your cream cheese buttercream.
- Not measuring accurately: Baking is a science! Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour and sugar.
- Ignoring food coloring instructions: Add food coloring gradually to achieve the perfect green hue without making the batter overly runny.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store your Frankenstein Cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- For best flavor, keep it chilled in the fridge.
Freezing Frankenstein Cake
- Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag.
- The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Frankenstein Cake
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place slices on a baking sheet, and warm for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 15-20 seconds or until warm.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat with a lid; warm slices for about 5 minutes until soft.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding the Frankenstein Cake recipe:
What makes this Frankenstein Cake special?
This Halloween dessert features moist green velvet layers paired with creamy buttercream, making it both festive and delicious.
Can I customize the flavors of my Frankenstein Cake?
Absolutely! You can add different extracts or mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts to give it your personal touch.
How do I achieve the perfect green color for my cake?
Use gel food coloring as it provides vibrant hues without altering the batter’s consistency.
How should I decorate my Frankenstein Cake?
Consider using black and electric green gel colors for fun piping designs that mimic Frankenstein’s features!
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the layers in advance and freeze them, then frost and decorate closer to serving time.
Final Thoughts
The Frankenstein Cake is not only a fun treat for Halloween but also versatile enough for any celebration. With its moist green velvet layers and creamy frosting, it’s sure to impress guests of all ages. Feel free to customize it with different flavors or decorations to make it uniquely yours!
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Frankenstein Cake
- Total Time: 58 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the spooky spirit of Halloween with this delightful Frankenstein Cake! This vibrant green velvet cake, layered with creamy buttercream, is sure to create a buzz at your next celebration. Its eye-catching design and moist texture make it a perfect centerpiece for Halloween parties, themed birthdays, or any festive gathering. With easy-to-follow instructions, even novice bakers can impress their guests with this show-stopping dessert. Get ready to enjoy every spooky bite!
Ingredients
- 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 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)
- 2/3 cup vegetable or canola oil (145g)
- 2 squirts of green gel food coloring (or 1 Tbsp liquid food coloring)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (8g)
- 1 tsp white vinegar (4g)
- 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, room temperature (339g – 3 sticks)
- 1/2 cup full-fat cream cheese, room temperature (113g or 4 oz.)
- 1 Tbsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (12g)
- 1 tsp fine salt (6g)
- 8 cups powdered sugar (1000g)
- 2 Tbsp heavy whipping cream, room temperature (30g)
- Electric Green Gel Food Coloring
- Black Gel Food Coloring
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together cake flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and fine salt; set aside.
- In another bowl, beat unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in buttermilk, vegetable oil, green gel food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar until combined.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture; stir until just combined; do not overmix.
- Divide the batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for about 28 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
- Prepare the buttercream by beating unsalted butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing, then finish with vanilla extract, fine salt, and heavy cream until fluffy.
- Once the cakes are cooled, place one layer on a cake board, spread a layer of buttercream on top, and add the second layer. Apply a crumb coat over the entire cake and chill briefly in the fridge.
- Using colored gel food coloring in piping bags, create your desired Frankenstein face design.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg





