Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- Green food coloring
- Black food coloring
- Purple food coloring
- Orange food coloring
- White frosting
- Black frosting
- Candy eyes
- Candy corn
- Gummy worms
Special Equipment Needed:
- Two 9-inch round cake pans
- Electric mixer
- Piping bags
- Decorating tips
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until well combined.
5. Add boiling water to the batter and mix until smooth.
6. Divide the batter into four bowls. Add green food coloring to one bowl, black food coloring to another, purple food coloring to the third bowl, and orange food coloring to the fourth bowl. Mix until the colors are evenly distributed.
7. Pour each colored batter into a separate cake pan.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Let the cakes cool completely before removing them from the pans.
10. Once the cakes are cool, level the tops with a serrated knife.
11. Place the green cake layer on a cake stand or serving platter. Spread a layer of white frosting on top.
12. Place the black cake layer on top of the white frosting. Spread another layer of white frosting on top.
13. Place the purple cake layer on top of the white frosting. Spread another layer of white frosting on top.
14. Place the orange cake layer on top of the white frosting. Spread a final layer of white frosting on top.
15. Use black frosting to pipe a mouth and eyebrows onto the cake.
16. Use candy eyes to create eyes on the cake.
17. Use candy corn and gummy worms to create teeth and tentacles on the cake.
18. Serve and enjoy!
Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 30-35 minutes
Temperature:
350°F
Serving size:
12 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 420
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 420mg
Carbohydrates: 70g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 50g
Protein: 5g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of buttermilk, you can use regular milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice added to it.
- You can use any type of frosting you prefer, such as chocolate or cream cheese frosting.
- Instead of candy eyes, you can use marshmallows or chocolate chips.
Variations:
- Instead of a four-layer cake, you can make a two-layer cake and decorate it with different colored frosting and candy decorations.
- You can add different flavors to the cake batter, such as peppermint or almond extract.
Tips and Tricks:
- To make the cake layers more level, use a cake leveler or a serrated knife to trim the tops.
- Use a piping bag with a small round tip to pipe the mouth and eyebrows onto the cake.
- You can make the cake layers ahead of time and freeze them until you're ready to assemble the cake.
Storage Instructions:
Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Let the cake come to room temperature before serving.
Presentation Ideas:
Serve the cake on a Halloween-themed cake stand or platter.
Garnishes:
Use candy corn and gummy worms to decorate the cake.
Pairings:
Serve the cake with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee.
Suggested Side Dishes:
Serve the cake as a dessert after a Halloween-themed dinner party.
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the cake layers are too thin, you can make another batch of batter and add it to the cake pans before baking.
- If the cake layers are too thick, you can use a cake leveler or a serrated knife to trim them down.
Food Safety Advice:
Make sure to wash your hands and all utensils before preparing the cake.
Food History:
The tradition of Halloween cakes dates back to ancient Celtic times, when people would bake cakes in honor of the dead.
Flavor Profiles:
The Monster Cake is a rich and chocolatey cake with a sweet and creamy frosting.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the cake as a centerpiece at a Halloween party or as a spooky dessert at a family dinner.
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Taste: Rich, Sweet, Chocolatey, Creamy, Decadent