Jack-O’Lantern Halloween Cake

why make this recipe

The Jack-O’Lantern Halloween Cake is a fun and festive dessert perfect for Halloween celebrations. It not only looks amazing with its bright orange frosting and spooky face but also offers a rich and delicious chocolate flavor. This cake is sure to impress both kids and adults alike, making it a great choice for parties, gatherings, or simply enjoying at home during the Halloween season.

how to make Jack-O’Lantern Halloween Cake

Ingredients:

• 125 g unsalted butter (melted)
• Cocoa powder to dust
• 350 g all-purpose flour (plain flour)
• 450 g caster sugar (superfine sugar)
• 1 tsp bicarb soda
• 1 tsp fine salt
• 50 g cocoa powder (sifted)
• 350 g unsalted butter (softened)
• 4 large eggs (55g each, room temperature)
• 350 g milk (room temperature)
• 3 batches American Buttercream Frosting
• 8 drops orange food gel
• 4 tbsp cocoa powder
• 100 g dark chocolate (melted)
• 3 drops green food gel
• 5 drops black food gel

Directions:

1. Cake Tin Coating: Start by preparing your cake tin. Coat it with melted butter and dust it with cocoa powder to prevent sticking.

2. Chocolate Bundt Cake: In a large mixing bowl, cream together 350 g of softened unsalted butter and 450 g of caster sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. In another bowl, combine 350 g of all-purpose flour, 1 tsp bicarb soda, fine salt, and 50 g of sifted cocoa powder. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with 350 g of milk. Mix until smooth. Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin and bake at 180°C (350°F) for approximately 50-60 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean. Let it cool completely.

3. Frosting: While the cake is cooling, prepare the American Buttercream Frosting. Divide the frosting into three bowls. Add 8 drops of orange food gel to one bowl for the main frosting. In another bowl, mix in 5 drops of black food gel to create a darker frosting for the eyes and mouth of the Jack-O’Lantern. Mix cocoa powder into the remaining bowl for a chocolate frosting.

4. Let’s decorate!: Once the cake is cool, carefully remove it from the tin. Frost the entire cake with the orange buttercream. Use the black frosting to pipe out a spooky face on the cake. You can also create leaves with green food gel on top of the cake. Finish off by drizzling the melted dark chocolate for extra decoration!

how to serve Jack-O’Lantern Halloween Cake

To serve the Jack-O’Lantern Halloween Cake, cut it into slices and place on dessert plates. You can garnish each slice with a bit of extra frosting or sprinkles for added fun. This cake is perfect for Halloween parties, school events, or as a spooky treat for family and friends.

how to store Jack-O’Lantern Halloween Cake

Store your Jack-O’Lantern Halloween Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you live in a very warm area, it’s best to refrigerate the cake to keep the frosting firm. Just allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.

tips to make Jack-O’Lantern Halloween Cake

• Make sure your butter is at room temperature for better mixing.
• Use a toothpick to check if your cake is done baking; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs attached.
• Experiment with the design of the Jack-O’Lantern face. Let your creativity shine!
• If you’re short on time, store-bought buttercream can be a quick alternative.

variation

You can switch up the flavors by using a vanilla cake base instead of chocolate. For a fun twist, try adding orange zest to your frosting for a citrus flavor that complements the Halloween theme.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can bake the cake one or two days in advance. Just frost it on the day you plan to serve it for the best taste and presentation.

Q: How do I make sure my cake doesn’t stick to the pan?
A: Make sure you thoroughly coat your cake tin with melted butter and dust with cocoa powder. This will help it release easily once baked.

Q: Can I freeze this cake?
A: Absolutely! You can freeze the un-frosted cake for up to 3 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw it in the fridge before frosting and serving.