Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Brain Cake

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This Brain Cake combines moist red velvet layers, creamy pink buttercream, and sweet raspberry jam to create a spooky yet delicious Halloween dessert. The cake’s realistic brain design and vibrant red “blood” glaze make it the perfect showpiece for any party. Despite its scary look, it’s surprisingly easy to make and tastes rich, soft, and buttery in every bite.

  • Total Time: 47 minutes
  • Yield: 20 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups cake flour (300g)

  • 2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder (10g)

  • 1 tsp baking soda (6g)

  • ½ tsp fine salt (3g)

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature (113g)

  • 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar (350g)

  • 2 large eggs, room temperature (112g)

  • 1 ¼ cups buttermilk (300g)

  • ½ cup vegetable oil (120g)

  • 2 tsp Vanilla Extract (Alcohol-Free) (8g)

  • 1 tsp white vinegar (4g)

  • 1 tsp red gel food coloring

  • 1 ½ cups unsalted butter, room temperature (339g)

  • 1 cup full-fat cream cheese (226g)

  • 1 Tbsp Vanilla Extract (Alcohol-Free) (12g)

  • 1 tsp fine salt (6g)

  • 7 cups powdered sugar (904g)

  • 3 Tbsp heavy whipping cream (45g)

  • Small squirt of red gel food coloring

  • ½ cup seedless raspberry jam

  • 3 Tbsp water (45g)

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F) and prepare two 8-inch round pans.

  • Sift cake flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

  • Beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time.

  • Add oil and Vanilla Extract (Alcohol-Free) and mix until smooth.

  • Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk. Stir in vinegar and food coloring.

  • Pour into pans and bake for 27 minutes. Cool completely.

  • For frosting, beat butter and cream cheese until light. Add Vanilla Extract (Alcohol-Free), salt, powdered sugar, and whipping cream. Beat until smooth.

  • Tint frosting light pink using food coloring.

  • Layer cake with frosting and raspberry jam. Crumb coat, chill, then frost completely.

  • Pipe brain-like folds on top using a round tip.

  • Heat jam, water, and red coloring for the glaze. Cool slightly, then drizzle over frosting.

Notes

For a darker effect, use more red coloring in the glaze. To make slicing easier, chill the cake before serving.

  • Author: Layla
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 27 minutes