Description
This Spooktacular Halloween Cake features a festive zebra-striped white cake layered with rich chocolate buttercream frosting, adorned with black Twizzlers and Reese’s Pieces for a fun and spooky celebration treat perfect for Halloween parties.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Batter
- 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients required on box to make cake batter)
- Orange food coloring
- Black food coloring
Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
- 2 cups unsalted butter, room temperature
- 12 ounces semisweet chocolate, melted and cooled
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 5 cups powdered sugar
- Black food coloring (optional)
Decorations
- Black Twizzlers (cut to about 1/2-inch taller than the cake height)
- Reese’s Pieces
Instructions
- Prepare Zebra Cake Batter: Divide the prepared white cake batter into two equal parts. Tint one half with orange food coloring and the other half with black food coloring to create vibrant contrasting colors for your zebra effect.
- Prepare Cake Pans: Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure easy release after baking.
- Layer the Batter: Using a medium cookie scoop or spoon, drop approximately 1 tablespoon of one colored batter in the center of each cake pan. Immediately top this with 1 tablespoon of the alternate colored batter directly in the middle of the first. Repeat this alternating spooning of batter until all batter is used, creating zebra-like rings without waiting for spreading.
- Bake the Cakes: Bake the cakes according to the white cake mix package instructions, typically around 30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely in their pans before removing.
- Make Chocolate Buttercream Frosting: In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the room temperature butter on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Gradually add the melted and cooled semisweet chocolate while mixing on low speed until just combined. Next, add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar; mix on medium speed until well incorporated and fluffy. Add black food coloring if a darker chocolate frosting is desired.
- Assemble and Decorate Cake: Frost the cooled cakes with the chocolate buttercream frosting, stacking or placing side by side as preferred. Cut black Twizzlers to be about 1/2-inch taller than the cake height and press them vertically around the edge of the cake to create a spooky fence-like border. Top the cake surface with Reese’s Pieces as a colorful, festive decoration.
Notes
- Ensure the cake pans are properly greased and floured to avoid sticking issues.
- The zebra effect is achieved by layering batter quickly without waiting for it to settle.
- Use room temperature butter for smoother frosting and easier mixing.
- If preferred, adjust the black food coloring in frosting to get desired intensity.
- This cake is ideal for Halloween celebrations and can be prepared a day ahead for best flavor and easier decorating.
