Stenciled Halloween Sprinkle Cake

Introduction:

A festive treat that is sure to impress at any Halloween celebration, this Stenciled Halloween Sprinkle Cake features candy corn-themed colors and a stunning sprinkle stenciling technique. Perfect for adding a touch of spooky elegance to your festivities!

Ingredients

For the Cake Layers:

• 8 oz unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 21 oz granulated sugar (3 cups)
• 6 large eggs, at room temperature
• 20.25 oz all-purpose flour (4 1/2 cups)
• 2 tsp salt
• 7 tsp baking powder (2 tbsp + 1 tsp)
• 2 1/2 cups milk, at room temperature
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract

For the Buttercream:

• 8 fl oz pasteurized liquid egg whites (1 cup)
• 32 oz powdered sugar (8 cups)
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 32 oz unsalted butter (4 cups), at room temperature
• 2 1/2 tbsp vanilla extract

For Decorating:

• Assorted gel food coloring (yellow, orange, and electric orange)
• Sanding sugar in white, gold, yellow, and orange
• Parchment paper (for stenciling)
• Orange and yellow round candies, like Sixlets

Directions

To Make the Cake Layers:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line four 9-inch cake pans with parchment paper and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Mix Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl of a stand mixer, cream the butter and sugar together for 5-6 minutes until light and fluffy.
3. Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Add Dry Ingredients: On low speed, gradually add the flour, salt, and baking powder. Mix in the milk and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tops spring back when lightly pressed. Allow cakes to cool completely before decorating.

To Make the Buttercream:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a stand mixer, combine egg whites, powdered sugar, and salt. Mix on low speed until combined.
2. Add Butter: Gradually add the softened butter, 1-2 tablespoons at a time. After incorporating all the butter, beat on medium speed for 10 minutes until light and fluffy.
3. Flavor: Add vanilla extract and mix for an additional minute. Use immediately or store in the refrigerator until needed.

To Assemble and Decorate:

1. Cut Cake Rounds: Once cooled, cut each cake round in half to create 8 layers. Stack the layers with a layer of frosting between each. Tint the frosting in shades of yellow and orange to create an ombre effect inside the cake.
2. Crumb Coat: Apply a thin layer of white frosting around the sides and top to seal in crumbs. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
3. Stencil Decoration: Create a parchment stencil with a Halloween design. Place the stencil on the cake top once it’s firm.
4. Apply Sprinkles: Press sprinkles into an ombre pattern from white to gold, yellow, and orange. Cover the top with orange sanding sugar around the stencil.
5. Finish: Gently remove the stencil to reveal the design. Add Sixlets or other candies around the base for extra decoration.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Approximately 12-16 servings.
• Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes per batch
• Total Time: 3 hours

Variations

• Flavor Variations: Swap out the chocolate cake for vanilla or spice cake for a different flavor profile.
• Color Scheme: Use different gel food colors to match other holiday themes or personal preferences.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Reheating: If refrigerated, bring the cake to room temperature before serving.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of frosting?
   • Yes, cream cheese frosting or whipped cream can be used instead of buttercream.
2. How can I make the cake layers even?
   • Use a cake leveler or serrated knife to trim the tops of the cakes for even layers.
3. Can I freeze the cake layers?
   • Yes, you can freeze the cake layers wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. Thaw before decorating.
4. What can I use if I don’t have gel food coloring?
   • Liquid food coloring can be used, but it may not give as vibrant results.
5. How do I make sure the cake doesn’t stick to the pans?
   • Use parchment paper and nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
6. Can I use store-bought frosting?
   • Yes, store-bought frosting can be used if you’re short on time.
7. How can I achieve a smoother frosting finish?
   • Apply a crumb coat before your final layer of frosting and use a bench scraper to smooth the sides.
8. What if I don’t have a stencil for decorating?
   • You can use a homemade stencil from parchment paper or freehand the design with frosting.
9. Can I make the cake in advance?
   • Yes, you can bake and freeze the cake layers ahead of time. Just frost and decorate when ready to serve.
10. What if I don’t have the exact candy decorations?
    • Use any Halloween-themed candies you have on hand to decorate.

Conclusion

The Stenciled Halloween Sprinkle Cake is a show-stopping dessert that combines festive colors with an eye-catching sprinkle design. It’s perfect for making your Halloween celebrations memorable, whether you’re hosting a party or bringing a treat to share. Enjoy the delicious layers and fun decorations, and have a spooktacular time!

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