Description

Indulge in the delightful blend of flavors with the High Altitude Ginger Chocolate Skull Cake, an enchanting dessert perfect for Halloween festivities. This cake features a moist ginger-infused base layered with velvety chocolate buttercream, all adorned with charming mini chocolate skulls that add a spooky touch to your celebration. Whether you’re hosting a Halloween bash or simply looking to treat your loved ones, this cake promises to be a hit. Designed specifically for high-altitude baking, it rises beautifully while maintaining a soft and fluffy texture. Simple enough for bakers of all skill levels, this recipe combines familiar ingredients with straightforward steps, making it approachable and fun.

Ingredients

Scale

3 1/4 cups cake flour
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
3 tsp baking powder
1 tsp coarse Kosher salt
1 tbsp ground ginger
2 large eggs
2 large egg whites
1 1/2 cups whole milk
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted, then cooled for 10 minutes)
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups unsalted butter (softened to room temperature, for frosting)
3 cups powdered sugar
1 cup unsweetened Dutch processed cocoa powder
1 tbsp meringue powder (optional)
1/4 tsp coarse Kosher salt
2 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
2 tbsp milk or cream (only if needed for consistency)
12 oz chocolate candy melts
1–2 tbsp solid coconut oil (if needed to thin the chocolate)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two greased 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In one bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, cream granulated sugar with melted butter, then mix in eggs and milk.
3. Gradually combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
4. Divide the batter between prepared pans and bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Allow cakes to cool before frosting with chocolate buttercream made from butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and optional meringue powder.
6. Decorate with melted chocolate and mini skulls before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
Calories: 450
Sugar: 35g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 56g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results. For added variety, consider spicing up the cake by incorporating nutmeg or cinnamon along with ginger.