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Want a fabulous Halloween treat? Check out my orange and chocolate Halloween Layer Cake

Halloween Layer Cake

A pretty Halloween cake made with layers of orange cake and a layer of chocolate cake topped off with buttercream and chocolate ganache.
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Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Author: Hezzi-D

Ingredients

For the cake:

  • 1 c. butter 2 sticks
  • 2 c. sugar
  • 4 eggs
  • 3 c. flour
  • 1 Tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 c. milk
  • 1/4 c. cocoa powder
  • 1/4 c. warm water
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/2 teaspoon orange extract
  • 1 Tablespoon orange zest

For the frosting:

  • 8 oz. cream cheese
  • 1/2 c. butter 1 stick
  • 6 c. powdered sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons milk
  • orange food coloring

For the ganache:

  • 3 oz. dark chocolate
  • 1/3 c. heavy cream

To decorate:

  • candy corn
  • sprinkles

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray three 9 inch cake pans with baking spray. Set aside.
  • In a stand mixer beat the butter until smooth. Add in the sugar and eggs and mix on medium speed.
  • In a medium bowl combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix well.
  • Add half the flour mixture to the butter mixture and beat on medium speed for 1 minute.
  • Add the milk and mix on medium speed for 1 minute.
  • Add the remaining flour mixture and beat until combined.
  • Remove 2 cups of batter and place in a medium bowl.
  • Stir together the cocoa powder and water and mix until combined. Add this mixture to the 2 cups of cake batter and stir until combined.
  • Add the vanilla, orange extract, and orange zest to the remaining batter and beat for 1 minute.
  • Pour the chocolate batter into one of the prepared cake pans.
  • Divide the orange cake batter between two remaining pans.
  • Bake all three cakes for 30 minutes, rotating pans halfway through.
  • Remove from oven and cool completely. Remove cakes from pans.
  • To make the frosting place the cream cheese and butter in a bowl and beat with a mixer on medium high speed until smooth. Add in the powdered sugar a cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
  • Add in the milk and food coloring and mix until the frosting is orange.
  • To make the cake place one of the orange layers on a cake plate. Spread 1 cup of frosting on the orange cake and place the chocolate cake on top of it. Spread 1 cup of frosting on top of the chocolate cake and place the remaining orange layer on top.
  • Use remaining frosting to cover top and sides of the cake.
  • To make the ganache heat the chocolate and cream in a small saucepan over medium heat. Mix constantly until the chocolate is melted and everything is combined. Heat for 2-3 minutes or until it begins to thicken.
  • Allow the ganache to cool for 10-15 minutes then pour over top of the cake, allowing it to run down the sides.
  • Press candy corn into the bottom of the cake and put sprinkle on top.

Notes

Recipe adapted from Taste of Home