Halloween Pumpkin Cake - Cooking Tips

Halloween Pumpkin Cake

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 2 cups sugar
• 4 eggs
• 1 1/4 teaspoons vanilla
• 2 5/8 cups flour

• 3/8 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 cup milk

• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter - softened
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 3 tablespoons milk
• Food coloring (yellow, red, green)
  

• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp. milk
• 1 tsp. Light Karo Syrup

Preparing the Cake

• Preheat oven to 350° F. and grease and flour bottom and sides of cake pans.
  
  
• In a mixing bowl, cream butter until light and fluffy. Add sugar and mix.
  
  
• Gradually add eggs and vanilla; mix well.
  
  
• Combine dry ingredients together; then add alternating with the milk. Mix until just well blended together.
  
  
• Pour batter into prepared cake pans. Divide evenly.
  
  
• Bake for approximately 30 minutes, until golden brown on the top and center is firm. Or the cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the center seems fairly firm but the toothpick comes out just a little moist, remove the cakes from the oven. If you over bake them the cakes will be dry.
  
  
• Allow the cakes to cool for 10 minutes in the pan and then turn them out onto a cooling rack. Allow to cool completely before starting to decorate.

Preparing the Frosting

• Combine powdered sugar, butter, vanilla, and a small amount of milk in mixing bowl, beat on low speed.
  
  
• Gradually add a little milk to obtain the consistency that you are looking for. Be sure the frosting is firm enough to hold its shape.

Note: Store bought frosting could be used or any of your favorite homemade frostings recipes could be used as long as it is firm enough.

Decorating the Cake

• Once you have reached the desired consistency take out about 1 or 2 tbsp. of frosting and set aside to color later for the stem.
  
  
• Add yellow food coloring and a little red coloring to the remaining frosting to create the orange frosting. Keep adding until you have reached the desired color.
  
  
• Place the first layer of cake on a plate and cover the top with a layer of frosting; then place the second layer on top.
  
  
• Spread and even layer of frosting on the top and sides of the cake. Smooth the tops and sides as much as possible.
  

• Cut black licorice pieces to make the eyes and mouth of the pumpkin face. Place the licorice on the pumpkin to make your face design.
  
  
• Add spider rings to the cake.
  
  
• Color the reserved frosting green and spread on cake to resemble a stem.

• The cake is then ready to serve at a special Halloween party or to just enjoy with the kids. If not serving immediately, cover and place in the refrigerator.