Grinch Cake

$To make a fun and festive Grinch Cake, gather these ingredients: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 ½ cups granulated sugar - ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder - 1 teaspoon baking soda - ½ teaspoon salt - 1 cup buttermilk (or substitute with 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice) - ½ cup vegetable oil - 2 large eggs - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract - 1 cup boiling water - Green food coloring (as desired) - 1 batch of whipped cream or buttercream frosting - Red heart sprinkles or candy hearts for decoration You can add your own twist to the Grinch Cake. Consider these options: - ½ cup of chocolate chips for extra chocolate flavor - 1 teaspoon peppermint extract for a minty touch - Zest of one orange for a citrus flavor boost Having the right tools makes baking easier. Here’s what you need: - Two 9-inch round cake pans - Mixing bowls (one large and one medium) - Whisk and spatula - Measuring cups and spoons - Sifter for dry ingredients - Toothpick for testing cake doneness - Wire rack for cooling the cakes By gathering these ingredients and tools, you're all set to create a delightful Grinch Cake. Enjoy the process as you bring holiday cheer to your kitchen! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key. While the oven heats, grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. This helps the cake layers slide out easily after baking. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the dry ingredients. You need 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar, ¾ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Sifting helps mix them well and removes lumps. In another bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients. Use 1 cup of buttermilk, ½ cup of vegetable oil, 2 large eggs, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Slowly pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are okay. Next, carefully stir in 1 cup of boiling water. The batter will become thin, and that’s normal! Add a few drops of green food coloring until you reach the shade you want. This gives the cake its Grinchy look. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the cakes are ready. Let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. To make the frosting, use 1 cup of unsalted butter at room temperature. Beat it with 4 cups of powdered sugar, a pinch of salt, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and fluffy. If needed, add a splash of milk for the right consistency. You can tint some frosting green to match the cake! Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top of this layer. Then, place the second layer on top. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting. For the final touch, decorate the top with red heart sprinkles or candy hearts. This adds a fun flair and represents the Grinch's love for Christmas. Serve your Grinch Cake on a festive platter, maybe with a small “Grinch” figurine on top to bring extra joy! To make a moist Grinch cake, use buttermilk. It adds flavor and keeps the cake soft. If you don't have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. This will mimic buttermilk well. Another trick is to not overmix the batter. Mix just until combined for the best texture. Bake the cake layers until a toothpick comes out clean, but don't leave them in too long. Overbaking can dry out your cake. Let the cakes cool in the pans for a few minutes before moving them. This helps keep them moist. To get that perfect Grinch green, add green food coloring to your batter. Start with a few drops, then mix well. Check the color and add more if needed. Be careful not to overdo it, or your cake may look too bright. If you want a softer shade, use less coloring. You can also tint a portion of your frosting green for a fun two-tone effect on the cake. This adds depth and excitement to your presentation. For a fun and festive look, frost the cake with a smooth layer of white buttercream. Then, use a spatula to create swirls or waves. This gives it a playful feel. Top it off with red heart sprinkles or candy hearts. They add a pop of color and fit the Grinch theme. Place a small "Grinch" figurine on top for added charm. Serve the cake on a pretty holiday platter to impress your guests. Don't forget to take pictures; this cake is made for sharing! Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and results in a lighter cake. Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix until just combined to prevent the cake from becoming dense. A few lumps are perfectly fine! Adjust Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cakes in the oven. Ovens can vary, so check for doneness a few minutes before the recommended time. Make Ahead: You can bake the cake layers a day in advance. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator to keep them moist. {{image_2}} You can turn your Grinch cake into fun cupcakes! Start with the same batter. Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes. Check with a toothpick for doneness. Once cool, frost them just like the cake. Add red heart sprinkles on top for that festive touch! To make a gluten-free Grinch cake, swap all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. This blend works great in most baking. The rest of the recipe stays the same. Just be sure to check all other ingredients for gluten. You’ll end up with a delicious cake that everyone can enjoy! While whipped cream or buttercream frosting is tasty, you can try other options. Cream cheese frosting adds a tangy twist. A chocolate ganache gives a rich flavor. For a fruity option, use a raspberry or strawberry frosting. Each will give your Grinch cake a unique flair! To keep your Grinch Cake fresh, wrap it well in plastic wrap. You can also use an airtight container. This helps retain moisture and keeps it from drying out. Store it at room temperature for up to three days. If you want it to last longer, choose the freezing method. To freeze your Grinch Cake, first let it cool completely. Once cool, wrap each layer in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. When you are ready, thaw the layers in the fridge overnight before frosting. After storage, the cake is best served at room temperature. This helps the flavors shine. You can add fresh whipped cream or extra frosting to revive its appeal. Top it with red heart sprinkles for a festive look. Serve it on a holiday platter to impress your guests! You can use regular milk with lemon juice. Mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes. This will mimic the tangy taste of buttermilk. Add more green food coloring. Use edible glitter or sprinkles for fun. You can also place small holiday decorations on top. A Grinch figurine adds charm and joy. Yes, you can. Cream cheese frosting works great too! Try a chocolate ganache for a rich taste. Just ensure it pairs well with the cake flavors. You can bake it up to three days ahead. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. For best taste, frost the cake the day you serve it. This Grinch Cake guide covered all you need to bake a festive treat. We went through the key ingredients, essential tools, and easy steps to make the cake. Plus, I shared tips for keeping it moist and bright. You can even explore fun variations like cupcakes or gluten-free options. Store and serve your cake properly for the best taste. Now, you have the tools and ideas to impress at your next celebration. Enjoy baking and celebrating with your delicious creation!$

A festive green cake perfect for Christmas celebrations, decorated with red heart sprinkles.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 30

Total Time 1

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 10

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1.5 cups granulated sugar
0.75 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
1.5 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
0.5 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk (or substitute with 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice)
0.5 cups vegetable oil
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water
as desired green food coloring
1 batch whipped cream or buttercream frosting
as desired red heart sprinkles or candy hearts for decoration

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Slowly add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Carefully stir in the boiling water (the batter will be thin). Add a few drops of green food coloring until you reach your desired Grinch-like hue.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
For a simple frosting, beat together 1 cup of unsalted butter (room temperature) with 4 cups of powdered sugar, a pinch of salt, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy. Add a splash of milk if needed. You can also tint some of the frosting green to match the cake!
Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top, and then place the second layer on top of the frosted cake. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
Finish off by decorating the top with red heart sprinkles or candy hearts to resemble the Grinch’s love for Christmas.

Notes

For a festive touch, serve the cake on a decorative Christmas platter. You might also consider adding a small “Grinch” figurine on top to enjoy the whimsy of the theme!

Keyword cake, Christmas, dessert, holiday