need halloween cake ideas...
try this 'enchanted tree' cake?
For Halloween Cake Ideas that are not too scary, check out this 'Enchanted Tree' cake.
Don't get too close to these beautiful butterflies....they're hiding a secret...
Boo!
This enchanted tree is a perfect party centerpiece for a children's Halloween party - just a little spooky and a lotta, lotta fun.
This cake serves 18-20 people. If you need more serves, use three filled cakes and skip steps 1 and 2.
techniques used
halloween cake ideas - cake decorating halloween - halloween cake decorating ideas
To complete your halloween party theme...
Be sure to check out these great, co-ordinating party supplies
what you'll need:
halloween cake ideas - cake decorating halloween - halloween cake decorating ideas
- two filled 6" round cakes - these are Classic Yellow Cake, filled with Chocolate Fudge Buttercream
- Chocolate buttercream frosting
- Cherry Pink powdered food color or candy color
- dark brown sugar, for the cake board
- white candy melts
- two black, mini M & M's for the eyes
- decorating bag fitted with #366, large leaf decorating tip
- parchment cones for piping butterflies and facial features
- 6" x 4" round cake dummy
or styrofoam cut to size
here's how to do it...
halloween cake ideas - cake decorating halloween - halloween cake decorating ideas
1. If you have a cake dummy, use that. If not, take a 6" round cake pan and trace, then cut the styrofoam to size. Tape two sections together if the styrofaom is not as thick as you'd like.
You want the finished height to be about 4".
halloween cake ideas - cake decorating halloween - halloween cake decorating ideas
2. Cut a circle of waxed cardboard (use a thick disposable plate) and tape it to the top of the cake dummy or strofoam.
3. Tape the styrofoam to a cake board and crumb coat with the chocolate buttercream.
4. Place a cake layer on top of the waxed cardboard, add filling, and top with another cake layer.
Don't worry about being too perfect with your stacking or crumb coating. This is a tree trunk after all!
5. Continue stacking and filling until you have six layers of cake.
You'll only need four to complete the cake, but it's always good to have extras in case any break.
halloween cake ideas - cake decorating halloween - halloween cake decorating ideas
6. crumb coat the entire cake and refrigerate overnight.
7. Use the chocolate piping technique to make about 30 sets of butterfly wings.
Make several different sizes and styles, for added interest.
8. Use the chocolate piping technique to make facial features for the tree.
When you're drying the facial features, drape the wax paper over a curved surface that's about the same curve as the side of the cake. This makes it much easier to attach the pieces to the finished cake later!
9. Use the chocolate piping technique to make three or four branches for the tree.
10. Add the trunk details with a #366 tip and chocolate buttercream.
Start by piping thick vertical lines, very close together, all the way around the sides of the cake.
To add the tree rings, start by piping a thick ring of buttercream about 1" in from the outer edge of the top of the cake and continue inwards, keeping the rings very close together, until the top is completely filled in.
11. Finish the trunk by adding some roots. To do this, pipe an upside-down 'V' shape in several places around the base of the tree.
12. Very gently peel the paper off each piece of the face and, one at a time, butter the back with a little buttercream and position on the cake.
start with the eyebrows and work down the face, wiggling the pieces gently to secure to the cake.
Once the face is complete, look at the cake and decide where you would like branches.
Make small 1" deep cuts at each place you're going to position a branch and gently push a branch into the cut to secure.
13. Starting at the top of the tree, position the butterfly wings in pairs all over the top of the tree by gently pushing each wing into the buttercream at an angle.
To position a butterfly on a branch, melt a few of the cocoa candy melts and paint a 1" long strip on the branch. Then secure the wings, one at a time, by holding in positionh at an angle for a few seconds to secure. Repeat with the other wing to make a pair.
14. Finish by adding some butterflies on the roots of the tree and sprinkling brown sugar all around the base of the tree.
You're done! Now go take some birthday cake pictures of your own and show them off here.
how to host the perfect halloween party
Got some great Halloween Cake Ideas? Check. Now all you need to complete your party theme are some great, co-ordinating party supplies.
Here's just a sample of what's available:
For a complete line-up of fabulous Halloween costumes and party supplies, check these out:
looking for something in particular?
If you want to find something in a hurry? No Problem. Find the answers you need here:
search this site
still have questions?
If you still have any questions about baking, assembling or decorating a cake, ask them here!
keep the excitement going
Never be short of a great cake idea at a moment's notice.
Sign up for the "Too Nice To Slice" newsletter and get fantastic insider tips, tricks and out of the box cake decorating ideas delivered right to your inbox.
share the love
If you like what you see, why not share this site with your friends? There's always something new baking around here.
