Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I pulled the Halloween Slash Cake out of the oven, a delicious wave of warm chocolate notes filled my kitchen, instantly transforming it into a cozy haunt. This isn’t just any cake; it’s a centerpiece of spooky delight, combining moist chocolate sponge with sweet strawberry jam, and topped with a strikingly vivid red glaze that looks just like “blood.” Perfect for family-friendly Halloween gatherings, this dessert is not only visually captivating but also surprisingly easy to whip up, making it a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re throwing a spooky bash or simply craving a festive treat, this Halloween Slash Cake offers eye-catching fun and tasty indulgence. Want to learn how to create this eerie yet irresistible dessert that will thrill your guests? Let’s dive in! Why Is This Cake Perfect for Halloween? Visual Impact: The dramatic appearance of the Halloween Slash Cake makes it an instant showstopper at any gathering, capturing the essence of Halloween in a delicious way. Easy Assembly: Despite its spooky look, this cake is simple to put together and doesn’t require advanced baking skills, making it perfect for home bakers of all levels. Delicious Flavor Combo: A delightful mix of moist chocolate cake and sweet, tangy strawberry jam creates a flavor explosion, ensuring every bite is as enjoyable as it is creepy. Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this cake, making it an ideal choice for Halloween parties or family gatherings, much like our Blueberry Cake Donuts that everyone can enjoy. Versatile Decor: Feel free to customize the cake with different colored food dyes or playful toppings like gummy candies, allowing your creativity to shine through while keeping the spooky spirit alive! Get ready to impress your guests with this fun and festive treat that stands out on any dessert table! Halloween Slash Cake Ingredients For the Cake Unsalted Butter (140g) – Provides moisture and richness to the cake; coconut oil can be used for a dairy-free option. Grapeseed Oil (100ml) – Adds moisture without overpowering flavors; can be replaced with any neutral oil. Milk (200ml) – Hydrates the batter and adds fluffiness; use almond milk for a dairy-free version. Yogurt (3 tbsp) – Contributes to the cake’s tenderness; Greek yogurt offers extra creaminess. Vanilla Extract (1 tsp) – Enhances overall flavor; almond extract can make a delightful substitution. Large Eggs (2, at room temperature) – Binds ingredients and adds structure; flax eggs serve as a vegan alternative. Light Muscovado Sugar (250g) – Adds depth and moisture to the cake; brown sugar can work well too. Plain Flour (250g) – Forms the cake’s structure; gluten-free flour is a great alternative. Baking Powder (3 tsp) – Provides leavening for the cake; ensure freshness for the best rise. Cocoa Powder (50g) – Adds rich chocolate flavor; Dutch-processed cocoa deepens the taste. For the Filling and Decoration Strawberry Jam (¾ x 340g jar) – Acts as a tasty filling and enhances the cake’s ‘blood’ effect. Ready-to-roll White Fondant Icing (1¼ kg) – Covers the cake and creates a dramatic visual; marzipan can substitute for a different flavor. Icing Sugar (600g, sifted) – Used for making buttercream and dusting surfaces. Softened Butter (300g) – Main ingredient in buttercream for creaminess; vegan butter could be used for a dairy-free version. Red Food Coloring – Provides the signature ‘blood’ effect; natural alternatives like beet juice work too. Get ready to create a Halloween Slash Cake that’s as delicious as it is visually thrilling! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Halloween Slash Cake Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (160°C for fan ovens) so it’s hot and ready for baking. While the oven warms, butter and line two 20cm sandwich tins with parchment paper. This ensures your Halloween Slash Cake releases easily after baking. Step 2: Melt the Butter In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt 140g of unsalted butter, stirring gently to avoid burning. Once melted, combine it with 100ml of grapeseed oil, 200ml of milk, 3 tablespoons of yogurt, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 2 room-temperature eggs. Mix until fully combined, creating a smooth and creamy mixture. Step 3: Whisk the Dry Ingredients In a large bowl, whisk together 250g of plain flour, 250g of light muscovado sugar, 50g of cocoa powder, 3 teaspoons of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Ensure there are no lumps and the ingredients are evenly distributed to promote a well-risen Halloween Slash Cake. Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures Pour the melted butter mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Gently mix with a spatula or wooden spoon until the batter is smooth and no flour pockets remain. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cake light and fluffy; this won’t take more than a minute. Step 5: Bake the Cakes Divide the batter equally between the two prepared cake tins, smoothing the tops with a spatula. Place them in your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a skewer into the center; it should come out clean when the cakes are ready. Step 6: Cool the Cakes Once baked, remove the cake tins from the oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes. Carefully turn the cakes out onto wire racks to cool completely. This cooling phase is crucial before frosting your Halloween Slash Cake to prevent the fondant from melting. Step 7: Prepare the Buttercream While the cakes cool, make the buttercream by beating 300g of softened butter in a bowl until creamy. Gradually add 600g of sifted icing sugar and mix until combined. Add red food coloring to achieve your desired ‘blood’ shade, adjusting as necessary for a spooky effect. Step 8: Trim and Slice the Cakes Once the cakes are completely cooled, level the tops with a serrated knife if they have domed. Slice each cake in half horizontally to create layers. This step will allow you to fill them with jam and buttercream, enhancing flavors in your Halloween Slash Cake. Step 9: Layer the Cake Start layering the cakes by spreading a generous amount of strawberry jam on the bottom layer, followed by a layer of buttercream. Place the next cake layer on top and repeat this process, continuing until you’ve added the last layer of cake on top. Step 10: Cover the Cake with Fondant Roll out 1.25kg of ready-to-roll white fondant on a lightly dusted surface until it’s about 5mm thick. Carefully drape it over the layered cake, smoothing the sides and top to eliminate air bubbles. Trim any excess fondant at the base for a clean finish. Step 11: Create the Bloody Effect Use a sharp knife to create slashes in the fondant, giving the Halloween Slash Cake its spooky appearance. Drizzle some of the red buttercream mixed with a splash of boiling water into the slashes for a gruesome, bloody effect that will delight your guests. Halloween Slash Cake Variations Feel free to get creative with this Halloween Slash Cake and make it your own with these fun ideas! Fruit Filling: Swap the strawberry jam for raspberry or cherry jam to add a deliciously tart twist. This changes the flavor profile while keeping the look just as spooky! Color Variations: Use different colors of food dye like green or orange to make a festive cake for other occasions. You can easily tailor it to fit any celebration, not just Halloween! Vegan Twist: Opt for flax eggs and vegan butter to create a completely plant-based version. Even your vegan friends will love this spooky treat! Texture Change: Add chocolate chips or nuts to the batter for extra crunch and a rich chocolate surprise. The little bursts of flavor make every bite an adventure! Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper for an unexpected warmth that pairs beautifully with chocolate. It’s a playful surprise that elevates the cake to adult-level deliciousness! Garnishing Fun: Top with gummy worms or creepy chocolate spiders for an extra fright factor that the kids will love. These little touches turn an already fun cake into the centerpiece of Halloween parties! Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour for a cake that everyone can enjoy without fear. It’s as easy as swapping the base to cater to dietary needs. Filling Enhancement: Add layers of whipped cream alongside the jam for a rich, fluffy texture. This generates a delightful contrast to the dense chocolate layers! Explore these variations to create your ideal Halloween Slash Cake, and don’t forget to check out our Blueberry Crisp Cheesecake for another delicious dessert option! What to Serve with Halloween Slash Cake? Elevate your Halloween celebration even further by pairing this spooky dessert with enchanting accompaniments! Ghoulish Fruit Punch: A fruity drink can add a colorful splash to your spread. Try adding floating gummy worms for a festive touch! Creepy Cocktails: Consider serving spooky cocktails like a “Witch’s Brew” made with grape soda and black vodka to thrill your adult guests. Ghostly Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream topped with dark chocolate syrup provides a delicious contrast to the chocolate cake and enhances the treat’s eerie aesthetic. Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries: These delightful treats can mimic the bloody theme when decorated with red drizzle, making them a perfect complement to your Halloween vibes. Spicy Pumpkin Soup: Serve a warm bowl of spicy pumpkin soup as an appetizer to bring cozy flavors before diving into the sweet cake. The savory profile balances the sweetness beautifully. Spooky Cheese Board: Incorporate different cheeses, crackers, and black olives shaped like spiders for a savory counterpoint to the sweetness of the Halloween Slash Cake. It engages your guests’ senses in a flavorful way! Halloween Cookies: Decorate sugar cookies as ghosts or pumpkins for a fun and thematic dessert option that adds variety and whimsy to your spread. Candied Apples: Sweet, crunchy apples coated in caramel or chocolate offer a nostalgic Halloween flavor, creating a delightful contrast with the soft, moist cake. Expert Tips for Halloween Slash Cake Room Temperature Eggs: Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for better emulsification, resulting in a lighter cake texture. Cool Cakes Completely: Allow your cakes to cool completely before decorating to prevent the fondant from melting, ensuring a perfect look for your Halloween slash cake. Dust Fondant Surface: When rolling out fondant, lightly dust the surface to prevent sticking; just avoid using too much icing sugar to keep it from drying out. Fresh Ingredients: Always check that your baking soda and baking powder are fresh; stale leaveners can lead to a dense cake. Creative Toppings: Feel free to add fun toppings like gummy candies or chocolate spiders to enhance the spooky theme of your Halloween slash cake, making it even more festive! Make Ahead Options These Halloween Slash Cake preparations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can bake the cake layers up to 3 days in advance; once cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate to maintain their moisture. The buttercream can also be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days; just re-beat it before using to restore its smooth texture. To truly impress at the last minute, you can assemble the cake with jam and buttercream layers up to 24 hours before serving, but hold off on adding the fondant until just before presentation to ensure a fresh and vibrant look. This way, you’ll achieve that whimsical Halloween flair without the last-minute stress! Storage Tips for Halloween Slash Cake Room Temperature: Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep it moist and fresh. A cake dome or foil works well for this purpose. Fridge: If you need to store it longer, refrigerate the cake for up to a week. Ensure it’s tightly wrapped to prevent it from absorbing any odors. Freezer: For extended storage, freeze slices of the Halloween Slash Cake in airtight containers or wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving. Reheating: When ready to enjoy, if you’ve frozen it, allow the cake to thaw completely and then bring it to room temperature. For a warm treat, gently microwave individual slices for about 10-15 seconds. Halloween Slash Cake Recipe FAQs What is the best way to select ripe ingredients for the Halloween Slash Cake? Absolutely! For the best results, select ingredients like ripe strawberries for your jam—look for those that are plump and bright in color. When choosing eggs, opt for those that are large and free-range if possible, as they tend to be fresher and richer in flavor. Ensure your butter is unsalted and at room temperature for optimal mixing. How should I store my Halloween Slash Cake, and how long will it last? To keep your Halloween Slash Cake fresh, store it covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. If refrigerating, tightly wrap it to prevent moisture loss and absorb odors; it’ll last up to a week this way. For longer preservation, freeze slices in airtight containers or plastic wrap for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge and bring them back to room temperature before serving. Can I freeze the Halloween Slash Cake? If so, how? Absolutely, you can freeze slices of your Halloween Slash Cake! First, wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap to protect it from freezer burn. Then, place the wrapped slices in an airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw the slices overnight in the fridge, and let them come to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture. What should I do if my fondant icing is too sticky? Very! If your fondant is too sticky, it may be due to humidity or an excess of moisture in your ingredients. Lightly dust your work surface with icing sugar while rolling it out, and knead in a bit more icing sugar until the texture is workable. Be cautious, though—adding too much sugar can dry it out. If it’s still challenging, you may want to let it rest for a few minutes at room temperature, as this can help firm it up. Are there any dietary considerations for the Halloween Slash Cake? That’s a great question! This cake is vegetarian-friendly, but if you want to make it vegan, you can easily substitute the eggs for flax eggs (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg). For those with dairy allergies, using almond milk, coconut oil, and vegan butter will work splendidly as substitutes. Always be mindful of food coloring choices as well; opt for natural dyes if allergies are a concern. What if my cake doesn’t rise properly? No worries; this can happen to the best bakers! If your Halloween Slash Cake doesn’t rise as expected, check that your baking powder is fresh and not expired. Also, make sure you didn’t overmix the batter—this can lead to a dense cake. Lastly, double-check that your oven is calibrated correctly; using an oven thermometer can help ensure the right temperature is being maintained during baking. Halloween Slash Cake: A Spooky Sweet Treat for Everyone No ratings yet This Halloween Slash Cake is a visually captivating dessert that combines moist chocolate sponge and strawberry jam, perfect for festive gatherings. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsCooling Time 10 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins Servings: 8 slicesCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Cake140 g Unsalted Butter Provides moisture and richness; substitute with coconut oil for dairy-free option.100 ml Grapeseed Oil Adds moisture; can be replaced with any neutral oil.200 ml Milk Hydrates the batter; use almond milk for dairy-free.3 tbsp Yogurt Contributes to tenderness; Greek yogurt offers extra creaminess.1 tsp Vanilla Extract Enhances overall flavor; almond extract can substitute.250 g Light Muscovado Sugar Adds depth and moisture; brown sugar can work.250 g Plain Flour Forms the cake's structure; gluten-free flour is an alternative.3 tsp Baking Powder Provides leavening; ensure freshness.50 g Cocoa Powder Adds rich chocolate flavor; Dutch-processed cocoa deepens taste.For the Filling and Decoration¾ x 340g jar Strawberry Jam Acts as a filling and enhances the 'blood' effect.1¼ kg Ready-to-roll White Fondant Icing Covers the cake; marzipan can substitute.600 g Icing Sugar Used for making buttercream.300 g Softened Butter Main ingredient in buttercream; vegan butter can substitute.Red Food Coloring Provides the signature 'blood' effect; natural alternatives work too. Equipment OvenMedium saucepanLarge BowlSpatula or wooden spoonMeasuring cups and spoonsCake tinsWire Racks Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 180°C (160°C for fan ovens) and line two 20cm sandwich tins with parchment paper.Melt 140g of unsalted butter in a saucepan over low heat. Combine with 100ml grapeseed oil, 200ml milk, 3 tbsp yogurt, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 2 room-temperature eggs.In a large bowl, whisk together 250g plain flour, 250g light muscovado sugar, 50g cocoa powder, 3 tsp baking powder, and a pinch of salt.Pour the melted butter mixture into the dry ingredients and gently mix until smooth.Divide the batter between the two cake tins and bake for 25-30 minutes, checking with a skewer for doneness.Allow the cakes to cool in the tins for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.Make the buttercream by beating 300g softened butter until creamy, then gradually mixing in 600g sifted icing sugar and adding red food coloring.Level the tops of the cakes and slice each in half horizontally for layering.Layer the cakes by spreading strawberry jam followed by buttercream, stacking each layer.Roll out 1.25kg fondant and drape it over the cake, smoothing it out.Create slashes in the fondant and drizzle red buttercream mixed with boiling water into the slashes for a bloody effect. Nutrition Serving: 1slicesCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 5gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 2gSugar: 25gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 50mgIron: 1.5mg NotesFor best results, ensure your eggs are at room temperature and cakes are fully cooled before decorating. Use fresh ingredients for optimal texture and flavor. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
