Description
Construct a stable, free-standing ghost centerpiece using a clever no-carve stacking technique that relies on geometric precision rather than complex supports. This professional-grade Halloween cake combines a 6-inch cylindrical base with a spherical top to create a naturally draped silhouette perfect for any spooky celebration.
Ingredients
- 6 cups high-density cake batter
- 4 cups white crusting buttercream frosting
- Black concentrated gel icing color
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease one 6-inch round pan and both halves of a 3D ball pan using a shortening and flour coating.
- Pour 3 cups of batter into the 6-inch pan and divide the remaining 3 cups between the ball pan halves; bake until the internal temperature reaches 210°F (99°C).
- Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for exactly 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature.
- Using a cake leveler, remove the crowns from the 6-inch layer and the bottom half of the ball cake to ensure perfectly flat surfaces for stacking.
- Place the 6-inch layer on an 8-inch cake circle, apply a layer of buttercream, and stack the 3D ball cake on top, chilling for 20 minutes if the structure feels unstable.
- Apply white buttercream to the top and sides, using an angled spatula to blend the two shapes into a single, continuous, sloping form that mimics draped fabric.
- Fit a piping bag with a large round tip 2A and create two tapered arms at the shoulder area using the pull-out ball technique.
- Tint a small portion of frosting black and pipe oval eyes and a round mouth using tip 12, then gently smooth the features with a cornstarch-dipped finger once they have crusted.
Notes
To ensure your ghost remains perfectly vertical, use a small spirit level when trimming your cake layers to confirm they are completely flat. If you are working in a warm kitchen and the buttercream feels too soft to hold the arm shapes, chill the frosting for 15 minutes to increase its viscosity before piping.
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 55 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American