Surprise Halloween Cake
Intro: Surprise Halloween Cake
The first time I made this style of surprise cake I used a special pan to make the cake balls and colored the batter and baked the cake from scratch and it was a looooong and arduous process. This time I went for speed: using a cake mix, cans of frosting and candy eyes but most importantly- donut holes or munchkins as we call them in New England. I’m also going to spell them "donuts" here too to be consistent (though usually I spell them doughnuts) because that's how the folks as DD do it and that's where I picked up my donut holes.
Let's get started.
STEP 1: The Materials
Materials:
24 donut holes- I bought the pumpkin munchkins from Dunkin Donuts- you could use chocolate or both kinds!
White cake mix (or try chocolate?) and the ingredients the cake directions call for on the box (eggs, oil etc.)
White frosting and chocolate frosting (not shown)
Wilton Candy Eyes (they have several sizes)
STEP 2: Mix and Cover
If you make a lot of cakes you probably have a system- I use parchment paper on the bottom of 8” round pans then spray the pans with Canola oil (thank you Traders Joes).
Make the batter according to the box directions (I’m a fan of Duncan Hines).
While the cake is mixing (2 minutes or so), line each pan with 12 donut holes.
Divide the batter in half (I eyeball it- you could measure it).
Add each half of the batter, in spoonfuls over the donuts in each pan-try to not let the donuts touch.
STEP 3: Bake and Cool
Bake according to the box directions or until a skewer comes out clean or/and the cake pulls away from the sides.
Allow the cakes to cool completely then remove them from the pans.
At this point, you can wrap them up and freeze them for a few hours – it makes it easier to handle them and frost them.
When you’re ready --assemble the cake.
I use a cake board trimmed to fit under the cake (mostly because I wanted to use a wire cake stand).
STEP 4: Middle Layer Frosting
Add a dab of frosting and set the first cake on the board or cake plate with the bottom side down.
Add the middle layer of (white) frosting – spread it around generously then add the second cake, bottom facing up and give it a firm pat into place (the bumpy tops will sink together in the bed of frosting).
STEP 5: Outer Frosting
Continue to frost the outside of the cake with the chocolate frosting –again I make a lot of cakes and invested in this “revolving“ cake stand; you don’t need it but it’s fun to use so-- with or without a stand- frost away.
I usually start at the top and then do the sides.
When the cake is frosted, add the candy eyes- be random and have fun putting them on!
STEP 6: Surprise! It Has Eyes Outside and Dots Inside
Enjoy this cake- it’s fun to cut into and while the textures are slightly different – it really works.
You’re going to ask-- hey- aren’t the donuts dry after being baked? Nope!
Amazing and delicious and great for a special occasion.
Think of the possibilities the next time you’re in the donut hole section of the bakery.
18 Comments
jbutler 8 years ago
Gorgeous!!!
Lindsey Crafter 8 years ago
So cute! Love the sugar eyes.
dave_tek 8 years ago
Yum! Looks great!! I might have to try this with some mini-creampuffs inside. (Probably just melt the crème, but I'll try it anyway.)
FreckledR 8 years ago
Love this!
subhojyoti1 9 years ago
spunk 9 years ago
You should make yourself familiar with the be nice policy of instructables.
NathanSellers 9 years ago
Wow, your photographs are all beautiful! Great idea. I'm sure this is fun to serve up.
Thederpyninja 9 years ago
Beautiful photos and cake!
KimberlyStoney 9 years ago
spikeseller 9 years ago
peppypickle 9 years ago
so awesome! this looks delicious! and you did a wonderful job on presentation too!
Boygasmo 9 years ago
Doesn't the donut holes harden when re-heated? This looks really good though :) Maybe you could try cake pops as well.
artsy478 9 years ago
Great idea! Excellent instructions, techique and presentation. And I bet it tastes as good as it looks.
BLASTFEMI 9 years ago
So clever! I love it! Great job!
KookyKreations 9 years ago
Oh what a clever idea to use donut holes! I have tried to make cakes with round "truffles" inside and they never turn out right. I am definitely going to try the donut hole idea next time I need a special cake. Thanks!
Fission Chips 9 years ago
Wow! This looks really tasty and delicious. My mouth is watering!
0505 9 years ago
KimberlyStoney 9 years ago