This recipe takes a simple French vanilla cake and transforms it into a vibrant, multi-colored delight that mimics the unique style of Sally’s dress. It’s not only visually impressive but also delectably sweet, with rich vanilla frosting that ties the whole theme together. It’s an excellent choice for fans of the film or anyone looking to add a splash of color and creativity to their dessert table.
Ingredients
- French Vanilla Cake Mix: 2 boxes
- Large Eggs: 6
- Whole Milk: 2 cups
- Unsalted Butter (softened): 1 cup
- Powdered Sugar: 6 cups
- Heavy Whipping Cream: 5-7 tbsp
- Vanilla Extract: 1 tbsp
- Gel Food Coloring: Pink, Yellow, Teal, and Black
Directions
- Prepare Cake Batter: Follow the instructions on the vanilla cake mix box. Divide the batter evenly into four bowls, coloring one pink, one yellow, and one teal. Leave one uncolored.
- Bake the Cake: Alternately pour 1/4 cup of each colored batter into round cake pans to create a tie-dye effect. Bake at 350°F for 25-35 minutes. Allow to cool completely.
- Make Vanilla Frosting: Beat the softened butter with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream until smooth. Keep some frosting white, and tint smaller portions with pink, yellow, and teal.
- Assemble the Cake: Stack the cakes, spreading black frosting between each layer. Frost the outside with a thin layer of black frosting.
- Decorate: Use a piping bag filled with black frosting to draw details resembling Sally’s dress stitches. Fill in patches with the colored frosting.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the cake to set the frosting before serving.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Tips
- For a smoother frosting finish, stir the frosting by hand to eliminate air bubbles.
- The tie-dye effect makes each slice unique, perfectly capturing the spirit of Sally’s patchwork dress.
FAQs
Q: Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel? A: While regular food coloring can be used, gel food coloring is recommended for more vibrant, saturated colors that won’t alter the texture of the cake batter.
Q: How can I ensure my cake layers are even? A: Use a kitchen scale to weigh the batter as you divide it among the pans to ensure each layer is the same thickness.
Q: Can this cake be made ahead of time? A: Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator. Assemble and decorate the cake on the day of serving.
Conclusion
This Sally Nightmare Before Christmas Tie-Dye Cake is not just a treat for the eyes but also for the palate, offering a playful and tasty tribute to a beloved character. It’s perfect for Halloween parties, movie nights, or any occasion where you want to add a touch of magic and nostalgia. With each colorful slice, guests are sure to be delighted by both the appearance and the flavor of this festive cake!