The Stranger Things cake recipe is a cake inspired by the popular Netflix series, Stranger Things. These cakes often feature elements and characters from the show, such as the iconic alphabet wall, the Demogorgon monster, or beloved characters like Eleven, Mike, Dustin, Lucas, and Will.
The cakes may also be decorated with colorful swirls, sprinkles, or other designs that evoke the show’s ’80s aesthetic. Stranger Things cakes have become a popular choice for birthday parties, viewing parties, and other events inspired by the hit series.
Best Stranger Things Cake
I’m a huge Stranger Things fan, so naturally, I had to make my own version of the show’s signature dessert. This cake is the perfect addition to any celebration or viewing party with its bright swirls, whimsical design, and delicious flavor.
In this blog post, I’ll be sharing my step-by-step instructions for creating your very own Stranger Things cake. I’ll also provide some helpful hints and tips as well as address some frequently asked questions about the cake.
Stranger Things Cake Ingredients
For the cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Red, blue, and purple food coloring
For the frosting:
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons whole milk
- Red, blue, and purple food coloring
How To Make Stranger Things Cake
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease and flour three 6-inch cake pans and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure to fully incorporate each egg before adding the next.
Add in the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the whole milk, and mix until just combined.
Divide the cake batter evenly between three bowls.
Using food coloring, tint one bowl of batter red, one blue, and one purple.
Pour the colored batters into the prepared cake pans, making sure to spread the batter evenly.
Bake the cakes for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the cakes to cool completely before removing them from the pans.
While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
Gradually add in the whole milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
Divide the frosting evenly between three bowls.
Using food coloring, tint one bowl of frosting red, one blue, and one purple.
Once the cakes have cooled, place the purple cake layer on a cake plate or serving dish.
Spread a thin layer of purple frosting over the top of the cake layer.
Place the blue cake layer on top of the purple frosting, and spread a thin layer of blue frosting over the top.
Finally, place the red cake layer on top of the blue frosting, and spread a thin layer of red frosting over the top.
Use the remaining frosting to cover the sides and top of the cake, creating a smooth and even layer.
To decorate the cake, use a toothpick to draw a line across the top of the frosting, creating a grid pattern.
Use additional frosting and food coloring to create colorful swirls and designs on top of the cake.
Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Tips and Tricks For Best Stranger Things Cake
For more intense color, use gel food coloring instead of liquid food coloring.
To create a smoother and more even frosting layer, use a cake scraper or offset spatula.
If you don’t have three cake pans, you can bake the cakes one at a time, but be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
You can add additional flavor to the cake by using flavored extracts, such as almond or lemon, instead of vanilla extract.
Stranger Things Cake Variations
Flavored Cake Layers: The classic recipe calls for vanilla cake layers, but you can add different flavors. For example, you could make a chocolate layer, a strawberry layer, and a vanilla layer. For citrus flavor, add lemon or orange zest to the batter.
Different Colors: Instead of red, blue, and purple layers, use any colors to match your theme or occasion. For St. Patrick’s Day, make a green and gold cake, or for a baby shower, pink and white.
Custom Decorations: White frosting and string lights are classic Stranger Things decorations, but you can decorate your cake however you like. The cake could have a fondant Demogorgon or Eleven’s waffles.
Gluten-Free or Vegan: Make substitutions to enjoy a Stranger Things cake if you or your guests have dietary restrictions. For a gluten-free cake, use dairy-free butter and flour or a vegan egg substitute.
How To Serve Stranger Things Cake
Serve your delicious and beautiful Stranger Things cake to your friends and family. Tips for impressing guests when serving cake:
Presentation is Key: To really showcase your Stranger Things cake, be sure to set it up in a prominent location where everyone can see and admire it. Consider using a cake stand or platter to elevate the cake and add to the overall presentation.
Slicing the Cake: When it comes to slicing the cake, be sure to use a sharp knife to ensure clean, even slices. You can also use a piece of floss to slice through the cake layers for an even smoother cut.
Portion Control: Depending on the size of your cake, you may want to consider portion control to ensure that everyone gets a taste. Cut the cake into smaller slices or serve it with smaller dessert plates to encourage guests to take smaller portions.
Compliments to the Chef: As the host, it’s important to take a moment to bask in the compliments you’ll undoubtedly receive on your amazing Stranger Things cake. Take the time to thank your guests for their kind words and let them know that you’re happy they enjoyed the cake.
How to Store Homemade Stranger Things Cake
Airtight Container: Use a cake carrier or Tupperware to keep your cake from drying out or absorbing fridge odors.
Refrigerate your cake for the best results. This keeps the cake fresh.
Wrap in Plastic Wrap: Wrap your cake in plastic wrap before putting it in the airtight container. This prevents air from drying the cake.
For long-term storage, freeze your cake. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. Label the cake with its freezing date and use it within three months for the best quality.
Easy Stranger Things Cake Recipe
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Red blue, and purple food coloring
For the frosting:
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons whole milk
- Red blue, and purple food coloring
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease and flour three 6-inch cake pans and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure to fully incorporate each egg before adding the next.
- Add in the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the whole milk, and mix until just combined.
- Divide the cake batter evenly between three bowls.
- Using food coloring, tint one bowl of batter red, one blue, and one purple.
- Pour the colored batters into the prepared cake pans, making sure to spread the batter evenly.
- Bake the cakes for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool completely before removing them from the pans.
- While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add in the whole milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
- Divide the frosting evenly between three bowls.
- Using food coloring, tint one bowl of frosting red, one blue, and one purple.
- Once the cakes have cooled, place the purple cake layer on a cake plate or serving dish.
- Spread a thin layer of purple frosting over the top of the cake layer.
- Place the blue cake layer on top of the purple frosting, and spread a thin layer of blue frosting over the top.
- Finally, place the red cake layer on top of the blue frosting, and spread a thin layer of red frosting over the top.
- Use the remaining frosting to cover the sides and top of the cake, creating a smooth and even layer.
- To decorate the cake, use a toothpick to draw a line across the top of the frosting, creating a grid pattern.
- Use additional frosting and food coloring to create colorful swirls and designs on top of the cake.
