Jack Skellington Vanilla Sponge Cake
A light and fluffy vanilla sponge cake featuring Jack Skellington standing on his iconic spiral hill, with the design baked directly into the cake. Filled with a sweet, airy vanilla whipped cream, this is the perfect Halloween baking project!
Ingredients
Vanilla Sponge Cake
- 9 large eggs separated
- 6 tablespoons granulated sugar for egg yolks
- 6 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 6 tablespoons whole milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¾ teaspoon white vinegar
- 6 tablespoons granulated sugar for egg whites
Design Colors
- Blue/Purple gel food coloring
- Black gel food coloring
- Orange gel food coloring
- Gray gel food coloring optional
- Uncolored vanilla batter for the moon and background
Vanilla Whipped Cream Filling
- 3 cups heavy whipping cream very cold
- 7 8 tablespoons powdered sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Prepare the Jack Skellington Design
- Print or draw a simple silhouette of Jack Skellington standing on the iconic curled hill. Include any additional scenery or pumpkins you'd like.
- Trace the bottom of a 10-inch round cake pan onto parchment paper and cut it into a circle.
- Place your design underneath the parchment paper and trace the illustration using a food-safe edible marker.
- Flip the parchment paper over so the traced side is facing downward. The design should still be visible through the parchment.
Make the Vanilla Sponge Cake
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your 10-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with the prepared parchment.
- Separate the egg yolks and egg whites into two clean mixing bowls.
- In the bowl containing the egg yolks, whisk together 6 tablespoons of granulated sugar, vegetable oil, whole milk, and vanilla extract until combined.
- Sift in the all-purpose flour and cornstarch. Whisk until smooth.
- Using an electric mixer, begin whipping the egg whites until foamy. Gradually add the white vinegar and remaining 6 tablespoons of sugar.
- Continue whipping until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the egg yolk batter in several additions, using a spatula. Fold just until incorporated to avoid deflating the batter.
Create the Jack Skellington Design
- Divide small portions of sponge cake batter into separate bowls. Color them using black, orange, and optional gray gel food coloring.
- Transfer the colored batters into piping bags fitted with small round tips or tiny openings.
- Carefully pipe Jack Skellington, his spiral hill, and any additional details over the traced parchment design.
- Pipe the orange pumpkins or other decorative elements around the edges, if desired.
- Refrigerate the completed design for approximately 5–8 minutes to help it hold its shape.
- Gently spoon or pipe the uncolored sponge batter over the chilled design. Smooth carefully without disturbing the illustration.
Bake the Sponge Cake
- Bake for approximately 10–14 minutes, or until the cake is lightly golden, springy to the touch, and fully baked.
- Carefully turn the cake out while still warm and gently peel away the parchment paper to reveal your design.
- Allow the decorated sponge to cool completely.
- Bake the second, undecorated sponge cake layer using the remaining batter.
Make the Vanilla Whipped Cream
- In a chilled mixing bowl, combine the cold heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Whip using an electric mixer until firm peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip, as the cream can become grainy.
Assemble the Cake
- Place the undecorated sponge cake layer onto your serving plate or cake board.
- Spread or pipe a generous layer of vanilla whipped cream evenly over the sponge.
- Carefully place the decorated Jack Skellington sponge cake layer on top, with the design facing upward.
- Trim the edges if necessary for a clean, even finish.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!