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A two layer chocolate cake with vibrant turquoise icing and dinosaur figurines wearing party hats.

Dino Cake

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5 from 17 reviews

Description

This impressive Dino Cake combines a deep, cocoa-heavy buttermilk base with a sophisticated dark chocolate ganache and silky turquoise Swiss Meringue buttercream. It is a moisture-rich, flavor-first dessert that replaces dry sponges with a decadent crumb, making it a legendary centerpiece for any celebration.

Ingredients

  • 2.5 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup cocoa powder, sifted
  • 1.5 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup canola oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 5 oz dark chocolate (60% cocoa), chopped
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (35% fat)
  • 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
  • 1.5 cups unsalted butter, softened and divided
  • 5 large egg whites
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (for icing)
  • Turquoise gel-based food coloring
  • Plastic dinosaur figurines and decorations

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease two 8-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sifted cocoa powder, baking soda, and baking powder until well combined.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat the 4 eggs and 2 cups of sugar until the mixture is pale and thickened, then whisk in the canola oil and vanilla extract until glossy.
  4. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the buttermilk into the egg mixture in three parts, stirring gently until the white streaks just disappear.
  5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  6. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  7. Prepare the ganache by simmering the cream and corn syrup, pouring it over the chopped dark chocolate, resting for five minutes, and then whisking in a tablespoon of butter.
  8. For the icing, whisk egg whites and 1 cup sugar over simmering water until hot, then whip in a stand mixer to stiff peaks before gradually adding the remaining softened butter.
  9. Add turquoise gel coloring to the icing, then assemble the cake by layering with ganache and frosting the exterior with the vibrant turquoise buttercream.

Notes

Ensure your cake layers are completely cold before you begin frosting, as even a small amount of residual heat will cause the Swiss Meringue buttercream to melt and slide. For a professional finish, apply a thin crumb coat of icing first and chill the cake for 20 minutes before adding the final thick layer of turquoise frosting. If you want to make the dinosaur figurines extra festive, you can craft tiny party hats using paper muffin liners and small pompoms before placing them on the cake.

  • Prep Time: 45 mins
  • Cook Time: 35 mins
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

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Find it online: https://cakehalf.com/dino-cake/