Watermelon Cake

Embarking on the quest for a visually captivating and delicious dessert? Look no further than the Watermelon Cake! This eye-catching cake, adorned with bright red frosting reminiscent of ripe watermelon, is a conversation starter at any gathering. Its sweet and creamy vanilla undertones mixed with the delightful burst of chocolate morsels creates a tantalizing flavor explosion. The texture is moist and fluffy, juxtaposed with a silky-smooth frosting that envelopes the layers beautifully.

this recipe

What You’ll Need for Watermelon Cake

Complete Ingredients List

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 2 (15.25-oz) boxes white cake mix, plus ingredients called for on the box
• 5 tsp. red gel food coloring, divided
• 1 cup mini dark chocolate chips
• 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
• 3 cups (6 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 10 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup whole milk (plus more as needed)
• 2 tsp. green gel food coloring
• 2 tsp. yellow gel food coloring
• A handful of black mini jelly beans

Ingredient Substitutions & Alternatives

• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute standard white cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix. Be sure to check the ingredient list to ensure it matches your dietary needs.
• Dairy-Free Option: You can use dairy-free butter and a plant-based milk alternative in place of unsalted butter and whole milk.
• Flavor Variations: Experiment with adding coconut extract for a tropical twist or a splash of lemon juice for a zesty kick.

How to Make Watermelon Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare four 8-inch round cake pans by lining them with parchment paper and greasing them with nonstick cooking spray to ensure that your cakes come out effortlessly.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

In a mixing bowl, prepare the cake mixes according to the package instructions. Enhance the batter’s color by adding 4 teaspoons of red gel food coloring, which will give it that luscious watermelon hue. Give the batter a good stir until the gel is thoroughly combined.

Step 3: Chocolate Chip Addition

To add a delightful texture to your cake, toss the mini dark chocolate chips with 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. This will help the chocolate chips stay suspended in the batter while baking. Once coated, gently fold them into the prepared cake batter.

Step 4: Bake the Cakes

Evenly divide the cake batter among the prepared pans. Place them in the oven and bake according to the package instructions or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, typically around 30 minutes. Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto wire racks to cool completely.

Step 5: Prepare the Frosting

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened unsalted butter and about half the powdered sugar together until smooth. Gradually add the remaining powdered sugar, 1/2 cup of whole milk, and a pinch of salt. Mix until the frosting becomes fluffy, adjusting with more milk if necessary to reach your desired consistency.

Step 6: Color the Frosting

Divide the frosting into two medium-sized bowls. Keep one bowl white while adding the remaining 1 teaspoon of red gel food coloring to the other bowl. Stir until the color is uniform, creating a vibrant red frosting to mimic the watermelon flesh.

Step 7: Level and Stack the Cakes

Using a serrated knife, level the tops of each cool cake layer so they are even. To ensure your cake remains stable on the serving plate, place a dab of the red frosting on the center of the cake plate before stacking your first layer. Top it with approximately 3/4 cup of the red frosting. Continue stacking the remaining cake layers, repeating the process with red frosting between each layer.

Step 8: Frost and Chill the Cake

Using a pastry bag fitted with a 1-inch tip, pipe a ring of red frosting around the outer edge of the cake. With a generous portion of frosting, apply a thin crumb coat on the outer surface and top of the cake to lock in the crumbs. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for about an hour or until the frosting firms up.

Step 9: Finish Frosting the Cake

Once the crumb coat has set, spread the remaining white frosting over the cake’s exterior. Fill in the top center of the cake with red frosting, ensuring that it remains within the piped white ring to create a clean aesthetic.

Step 10: Decorate with Jelly Beans

Take a handful of black mini jelly beans and arrange them into the top portion of the red frosting. Press them gently to ensure they stick, resembling the watermelon seeds.

Step 11: Create the Watermelon Rind Effect

In two small bowls, mix 1 tablespoon of green gel food coloring and yellow gel food coloring with a tablespoon of vodka (or a non-alcoholic substitute like vanilla extract). Using separate sponges for each color, dab them onto the sides of the white frosting in vertical lines, creating a beautiful watermelon rind presentation.

Serving Suggestions for Watermelon Cake

How to Serve Watermelon Cake

Watermelon Cake is ideally served chilled, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Before serving, slice the cake with a serrated knife for clean cuts. If possible, refrigerating your cake for a brief period post-assembly will also enhance the cohesiveness of the layers.

Perfect Pairings & Toppings

To elevate your Watermelon Cake experience, consider serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream. A sprig of mint can also add a refreshing touch, offering contrast to the sweetness of the cake.

Storing & Preserving Watermelon Cake

Best Storage Methods

The Watermelon Cake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you prefer, you can wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container for longer storage.

Reheating or Freezing Tips

When it comes to reheating, it’s best to allow the cake to come to room temperature on its own. If you freeze the cake, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight to maintain its texture and moisture.

Tips for Perfect Watermelon Cake Every Time

Avoid These Common Mistakes

To achieve the perfect Watermelon Cake, avoid overmixing the batter, as this can cause the cake to become dense and dry. Make sure to check the baking time carefully, as ovens vary in temperature. Always use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.

Helpful Tricks for Success

Utilize an offset spatula for smoothing your frosting during the crumb coating stage. This will help you achieve an even layer. Additionally, if you’re short on time, you can consider using store-bought frosting or cake mix to expedite the process without sacrificing flavor.

Fun Variations of Watermelon Cake

Flavor Variations or Recipe Twists

Feel free to play around with the flavor profile of the cake! You could add lime zest for a citrus twist, or incorporate fresh chopped strawberries between cake layers, enhancing the watermelon illusion.

Dietary-Friendly Adjustments

To make a vegan version of Watermelon Cake, swap the dairy butter with a plant-based margarine, and replace eggs with a suitable egg substitute, such as mashed bananas or flaxseed mixed with water. Gluten-free cake mix can also help cater to those with gluten sensitivities.

FAQs

What If My Watermelon Cake Doesn’t Turn Out Right?

If your cake turns out too dry, it may be due to overbaking or inaccurate measurements. To remedy this in the future, ensure that you check your cakes a few minutes before the suggested baking time and use a toothpick to test for doneness. If you notice an issue with the frosting being too runny, sift the powdered sugar to prevent clumping and achieve a better consistency.

Can I Prepare This in Advance?

Absolutely! The Watermelon Cake can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator. For best results, complete the assembly and frosting on the day you plan to serve, allowing the cake to remain fresh and visually appealing.

What Ingredients Can I Swap?

If you are unable to find red gel food coloring, you might substitute it with natural alternatives like beet juice, although the color may differ slightly. For the chocolate chips, alternatives such as carob chips or even white chocolate can provide unique flavors while remaining cruelty-free.

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