Name: Elmo Cake Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 55 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2½ cups cake flour; 2 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp Baking Soda; 1 tsp salt; ¾ cup unsalted butter; 1¾ cups granulated sugar; 5 large egg whites; ½ cup sour cream; 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract; 1 cup whole milk; For Elmo’s Eyes and Nose:; 8 oz Chocolate Bars; ½ tsp vegetable oil or coconut oil; For Vanilla Buttercream:; 1½ cups unsalted butter; 6¼ cups confectioners’ sugar; ⅓ cup whole milk or heavy cream; 2 tsp pure vanilla extract; ⅛ tsp salt; red, orange, and black gel food coloring

Dive into the whimsical world of baking with this delightful Elmo cake recipe. Perfect for children's parties or any fun celebration, this vibrant cake captures the joy and charm of everyone's favorite red furry friend from Sesame Street.

Photos of Elmo Cake Recipe

Some of the ingredients in this recipe might not be regularly stocked in your pantry. Cake flour provides a finer texture than all-purpose flour, while sour cream adds moisture and density. Gel food coloring is essential for achieving Elmo's iconic red, orange, and black hues, and you'll need chocolate bars for making his eyes and nose. Make sure to pick these up during your supermarket trip.

Ingredients For Elmo Cake Recipe

Cake flour: A finely milled flour that gives the cake a tender crumb.

Baking powder: A leavening agent that helps the cake rise.

Baking soda: Works with baking powder to give the cake its light and fluffy texture.

Salt: Enhances the flavors in the cake.

Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cake and frosting.

Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps with the creaming process.

Egg whites: Provides structure and stability to the cake.

Sour cream: Adds moisture and a slight tang to the cake.

Pure vanilla extract: Adds a rich vanilla flavor to both the cake and frosting.

Whole milk: Adds moisture and richness to the batter and frosting.

Chocolate bars: Used to create Elmo's eyes and nose.

Vegetable oil or coconut oil: Helps melt the chocolate smoothly.

Confectioners’ sugar: Sweetens and thickens the buttercream frosting.

Heavy cream: Adds richness and creaminess to the frosting.

Red gel food coloring: Used to color Elmo's fur.

Orange gel food coloring: Used to color Elmo's nose.

Black gel food coloring: Used to color Elmo's mouth and pupils.

One reader, Bonita Heaton says:

This Elmo cake recipe is fantastic! The instructions are clear, and the cake turns out moist and delicious. Decorating was so much fun, and the end result was adorable. Perfect for any Elmo fan's birthday!

Bonita Heaton

Techniques Required for Making Elmo Cake

How to grease and line cake pans: Grease the cake pans with butter or non-stick spray, then line them with parchment paper. Grease the parchment paper as well to ensure the cakes release seamlessly. How to cream butter and sugar: Use a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment to beat the butter and sugar together on high speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. How to test cake doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is done. How to make a crumb coat: Spread a thin layer of frosting around the sides and top of the cake to trap crumbs. Chill the cake to set the crumb coat before applying the final layer of frosting. How to melt chocolate: Melt chocolate and oil together in a double boiler or microwave in 20-second increments, stirring after each increment until smooth. How to pipe frosting: Fit a piping bag with the appropriate tip, fill with frosting, and apply pressure to squeeze the frosting out while lifting the tip to create texture. How to coat shapes in chocolate: Dip the shapes into melted chocolate using a fork to fully coat them, then lift and place them on a lined baking sheet to set.

How To Make Elmo Cake

Bring out the kid in you with this cute, beginner-friendly Elmo cake recipe made with moist vanilla cake, white chocolate, and vanilla buttercream.

Preparation: 1 hour 30 minutes

Cooking: 25 minutes

Total: 1 hour 55 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

2½cupscake flour,sifted, spoon and leveled
2tspbaking powder
½tspbaking soda
1tspsalt
¾cupunsalted butter,(1.5 sticks), softened to room temperature
1¾cupsgranulated sugar
5large egg whites,at room temperature
½cupsour cream,at room temperature
1tbsppure vanilla extract
1cupwhole milk,at room temperature

For Elmo’s Eyes and Nose:

8ozchocolate bars,each finely chopped
½tspvegetable oil or coconut oil

For Vanilla Buttercream:

1½cupsunsalted butter,(3 sticks), softened to room temperature
6¼cupsconfectioners’ sugar
⅓cupwhole milk or heavy cream
2tsppure vanilla extract
⅛tspsalt
red, orange, and black gel food coloring

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease two 9-inch cake pans, line with parchment paper, then grease the parchment paper. Parchment paper helps the cakes seamlessly release from the pans.
Whisk the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together. Set aside.
Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat the butter and sugar together on high speed for about 2 minutes until creamed. Scrape down the sides and up the bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed. Add the egg whites, sour cream, and vanilla. Beat on high speed for about 2 minutes until combined. Scrape down the sides and up the bottom of the bowl as needed.
Pour the dry ingredients into the bowl. Then with the mixer running on low, slowly pour in the milk and beat on low speed just until combined; do not over-mix. The batter will be slightly thick.
Pour batter evenly into cake pans. Bake for about 24 to 25 minutes or until the cakes are baked through. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, it is done. Allow cakes to cool completely in the pans set on a wire rack. The cakes must be completely cool before frosting and assembling.

Frosting:

In a large bowl using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a whisk or paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium speed for about 2 minutes until creamy. Add confectioners’ sugar, milk/cream, vanilla extract, and salt with the mixer running on low. Increase to high speed and beat for about 3 minutes. Taste. Add a pinch of salt if frosting is way too sweet. Frosting will be thick.
Place 1 cup + 2 tablespoons (about 1 heaping cup) of frosting into a medium bowl. This will remain white and be used for the cake’s filling and to form Elmo’s eyes and nose.
Place ⅓ cup of frosting into a small bowl. Stir in 3 drops of black gel food coloring until it’s dark gray. (Keep in mind that frosting dries darker.) Tint the remaining frosting red using about 4 to 5 big drops of red gel food coloring. Tint until you are satisfied with the color. Remember, frosting dries darker.

To Level the Cakes and Add the Crumb Coat:

Using a large serrated knife, slice the domes off the cooled cakes (a semi-thin layer) to create a flat surface. Place tops into a bowl to use in Elmo’s eyes and nose. Place 1 cake layer on your cake stand, serving plate, or cake turntable. Spread 1 cup of white frosting all over the top. (Reserve remaining white frosting for Elmo’s eyes and nose.)
Top with 2nd layer. Spread a thin layer of red frosting around the sides and top of the cake. This is the crumb coat and should be a pretty thin layer. An icing spatula and bench scraper are helpful for this. Chill uncovered in the refrigerator or freezer for at least 30 minutes to help set the crumb coat.

Elmo’s eyes and nose:

Crumble the pieces of cake that were leveled off into crumbs using your hands. Stir in 1 tablespoon of white frosting. If the mixture still seems pretty crumby and cry, add a little more of the white frosting until you have a moist mixture that you can form into shapes; mixture shouldn’t be overly wet.
Form into 3 shapes: two 2-inch discs for Elmo’s eyes and one 3-inch oval/egg shape for Elmo’s nose. Smooth them out as best you can. Place on a lined baking sheet and chill in the refrigerator or freezer for at least 30 minutes to set. (Once they’re set, you can smooth out any bumps in the surface with your hands if needed.)

Elmo’s fur:

First, spread a thin layer of black frosting on the bottom half of the top of the cake. Use a small offset spatula to help ensure it’s perfectly smooth. Reserve remaining black frosting.
Using a toothpick, trace/outline Elmo’s mouth shape within the black frosting. Use it as a guide for piping his fur around it. Fit piping bag with Wilton piping tip #233 (grass tip). Spoon some red frosting inside; it’s difficult to pipe this frosting if the bag is over-filled, so just work with a little bit of frosting in the bag at a time.
Place the tip directly on top of the cake’s surface and apply pressure to squeeze the frosting out of the tip. Quickly lift the tip up while squeezing the frosting out. Pipe his fur all over the top and sides of the cake. (The sides are optional, but if there is enough frosting, go for it!) It’s helpful to carefully tilt the cake stand/turntable in piping frosting on the sides. Set cake aside; refrigerate if desired.

Chocolate:

Melt the chocolate and oil together in a double boiler or the microwave. If using the microwave: place the chopped chocolate and oil in a medium heat-proof bowl. Melt in 20-second increments in the microwave, stirring after each increment until completely melted and smooth.
Place one of the discs (eyes) into the white chocolate. Use a fork to fully coat it. Using a fork, lift the disc (eye) out of the chocolate. Place back onto lined baking sheet. Repeat with 2nd disc (eye).
Stir 1 drop of orange gel food coloring into the remaining melted chocolate. Coat Elmo’s nose just how you coated the eyes. Refrigerate or freeze for about 30 minutes until white chocolate has set.
After the white chocolate sets, fit a piping bag with Wilton tip #12 (round tip) then spoon some black frosting inside. Pipe Elmo’s pupils onto the eyes. Carefully press the eyes and nose onto Elmo’s face.
If decorating the cake on a cake turntable, use a couple thin spatulas (and a helper!) to carefully lift the cake off the turntable and onto a cake stand, server, or cake carrier base.
Serve cake. Cover leftover cake tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 904.64kcal
Fat: 43.43g
Saturated Fat: 26.88g
Trans Fat: 1.40g
Monounsaturated Fat: 11.70g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.75g
Carbohydrates: 127.98g
Fiber: 1.60g
Sugar: 102.62g
Protein: 6.05g
Cholesterol: 99.20mg
Sodium: 378.99mg
Calcium: 120.10mg
Potassium: 185.44mg
Iron: 2.87mg
Vitamin A: 320.47µg
Vitamin C: 0.09mg

Technique Tip for Making Elmo Cake

When making the buttercream, ensure that the butter is at room temperature before you start beating it. This will help achieve a smoother and creamier texture, making it easier to incorporate the confectioners’ sugar and other ingredients. If the butter is too cold, it won't mix well and could result in a lumpy frosting.

Time-Saving Tips for Making This Recipe

Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and set out all ingredients before starting. This will streamline the baking process.

Use pre-made decorations: Purchase pre-made eyes and nose for Elmo to save time on shaping and coating.

Utilize a cake mix: Substitute the cake flour and other dry ingredients with a high-quality cake mix to reduce preparation time.

Chill the cake layers: Freeze the cake layers for 15 minutes before frosting to make them easier to handle and decorate.

Simplify frosting: Use a single color for the entire cake instead of multiple colors to speed up the decorating process.

Substitute Ingredients For Elmo Cake Recipe

cake flour - Substitute with all-purpose flour: Use 2¼ cups of all-purpose flour plus ¼ cup of cornstarch to mimic the lighter texture of cake flour.
baking powder - Substitute with baking soda and cream of tartar: Use 1 tsp baking soda plus 2 tsp cream of tartar to achieve the same leavening effect.
baking soda - Substitute with baking powder: Use 4 tsp baking powder to replace ½ tsp baking soda, but reduce the salt in the recipe.
unsalted butter - Substitute with salted butter: Reduce the added salt in the recipe by ¼ tsp for every ½ cup of salted butter used.
granulated sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Use a 1:1 ratio to add a slight caramel flavor and lower glycemic index.
egg whites - Substitute with aquafaba: Use 3 tbsp of aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) per egg white for a vegan alternative.
sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Use an equal amount of Greek yogurt to maintain the moisture and tanginess.
pure vanilla extract - Substitute with vanilla bean paste: Use an equal amount to get a more intense vanilla flavor.
whole milk - Substitute with almond milk: Use an equal amount for a dairy-free option, though the texture may be slightly different.
chocolate bars - Substitute with chocolate chips: Use an equal amount, but be aware that chocolate chips may contain stabilizers that affect melting.
vegetable oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Use an equal amount for a similar texture and a hint of coconut flavor.
unsalted butter - Substitute with margarine: Use an equal amount, but note that margarine may alter the flavor slightly.
confectioners’ sugar - Substitute with homemade powdered sugar: Blend granulated sugar and cornstarch (1 cup sugar + 1 tbsp cornstarch) until fine.
whole milk - Substitute with heavy cream: Use an equal amount for a richer texture.
pure vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Use half the amount to avoid overpowering the flavor.
salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Use 1¼ tsp of kosher salt for every 1 tsp of table salt.
gel food coloring - Substitute with natural food coloring: Use natural alternatives like beet juice for red, turmeric for orange, and activated charcoal for black.

Presentation Ideas for Elmo Cake

Create a pristine base: Start by leveling the cake layers perfectly. This ensures a stable foundation for your Elmo cake and gives a professional look.
Apply a smooth crumb coat: Spread a thin layer of red frosting around the sides and top of the cake. This crumb coat will lock in any loose crumbs and provide a clean canvas for the final layer of frosting.
Chill for precision: Place the cake in the refrigerator or freezer for at least 30 minutes to set the crumb coat. This step is crucial for achieving sharp edges and a smooth finish.
Craft Elmo’s features: Shape Elmo’s eyes and nose using the leveled-off cake crumbs mixed with a bit of white frosting. Form two 2-inch discs for the eyes and a 3-inch oval for the nose. Chill these shapes to set.
Master the fur texture: Fit a piping bag with a Wilton #233 grass tip and fill it with red frosting. Pipe Elmo’s fur by placing the tip directly on the cake’s surface and applying pressure while quickly lifting the tip. Cover the entire cake with this textured frosting.
Perfect the mouth: Spread a thin layer of black frosting on the bottom half of the top of the cake. Use a toothpick to trace Elmo’s mouth shape within the black frosting, ensuring it is smooth and precise.
Coat the features in chocolate: Melt chocolate with a bit of vegetable oil or coconut oil. Dip the eyes and nose shapes into the melted chocolate, ensuring they are fully coated. Chill until set.
Add the final details: Use a piping bag fitted with a Wilton #12 round tip filled with black frosting to pipe Elmo’s pupils onto the eyes. Carefully press the eyes and nose onto Elmo’s face.
Transfer with care: If decorating on a cake turntable, use thin spatulas and a helper to carefully lift the cake onto a cake stand or serving plate. This ensures the cake remains intact and beautifully presented.
Serve with elegance: Present the Elmo cake on a pristine cake stand, ensuring it is the centerpiece of the table. Cover any leftover cake tightly and store in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness.

Essential Tools for Making an Elmo Cake

Oven: Used to bake the cake layers at the specified temperature.
Cake pans: Two 9-inch pans to bake the cake layers evenly.
Parchment paper: Lining the cake pans to ensure the cakes release seamlessly.
Whisk: Used to mix the dry ingredients together.
Handheld or stand mixer: Essential for creaming the butter and sugar, and for mixing the batter and frosting.
Whisk attachment: Attached to the mixer for beating the butter and sugar, and for making the frosting.
Rubber spatula: Useful for scraping down the sides and bottom of the mixing bowl.
Measuring cups: To measure out the ingredients accurately.
Measuring spoons: For precise measurement of smaller quantities like baking powder and vanilla extract.
Wire rack: To cool the cakes completely before frosting.
Large bowl: For mixing the frosting ingredients together.
Icing spatula: Helps in spreading the frosting evenly on the cake.
Bench scraper: Useful for smoothing the crumb coat on the cake.
Serrated knife: To level the cake layers by slicing off the domes.
Cake stand: Provides a stable surface for assembling and decorating the cake.
Serving plate: An alternative to a cake stand for presenting the cake.
Cake turntable: Makes it easier to frost and decorate the cake by rotating it smoothly.
Small offset spatula: Helps in spreading the black frosting for Elmo’s mouth.
Toothpick: Used to trace Elmo’s mouth shape on the frosting.
Piping bags: For piping Elmo’s fur and other details on the cake.
Wilton piping tip #233: Grass tip used to create Elmo’s fur texture.
Wilton piping tip #12: Round tip used for piping Elmo’s pupils.
Double boiler: For melting chocolate and oil together smoothly.
Heat-proof bowl: Used in the microwave for melting chocolate.
Fork: Helps in coating Elmo’s eyes and nose with melted chocolate.
Baking sheet: To place Elmo’s eyes and nose for chilling.
Spatulas: Thin spatulas to help transfer the decorated cake from the turntable to a serving plate or cake carrier.

Storing and Freezing Elmo Cake

Here are the detailed storing and freezing guidelines for the Elmo cake recipe:

Cover leftover cake tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cake will taste best within the first 2-3 days.
To freeze the cake, follow these steps:
1. Let the cake cool completely.
2. If your cake is already decorated, place it in the freezer for 1-2 hours until the frosting is firm. If it's not yet decorated, skip this step.
3. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, making sure no part of the cake is exposed to air. For added protection, wrap the cake again in aluminum foil or place it in a freezer bag.
4. Label the wrapped cake with the date and store it in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
5. To thaw, transfer the frozen cake to the refrigerator one day before you plan to serve it. Let it thaw overnight.
6. If you haven't decorated your cake before freezing, frost it once it's completely thawed.
If you're making the cake ahead of time but don't want to freeze it, you can bake the cake layers, let them cool, and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Store at room temperature for up to one day.
You can prepare the buttercream frosting ahead of time too. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, or in the freezer for up to one month. Before using, bring it to room temperature and re-whip it to restore its fluffy texture.

Random Fact About Elmo Cake

markdown A fun fact about this Elmo cake recipe is that it uses gel food coloring to achieve the vibrant red color for Elmo's fur. Gel food coloring is preferred over liquid food coloring because it provides more intense colors without altering the consistency of the frosting.

Is Making Elmo Cake at Home Cost-Effective?

Creating an Elmo cake can be a delightful yet somewhat costly endeavor. The cake flour, butter, sugar, and eggs are standard pantry items, but the gel food coloring and chocolate bars might add to the expense. The vanilla extract and sour cream also contribute to the cost. For a household of 4, the approximate cost is around $25-$30. Given the specialized ingredients and the time investment, the overall verdict for cost-effectiveness is a 6 out of 10.

Is This Cake Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?

This Elmo cake recipe, while undeniably adorable and sure to delight any Sesame Street fan, is not particularly healthy. The cake itself is made with refined flour, sugar, and butter, which are high in calories and low in nutrients. The frosting is also loaded with sugar and butter, further increasing the calorie and fat content of the cake.

However, there are a few redeeming qualities:

The recipe uses whole milk and sour cream, which provide some calcium and protein
Egg whites are used instead of whole eggs, reducing the cholesterol content
The chocolate used for the decorations is likely to be dark chocolate, which contains antioxidants

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Replace some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or almond flour for added fiber and nutrients
Reduce the amount of sugar in the cake and frosting, or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup
Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a protein boost and less fat
Opt for a lighter frosting, such as a whipped cream cheese frosting or a yogurt-based frosting
Decorate with fresh fruit instead of chocolate for added vitamins and fiber
Serve smaller portions and pair with a side of fresh berries or a glass of milk to balance out the treat

Editor's Opinion on This Elmo Cake Recipe

This Elmo cake recipe is a delightful blend of creativity and classic baking techniques. The cake itself promises a moist and tender crumb with the combination of sour cream and egg whites. The detailed instructions for the buttercream and decorating ensure a professional finish, perfect for a themed celebration. The use of gel food coloring and specific piping tips adds a vibrant and textured appearance, making Elmo come to life. While the process is somewhat intricate, the end result is a visually stunning and delicious cake that will surely impress both kids and adults alike.

Enhance Your Elmo Cake Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Fruit Salad with Mint and Honey: Imagine a refreshing fruit salad bursting with the vibrant colors of berries, melon, and citrus, all drizzled with a touch of honey and sprinkled with fresh mint. This light and zesty side-dish will perfectly complement the sweetness of the Elmo cake, adding a refreshing contrast to the rich buttercream frosting.

Mini Caprese Skewers: Create a delightful balance with mini caprese skewers. Skewer cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves, then drizzle with a balsamic glaze. These bite-sized treats offer a savory counterpoint to the dessert, making each bite of the Elmo cake even more enjoyable.

Spiced Nuts and Seeds Mix: For a crunchy and flavorful side, prepare a spiced mix of nuts and seeds. Toasted almonds, walnuts, and pumpkin seeds coated in a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of cayenne pepper will add a delightful textural contrast and a hint of warmth to the dessert experience.

Herb-Infused Lemonade: Quench your thirst with a refreshing herb-infused lemonade. Fresh lemons, rosemary, and a touch of lavender create a fragrant and invigorating drink that pairs wonderfully with the sweet and creamy Elmo cake. This beverage will cleanse your palate and enhance the overall enjoyment of the dessert.

Roasted Vegetable Platter: Balance the sweetness of the Elmo cake with a savory roasted vegetable platter. A medley of carrots, zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus roasted to perfection with a sprinkle of sea salt and olive oil will provide a satisfying and nutritious side that complements the dessert beautifully.

Alternative Recipes Similar to Elmo Cake

Cookie Monster Cupcakes: Dive into the whimsical world of desserts with these adorable Cookie Monster Cupcakes! Featuring fluffy blue frosting, chocolate chip cookies, and googly eyes, these cupcakes are a hit at any party. Perfect for kids and adults alike, they bring a playful touch to your baking adventures.

Big Bird Lemon Cake: Brighten up your day with a zesty Big Bird Lemon Cake! This dessert boasts a tangy lemon flavor, complemented by a smooth lemon buttercream. Decorate with yellow frosting and candy eyes to bring Big Bird to life. It's a delightful treat that adds sunshine to any occasion.

Oscar the Grouch Pistachio Cake: Embrace the green with an Oscar the Grouch Pistachio Cake! This unique dessert features a moist pistachio-flavored cake, layered with creamy pistachio frosting. Decorate with green frosting and a grumpy face to capture Oscar's charm. It's a fun and nutty twist on traditional cakes.

Bert and Ernie Marble Cake: Celebrate friendship with a Bert and Ernie Marble Cake! This dessert combines rich chocolate and vanilla swirls, creating a beautiful marble effect. Frost with colorful buttercream to represent Bert and Ernie's iconic outfits. It's a delightful and visually appealing cake for any gathering.

Suggested Appetizers and Main Courses to Serve with Elmo Cake

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Stuffed Mushrooms are a delightful way to start any meal. Imagine plump mushrooms filled with a savory mixture of breadcrumbs, garlic, and herbs. The filling is enhanced with a touch of parmesan cheese and a hint of lemon zest. Baked until golden and crispy on top, these bite-sized treats offer a burst of flavor in every mouthful. Perfect for entertaining, they can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving, ensuring they are warm and delicious for your guests.**

Caprese Skewers: Caprese Skewers bring a touch of elegance to any gathering. Picture cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and fragrant basil leaves threaded onto skewers. Drizzled with a balsamic reduction and a sprinkle of sea salt, these skewers are a refreshing and visually appealing appetizer. The combination of juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil creates a harmonious blend of flavors that is both simple and sophisticated. These skewers are easy to assemble and make a stunning addition to any appetizer spread.**

Main Courses:

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken: Elevate your dinner with Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken. This dish features succulent chicken breasts marinated in a zesty blend of lemon juice, garlic, and fresh herbs. The chicken is then grilled to perfection, offering a smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the citrusy marinade. Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal that’s both healthy and delicious.

Stuffed Bell Peppers: Delight your taste buds with Stuffed Bell Peppers. These vibrant peppers are filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, and tomatoes, all seasoned with spices and herbs. Baked until tender, the peppers offer a satisfying crunch that complements the hearty filling. Top with melted cheese and serve alongside a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a comforting and flavorful meal.

Why trust this Elmo Cake Recipe:

This Elmo cake recipe is meticulously crafted to ensure a delightful baking experience. With clear instructions and precise measurements, it guarantees a moist and flavorful cake. The use of sour cream adds richness, while egg whites ensure a light texture. The vanilla buttercream frosting is perfectly sweetened and easy to work with, making decorating a breeze. Trust this recipe for a fun and delicious Elmo-themed cake that will impress both kids and adults alike.

Want to share your experience baking this adorable Elmo Cake or have any tips to perfect the recipe? Join the discussion in the Baking and Desserts forum!

FAQ:

Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?

I wouldn't recommend it because cake flour has a lower protein content, which makes the cake lighter and fluffier. If you must use all-purpose flour, try substituting 1 cup of cake flour with 1 cup minus 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour plus 2 tablespoons of cornstarch.

How do I store the leftover cake?

Just cover the leftover cake tightly and store it in the refrigerator. It should stay good for up to 5 days.

Can I make the cake layers ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers in advance and freeze them. Just wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before decorating.

What if I don't have gel food coloring?

Gel food coloring is best because it gives a more vibrant color without altering the consistency of the frosting. If you only have liquid food coloring, you might need to use more to achieve the same intensity, but be cautious as it can make the frosting runny.

How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pans?

Grease the cake pans, line them with parchment paper, and then grease the parchment paper as well. This triple-layer of protection ensures the cakes will release seamlessly from the pans.