Embark on an exciting new culinary adventure with this delectable hamburger cake recipe. This creative dessert not only looks like a big, juicy hamburger, but it also tastes incredibly delicious. It's made from two different types of cake mixes, along with a variety of colorful candies and frostings to mimic the look of a real hamburger. This cake is sure to surprise and delight guests at your next gathering.
Most of the ingredients required for this recipe can be found in your regular supermarket. However, you may need to look a bit harder for the yellow paste food coloring, brown paste food coloring, and spearmint gumdrops. These are usually found in the baking or candy aisle. You might also find orange chewy candies and candy lime slices in the candy section. If you can't find these exact candies, feel free to substitute with similar ones.
Essential Ingredients for Hamburger Cake Recipe
white cake mix: Used as the base of the hamburger bun in the cake. Easy to bake and has a sweet, neutral flavor.
chocolate cake mix: This will serve as our burger patty. It gives the cake a rich, decadent flavor.
yellow paste food coloring: Used to give parts of the cake a bright, yellow color resembling cheese or mustard.
brown paste food coloring: Used to give the hamburger bun a golden-brown color.
chocolate frosting: Spread on the chocolate cake to mimic the juiciness of a real hamburger patty.
orange chewy candies: These are melted and spread on the cake to mimic cheese.
spearmint gumdrops: Used to imitate lettuce.
red gumdrops: These will look like slices of tomato.
white gumdrops: Used to create the illusion of onion rings.
candy lime slices: These candies imitate pickles.
sesame seeds: Sprinkled on top of the bun for a realistic touch.
One reader, Isiahi Flagg says:
I recently tried the hamburger cake recipe and it was a hit at my party! The cake looked just like a real hamburger and tasted delicious. The combination of chocolate and vanilla cake layers with colorful gumdrop toppings was a fun and unique twist. It was a big hit with both kids and adults!
Techniques Required for Making a Hamburger Cake
How to bake the cakes: Preheat the oven according to the cake mix directions. Butter and flour one 8-inch round, one 9-inch round cake pan, and one 2-quart ovenproof bowl that is 8 inches in diameter. Pour the cake mixes into the prepared pans and bake according to the package instructions until a toothpick inserted into the centers comes out clean. Cool the cakes in the pans on racks for 10 minutes, then remove from the pans and cool completely on the racks.
How to tint frosting: In separate small bowls, tint small amounts of vanilla frosting red and yellow to use as ketchup and mustard. Tint the remaining vanilla frosting light brown using brown and yellow food coloring.
How to assemble the cake: For the bun bottom, frost the 8-inch cake with light brown frosting. For the hamburger patty, spread the top and sides of the 9-inch chocolate cake with chocolate frosting. Press the sides of the cake with a folded paper towel to create a rough edge. Place the cake on top of the bun bottom. Arrange the orange fruit chews to form the cheese, then create lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and pickles using gumdrops and fruit-slice candies. Pipe red and yellow icing around the edges of the burger for ketchup and mustard. Finally, assemble the bun top by trimming the bowl cake and spreading the remaining light brown frosting in lines down the sides of the cake, sprinkling with sesame seeds, then carefully placing the bun on top of the cake.
How To Make Hamburger Cake
Upgrade your usual desserts with this unique hamburger cake! It’s a sweet cake shaped like a hamburger with classic chocolate and white cake flavors.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 18.25ozwhite cake mix,(1 package)
- 18.25ozchocolate cake mix,(1 package)
- yellow paste food coloring
- brown paste food coloring
- ¾cupchocolate frosting,prepared
- 24orange chewy,fruit-flavored candy squares
- 12spearmint gumdrops,leaf-shaped
- 3large red gumdrops
- 4large white gumdrops
- 6candy lime slices
- 1tbspsesame seeds
Instructions
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Preheat the oven according to cake mix directions. Butter and flour one 8-inch round, one 9-inch round cake pan, and one 2-quarts ovenproof bowl that is 8-inches in diameter.
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Pour 1¾ cups of the white mix into the 8-inch round cake pan, and the rest into the 2-quart bowl. Pour 1¾ cups of the chocolate mix into the 9-inch round pan.
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Bake the 8-inch cake for 25 minutes, the 9-inch cake for 20 minutes, and the bowl cake for 1 hour or until the toothpick inserted into centers comes out clean.
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Cool in pans on racks for 10 minutes. Remove from pans, then cool completely on racks.
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In separate small bowls, tint small amounts of vanilla frosting red and yellow to use as ketchup and mustard. Tint the remaining vanilla frosting light brown, using brown and yellow food coloring.
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For the bun bottom, frost the 8-inch cake with light brown frosting. For hamburger patty, spread top and sides of 9-inch chocolate cake with chocolate frosting.
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Lightly press all around the sides of the cake with a folded paper towel, pulling the towel straight out to create the rough edge of the burger. Center the cake on top of bun bottom.
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For cheese, arrange the orange fruit chews in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high for 10 to 15 seconds or until slightly softened.
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With hands, press and flatten the chews together to form a 9-inch square. Place on top of a hamburger patty.
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On work surface sprinkled with granulated sugar, roll out 5 leaf-shaped gumdrops to ⅛-inch thickness to form 1 large lettuce leaf. Repeat rolling with 6 more gumdrops to form another leaf.
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Arrange the leaves over the cheese near the edges of the burger.
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For tomatoes, roll out red gumdrops individually to ⅛-inch thickness. Arrange over the lettuce around burger edges.
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For onion rings, roll out white gumdrops to ⅛-inch thickness. With round cookie cutters or a sharp knife, cut out circles.
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Cut ¼-inch thick rings from the circles with small cutters. Re-roll the scraps to make additional rings. Arrange the rings over tomatoes.
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Arrange the fruit-slice candies over onions for pickles. Pipe red and yellow icing around the edges of the burger for ketchup and mustard.
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For the bun top, trim the bowl cake so that it will be flat on the bottom when inverted. Invert a firm paper plate onto a work surface.
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Center the bowl cake, trimmed side down, on top of the plate. Starting from the top, spread the remaining light brown frosting in lines down the sides of the cake, turning the plate after each section.
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Sprinkle with sesame seeds, then carefully the bun place on top of the cake.
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Serve, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 578.14kcal
- Fat: 15.73g
- Saturated Fat: 3.34g
- Trans Fat: 0.19g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 6.75g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.63g
- Carbohydrates: 109.40g
- Fiber: 8.09g
- Sugar: 76.40g
- Protein: 7.33g
- Sodium: 679.69mg
- Calcium: 262.66mg
- Potassium: 714.89mg
- Iron: 3.24mg
- Vitamin A: 29.63µg
- Vitamin C: 140.55mg
Technique Tip for Achieving the Perfect Hamburger Cake
When working with gumdrops and other chewy candies for decoration, it's helpful to dust your hands and the rolling pin with a bit of granulated sugar. This prevents the candies from sticking and makes them easier to manipulate. Also, when microwaving the orange fruit chews for the cheese, monitor them closely to avoid overheating. They should be just soft enough to mold, not melted.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Recipe
Prepare the ingredients: Gather and measure all the ingredients before starting to save time and ensure you have everything you need.
Use pre-made frosting: Save time by using store-bought frosting instead of making it from scratch.
Bake in advance: Bake the cake layers a day ahead and store them in an airtight container to save time on the day of assembly.
Organize your workspace: Keep your kitchen organized and clean as you work to avoid wasting time searching for tools and ingredients.
Use a cake mix: Utilize a pre-made cake mix to save time on measuring and mixing the dry ingredients.
Substitute Ingredients For Hamburger Cake Recipe
white cake mix - Substitute with vanilla cake mix: Vanilla cake mix can be used as a substitute for white cake mix as it has a similar flavor and texture.
chocolate cake mix - Substitute with cocoa powder and flour: A mixture of cocoa powder and flour can be used as a substitute for chocolate cake mix to achieve a rich chocolate flavor.
yellow paste food coloring - Substitute with turmeric powder: Turmeric powder can be used as a natural substitute for yellow food coloring to add a vibrant yellow hue to the cake batter.
brown paste food coloring - Substitute with cocoa powder: Cocoa powder can be used to add a deep brown color to the cake batter as a substitute for brown food coloring.
chocolate frosting - Substitute with chocolate ganache: Chocolate ganache can be used as a substitute for chocolate frosting to provide a rich and glossy chocolate topping for the cake.
orange chewy - Substitute with orange fruit leather: Orange fruit leather can be used as a substitute for orange chewy candy to provide a similar citrus flavor and chewy texture.
spearmint gumdrops - Substitute with peppermint candies: Peppermint candies can be used as a substitute for spearmint gumdrops to add a refreshing mint flavor to the cake.
red gumdrops - Substitute with strawberry fruit chews: Strawberry fruit chews can be used as a substitute for red gumdrops to provide a fruity and chewy element to the cake.
white gumdrops - Substitute with marshmallows: Marshmallows can be used as a substitute for white gumdrops to add a soft and chewy texture to the cake.
candy lime slices - Substitute with candied lemon slices: Candied lemon slices can be used as a substitute for candy lime slices to provide a tangy and citrusy flavor to the cake.
sesame seeds - Substitute with poppy seeds: Poppy seeds can be used as a substitute for sesame seeds to add a nutty and crunchy texture to the cake.
Best Way to Present a Hamburger Cake
Elevate the burger cake: Present the burger cake on a sleek, modern plate to showcase its whimsical yet sophisticated nature. The plate should have clean lines and a neutral color to allow the vibrant colors of the cake to pop.
Garnish with precision: Use a fine sieve to dust the plate with a light sprinkle of cocoa powder to create a subtle backdrop for the cake. This will add a touch of elegance and tie the presentation together.
Incorporate artistic drizzling: Drizzle a small amount of chocolate sauce in a delicate, artistic pattern around the edge of the plate. This will add a touch of finesse and draw attention to the cake as the focal point.
Utilize microgreens for a fresh touch: Place a small cluster of microgreens, such as micro basil or micro arugula, on one side of the plate to add a fresh, vibrant element that complements the sweetness of the cake.
Emphasize symmetry and balance: Carefully position the cake in the center of the plate, ensuring that the layers are evenly aligned and the toppings are evenly distributed for a visually appealing presentation.
Add a touch of gold leaf: For a luxurious touch, delicately place a small piece of edible gold leaf on top of the burger cake to elevate its visual appeal and add a hint of opulence.
Incorporate a minimalist approach: Embrace a minimalist plating style, allowing the unique design of the cake to take center stage without overwhelming the presentation with excessive elements.
Consider the use of a glass cloche: For a dramatic reveal, consider presenting the burger cake under a glass cloche, allowing the guests to admire the intricate details before indulging in this playful dessert.
How To Store and Freeze Your Hamburger Cake
- The hamburger cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days. Cover it loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
- If you want to keep the cake fresh for a longer period, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Place the cake in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from absorbing any odors from the fridge.
- To freeze the hamburger cake, first make sure it has cooled completely. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, making sure to remove any air pockets. Then, wrap it in a layer of aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. Label the container with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.
- When you're ready to serve the frozen cake, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, remove the plastic wrap and let the cake come to room temperature before serving.
- If you want to freeze individual slices of the hamburger cake, wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. This way, you can easily grab a slice whenever you have a craving for this fun and creative dessert.
How To Reheat Leftover Hamburger Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover hamburger cake on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover the cake loosely with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cake is heated through. The foil will help keep the cake moist and prevent the frosting from melting too much.
If you have a microwave-safe plate, you can reheat individual slices of the hamburger cake in the microwave. Place a slice on the plate and microwave it on high for 15-20 seconds. Check the temperature and microwave for an additional 5-10 seconds if needed. Be careful not to overheat the cake, as it can cause the frosting to melt and the cake to become rubbery.
For a quicker and more convenient option, you can reheat the hamburger cake in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place a slice of the cake in the air fryer basket and heat for 2-3 minutes, or until warmed through. This method will help maintain the cake's texture and keep the frosting intact.
If you want to reheat the entire hamburger cake, you can use a steamer. Fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil. Place the cake on a heatproof plate and set it in the steamer basket. Cover the steamer and let the cake heat for 5-7 minutes, or until it's warmed through. This gentle reheating method will help preserve the cake's moisture and prevent the frosting from melting.
For a crispy exterior and a warm, gooey interior, try reheating a slice of the hamburger cake in a skillet. Melt a small amount of butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the cake slice in the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until it's heated through and slightly crispy on the outside. This method works best for individual slices and adds a delightful texture contrast to the cake.
Random Fact About Hamburger Cakes
The hamburger cake recipe is a fun and creative way to celebrate special occasions. It's a great way to surprise and delight your guests with a unique dessert that looks like a savory hamburger but is actually a sweet cake. This recipe allows for a lot of creativity and customization, making it a fun project for both kids and adults. It's a great conversation starter and a memorable addition to any party or gathering.
Is Making a Hamburger Cake Economical for Home Cooking?
The cost-effectiveness of this hamburger cake recipe largely depends on the availability and cost of ingredients in your area. While the recipe may require some specific items, the novelty and creativity of the dish could make it a worthwhile investment for special occasions. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people may vary, but considering the use of cake mixes, food coloring, and various candies, it could range between $20-$30. As for the overall verdict, the uniqueness and visual appeal of this hamburger cake could make it a fun and memorable addition to your culinary repertoire, earning a solid 8 out of 10.
Is This Cake Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
This hamburger cake recipe is undoubtedly a fun and creative dessert idea, but from a nutritional standpoint, it falls short of being a healthy choice. The main ingredients, such as white and chocolate cake mixes, are high in refined sugar and processed flour, which offer little nutritional value. The frosting, candy toppings, and gumdrops are also loaded with sugar and artificial colors, further contributing to the overall unhealthiness of the recipe.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace the white and chocolate cake mixes with homemade cake recipes using whole wheat flour, natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, and healthier fats such as coconut oil or Greek yogurt
- Opt for a lighter frosting made with reduced-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt, and sweeten it with natural ingredients like pureed fruits or a small amount of honey
- Instead of using candy toppings, get creative with fresh fruits and vegetables to represent the burger elements – thinly sliced kiwi for the lettuce, sliced strawberries for the tomatoes, and thinly sliced pineapple rings for the onions
- For the cheese, consider using thinly sliced mango or a small amount of natural yellow food coloring in the frosting to achieve the desired color
Editor's Thoughts on This Unique Cake Recipe
This hamburger cake recipe is a fun and creative twist on traditional baking. The use of different cake pans and creative decorations make it a visually appealing and playful dessert. The step-by-step instructions are clear and easy to follow, making it accessible for home bakers of all skill levels. The combination of cake mixes, frosting, and gumdrops offers a unique flavor and texture experience. Overall, this recipe is a delightful and whimsical way to bring a touch of humor and surprise to any celebration or gathering.
Enhance Your Hamburger Cake Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Other Alternative Cake Recipes to Try
Suggested Appetizers and Main Courses to Complement Your Hamburger Cake Recipe
Why trust this Hamburger Cake Recipe:
This recipe is a delightful twist on a classic dish, combining the best of both worlds with its unique presentation and delicious flavors. The use of white cake mix and chocolate cake mix ensures a moist and flavorful base, while the creative use of gumdrops, fruit slices, and sesame seeds adds a playful touch. The attention to detail in the instructions showcases the thought and care put into crafting this recipe, making it a trustworthy choice for anyone looking to impress with a fun and delectable dessert.
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