Description
This creepy Halloween Brain Dip features a rich and creamy red velvet cake base, perfectly sweetened and layered with a smooth cream cheese frosting that’s piped to resemble a wrinkly brain. Served with ladyfinger cookies for dipping, this festive dessert dip is both spooky and delicious, making it the perfect treat for Halloween parties or themed gatherings.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Red Velvet Cake Dip Base
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup salted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups dry red velvet cake mix
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- red gel food coloring
Cream Cheese Frosting Brain Topping
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- red food coloring
For Serving
- Ladyfinger cookies (for dipping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Red Velvet Cake Dip Base: In a mixing bowl, combine 8 ounces softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup softened salted butter. Beat together until smooth and creamy. Add 1 1/2 cups dry red velvet cake mix, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix until well combined. Add red gel food coloring a few drops at a time until you achieve a deep red velvet color. Mix thoroughly. Set this mixture aside.
- Make the Cream Cheese Frosting Brain Topping: In a separate bowl, beat together 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter and 3 ounces softened cream cheese until creamy and smooth. Add 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract and gradually mix in 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar until the frosting is thick but still pipeable. Add red food coloring gradually to tint the frosting a bright red or pinkish brain color. Mix well.
- Assemble the Brain Dip: Transfer the red velvet cake dip base into a serving bowl, smoothing the top evenly. Fill a piping bag fitted with a small round or star tip with the cream cheese frosting. Pipe the frosting on top of the red velvet base in looping, curved patterns to simulate the folds and wrinkles of a brain. Cover the entire surface with the piped frosting for a realistic effect.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the assembled brain dip for at least 30 minutes to set the frosting and allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled with ladyfinger cookies for dipping to enjoy the creamy texture with a crisp contrast.
Notes
- This dip is perfect for Halloween parties or themed events where a spooky dessert makes a great impression.
- Adjust the amount of red food coloring to get your desired brain color intensity.
- Ladyfinger cookies provide a delicate crunch ideal for dipping but graham crackers or thin vanilla wafers also work well.
- Ensure all ingredients like butter and cream cheese are softened for easier mixing and smoother texture.
- For best results, chill the dip before serving to firm up the frosting and enhance flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe (approx. 1/2 cup dip)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
