Description
This creepy Halloween Brain Dip features a luscious red velvet cake dip base flavored with cream cheese and butter, topped with a piped cream cheese frosting shaped like a wrinkly brain. It’s a perfect spooky treat for parties, paired with ladyfinger cookies for dipping.
Ingredients
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
Serving
- ladyfinger cookies (for dipping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Red Velvet Cake Dip Base: In a mixing bowl, combine 8 ounces softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup softened salted butter, 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. Add red gel food coloring gradually until you achieve a rich red hue. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well incorporated.
- Chill the Dip Base: Cover the cake dip base and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to allow it to firm up, which will make the brain topping easier to pipe.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: In a separate bowl, beat together 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter and 3 ounces softened cream cheese until creamy. Add 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract, then gradually add 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, mixing well until smooth and fluffy. Add red food coloring incrementally to achieve a realistic brain color.
- Pipe the Brain Shape: Transfer the cream cheese frosting to a piping bag fitted with a small round tip. Pipe the frosting over the chilled red velvet dip base in continuous squiggly lines to mimic the folds and wrinkles of a brain. Ensure to cover the entire surface evenly for a creepy realistic look.
- Serve with Ladyfinger Cookies: Arrange ladyfinger cookies around the dip for guests to use for dipping. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
Notes
- This creamy red velvet brain dip is a perfect Halloween party appetizer or dessert centerpiece.
- Keep the dip chilled to maintain the frosting shape and texture.
- Adjust the amount of red food coloring to get your desired brain color intensity.
- Ladyfinger cookies provide a light, crispy contrast to the creamy dip.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe (approx. 100g)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
