Ingredients
Scale
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk + vinegar)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup red food coloring
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Decor:
- Red velvet cake crumbs or crushed cookies for texture
- Black food coloring or icing for the spine detail
- Optional edible metallic accents to simulate sci-fi elements
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper surfaces.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
- In a separate bowl, combine the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, vanilla extract, and red food coloring.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry, mixing until smooth and well incorporated.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool completely on wire racks before leveling and assembling.
- Tint some frosting black for the spine and detail lines. Carve or shape one cake into a spine-like structure or build layered pieces. Spread cream cheese frosting between layers and over the entire cake.
- Decorate the spine with black icing or food coloring, piping or molding to mimic the Cylons’ spine pattern. Add textured crumb layers for realism.
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients for frosting and cake are at room temperature for best results.
- For extra realism, add edible metallic dust or shimmering accents to the spine detailing.
- Refrigerate the cake for up to 3 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze wrapped in plastic for up to 2 weeks.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking & Decorating
- Cuisine: Sci-Fi Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350 Kcal
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
