Halloween Chocolate Tunnel Cake

Halloween Chocolate Tunnel Cake is a spooky and delicious dessert that’s perfect for any Halloween celebration. This rich chocolate cake features a surprise tunnel filled with creamy filling, making it a delightful treat that will impress your guests. Decorated with festive touches, it’s sure to be the star of your dessert table!

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs

For the Filling:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup milk (or as needed for consistency)

For the Ganache Topping:

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

For Decoration:

• Halloween-themed sprinkles
• Edible eyes (optional)
• Whipped cream (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease and flour a bundt pan.

2. Make the Cake Batter

• In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix according to package instructions until smooth.
• Pour half of the batter into the prepared bundt pan.

3. Prepare the Filling

• In a medium bowl, beat together the powdered sugar, cream cheese, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and creamy. Adjust the milk as needed for a spreadable consistency.
• Spoon the filling into the center of the batter in the bundt pan, creating a tunnel. Then pour the remaining batter on top.

4. Bake the Cake

• Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.

5. Make the Ganache

• In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the chocolate chips and heavy cream. Stir until smooth and glossy. Let it cool slightly before using.

6. Glaze the Cake

• Place the cooled cake on a serving platter. Pour the chocolate ganache over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides.

7. Decorate

• While the ganache is still soft, add Halloween-themed sprinkles and edible eyes for a fun touch.
• If desired, serve with whipped cream on the side.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per Serving: Approximately 350

• Total Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 45mg
• Carbohydrates: 44g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 28g
• Protein: 4g

Preparation Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Baking Time: 30-35 minutes
• Cooling Time: 15-20 minutes

How to Serve

• Slice the cake and serve on individual plates.
• Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
• Display on a festive platter for Halloween gatherings.

Additional Tips

• Make It Ahead: The cake can be baked a day in advance and stored at room temperature until ready to glaze.
• Flavor Variations: Consider adding peppermint extract to the filling for a refreshing twist.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix for a gluten-free version.

Recipe Variations

• Pumpkin Spice Tunnel Cake: Substitute chocolate cake mix with pumpkin spice cake mix for a fall twist.
• Caramel Filling: Replace the cream cheese filling with a layer of caramel sauce for added richness.
• Chocolate Chip Addition: Fold in chocolate chips into the batter for extra chocolatey goodness.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: You can freeze the unglazed cake for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before decorating.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Special Equipment

• Bundt pan
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Wire rack

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use homemade chocolate cake instead of a mix?
A1: Yes! Feel free to use your favorite homemade chocolate cake recipe.

Q2: How do I make the tunnel in the cake?
A2: The tunnel is created by filling the center with the cream cheese filling before adding the top layer of cake batter.

Q3: What if I don’t have a bundt pan?
A3: You can use a regular round cake pan, but the baking time may vary.

Q4: Can I make this cake in advance?
A4: Absolutely! The cake can be made a day ahead; just glaze it closer to serving time.

Q5: How do I ensure my ganache is smooth?
A5: Stir the chocolate chips and cream together gently over low heat until fully melted and combined.

This Halloween Chocolate Tunnel Cake is sure to be a showstopper at your festivities, combining a delightful surprise filling with a rich chocolate flavor. Enjoy making and sharing this spooky treat!

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