Cheeseburger Cake Recipe

This fun and unique Cheeseburger Cake is a whimsical, cake version of a cheeseburger—perfect for parties, birthdays, or just for a fun, playful dessert. It looks like a real cheeseburger but is actually made entirely of cake, frosting, and candy. The cake layers mimic the bun, patty, cheese, and lettuce, and it’s decorated to resemble the real thing, making it a showstopper.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

2 boxes of yellow cake mix (or your favorite homemade yellow cake recipe)
Eggs, oil, and water (as per the instructions on the cake mix boxes)
1 cup of chocolate cake mix (for the “burger patty”)
Red food coloring (optional, for adding color to the “tomato ketchup” layer)

For the Buttercream Frosting:

1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1-2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (to adjust consistency)
Yellow food coloring (for “cheese”)
Green food coloring (for “lettuce”)
Red food coloring (for “tomato ketchup”)
Brown food coloring (for the “burger patty”)

For the Decoration (optional):

Candy to create condiments and garnish:
- Green fruit roll-ups or gummy worms for “lettuce”
- Red fruit leather for “tomato slices”
- Yellow gummy candy or sugar sheets for “cheese”
- Chocolate or brown-colored frosting for the “burger patty”
- Sesame seeds (optional, to sprinkle on top for a more realistic look)

Instructions:

1. Bake the Cake Layers:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans (for the “buns”) and one 6-inch round cake pan (for the “burger patty”).
Prepare the yellow cake mix according to the package instructions, using the two 8-inch pans for the top and bottom buns.
Mix the chocolate cake batter according to package instructions, and pour it into the 6-inch pan to create the burger patty.
Bake according to the instructions on the cake mix box (typically about 25-30 minutes for the 8-inch pans, 30-35 minutes for the 6-inch pan). Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and cool completely on a wire rack.

2. Prepare the Buttercream Frosting:

While the cakes are cooling, make the buttercream. In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 1/2 cups butter until creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar in batches, beating after each addition until smooth.
Add 2 teaspoons vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon heavy cream, and beat until fluffy and smooth. If the frosting is too stiff, add a bit more cream or milk.
Divide the frosting into separate bowls:
- Yellow bowl: Add yellow food coloring and mix well (for the “cheese”).
- Green bowl: Add green food coloring and mix well (for the “lettuce”).
- Red bowl: Add red food coloring and mix well (for the “ketchup”).
- Brown bowl: Add brown food coloring and mix well (for the “burger patty”).
- Leave some frosting white for the “bun” layer.

3. Assemble the Cheeseburger Cake:

Bottom Bun: Start with the first yellow cake layer (this will be your bottom “bun”). Place it on your serving platter or cake stand.
Ketchup Layer: Spread a layer of red frosting (ketchup) evenly over the bottom layer.
Cheese Layer: Place a thin layer of yellow frosting (cheese) on top of the ketchup layer.
Burger Patty: Place the cooled chocolate cake (the “burger patty”) on top of the cheese layer. If desired, spread a thin layer of brown frosting (burger patty) around the edges for added realism.
Lettuce Layer: Add a layer of green frosting (lettuce) around the edges or in the center of the “patty” layer.
Top Bun: Place the second yellow cake layer on top (this is the “top bun”).

4. Decorate the Cheeseburger Cake:

Spread a thin layer of white frosting over the top bun layer to cover it.
To create the sesame seeds, you can lightly sprinkle sesame seeds on top of the frosting or use white-colored sugar to mimic the appearance of sesame seeds on a bun.
Using green fruit roll-ups or gummy worms, create the “lettuce” effect by layering the candy around the burger. You can also use gummy worms cut into strips for a fun and creative touch.
For the “tomato” slices, use red fruit leather or gummy candy, cutting them into thin rounds and layering them on top of the cheese or underneath the “lettuce”.
If you have yellow sugar sheets or gummy candy, cut them into squares to create the “cheese” slices.
You can also use chocolate frosting or brown-colored frosting to add realistic details to the “burger patty” layer.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

Once you’ve finished decorating, slice and serve your Cheeseburger Cake just like you would a regular burger!
Watch your guests’ faces light up as they realize it’s a cake instead of an actual cheeseburger.

Tips:

Make-Ahead: You can bake the cakes and make the frosting the day before, then assemble the Cheeseburger Cake when you’re ready to serve.
Cake Flavors: While this recipe uses yellow and chocolate cake mixes, you can use any combination of cake flavors you like—try a funfetti cake for a colorful touch or a marble cake for a different twist.
Customizing: Get creative with the “condiments” and other decoration! You can add pickle slices, onion rings, or even small candied cherries to simulate tomatoes or other toppings.

This Cheeseburger Cake is not only fun to make, but it’s also a great conversation starter and a fantastic dessert for a BBQ, party, or a burger-themed celebration. Enjoy this quirky, delicious dessert that combines the best of cake and savory fun!