Name: Stranger Things Cake Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box white cake mix; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup sugar; 1 tsp salt; 1 1/3 cups water; 2 Tbs vegetable oil; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp almond extract; 1 cup sour cream; 4 large egg whites; Red food coloring (to desired shade); 1/3 cup chocolate chips (melted); 1 Tbs cocoa powder; 1 1/3 cup butter (softened); 1 cup shortening; 1 Tbs vanilla extract; 7-8 cups powdered sugar; Wilton black decorating icing (small round tip); Peanut M&M’s; Mini Eggos

There is something utterly magical about a cake that not only tastes delicious but also sparks nostalgia and a bit of mystery. This Stranger Things Cake Recipe brings together layers of moist cake in classic white, vibrant red, and rich chocolate colors, all wrapped up in a fluffy, dreamy frosting. What makes this cake truly special is its creative decoration inspired by the show’s iconic Christmas light alphabet wall and, of course, the mini Eggos that Eleven famously loves. Whether you’re a fan of the series or just looking for a show-stopping dessert, this recipe will captivate your taste buds and guests alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A tall slice of three-layer cake sits on a white plate with a white marbled surface underneath. The bottom layer is dark brown with a slightly crumbly texture, the middle layer is bright red with a soft texture, and the top layer is light beige, looking fluffy and moist. Each layer is separated by a thin layer of white frosting. The top of the cake is covered in smooth white frosting with a swirl of piped white cream near the back edge. A small waffle piece is placed upright on the top center. Colorful candy-coated chocolates in blue, orange, green, yellow, and dark brown are scattered around the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients right is key to creating this memorable cake. Each ingredient plays a specific role—from the moist texture brought by sour cream and egg whites to the vivid red coloring that pops visually. Let’s dive into the essential items that come together simply but result in something extraordinary.

1 box white cake mix: The sturdy base that ensures a light and airy crumb.
1 cup all-purpose flour: Helps balance the cake mix for structure and body.
1 cup sugar: Sweetness that complements the other flavors perfectly.
1 tsp salt: Just a pinch to enhance the cake’s overall flavor profile.
1 1/3 cups water: Hydrates the batter for optimal texture.
2 Tbs vegetable oil: Adds moisture without weighing the cake down.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Brings warm, inviting aroma and taste.
1/2 tsp almond extract: Adds a subtle nutty note that’s pleasantly unexpected.
1 cup sour cream: For richness and a tender crumb.
4 large egg whites: Lightens the batter and helps with volume.
Red food coloring: To bring that signature deep red layer to life.
1/3 cup chocolate chips (melted): The secret behind a luscious chocolate layer.
1 Tbs cocoa powder: Boosts chocolate intensity in the dark layer.
1 1/3 cup butter: The foundation of a silky, fluffy frosting.
1 cup shortening: Keeps frosting soft and stable for decorating.
1 Tbs vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and fragrance of frosting.
7-8 cups powdered sugar: Creates that smooth, thick frosting that holds shape.
Wilton black decorating icing (small round tip): Essential for piping the iconic light string and alphabet.
Peanut M&M’s: Adds colorful “lights” to the cake’s decoration.
Mini Eggos: A whimsical nod to Eleven’s favorite treat from the show.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Stranger Things Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepping Your Pans and Oven

Set the stage for baking by heating your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and preparing three 8-inch round cake pans. Line each pan with parchment paper and spray lightly with cooking spray to ensure your cakes come out perfectly clean and easy to remove.

Step 2: Mixing the Dry Ingredients

Whisk together your white cake mix, all-purpose flour, sugar, and salt until combined in a large bowl. This mix forms the backbone of your batter and ensures the texture and sweetness marry beautifully.

Step 3: Adding the Wet Ingredients

Next, pour in water, vegetable oil, vanilla and almond extracts, sour cream, and egg whites. Beat these together with a mixer until your batter is smooth and silky—this is the moment the cake starts coming to life.

Step 4: Creating The Three Distinct Batters

Divide the batter evenly into three separate bowls. Leave one bowl plain white. Into the second bowl, stir in enough red food coloring to get a bright, festive red hue. The third bowl gets a rich chocolate makeover by folding in cocoa powder and melted chocolate chips. These three batters will give your cake that fun, layered look that’s so iconic.

Step 5: Baking the Layers

Pour each flavored batter into its own prepared pan and place them in the oven. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the tops bounce back when gently pressed and a toothpick comes out clean. After baking, allow the layers to cool completely before assembly.

Step 6: Crafting the Frosting

In a clean bowl, whip together butter and shortening until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract, then gradually beat in the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until your frosting reaches that perfect creamy texture you want for layering and decorating.

Step 7: Layering and Crumb Coating

Place the chocolate cake layer on your cake stand and spread about 3/4 cup of frosting on top, making sure to leave a small border near the edges. Add the red layer next and repeat the frosting step, then finish with the white layer on top. Apply a thin crumb coat of frosting all over the cake to trap loose crumbs and chill it in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to set.

Step 8: Decorating Like a Pro

Once chilled, use the remaining frosting in a piping bag fitted with a star tip to create swirls on the top. Use the Wilton black decorating icing with a small round tip for that classic Christmas light string effect about an inch below the cake top. Pipe 13 evenly spaced dots around the cake and place a Peanut M&M on each, labeling them with the letters A to M beneath. Repeat a row below with spacing so the lights and letters don’t overlap, and finalize your decoration by pressing mini Eggos gently into swirls. Your cake is now a masterpiece that looks just like Eleven’s wall of lights!

How to Serve Stranger Things Cake Recipe

The image shows a tall, round cake with three layers inside, each separated by white cream frosting. The top layer is light beige, the middle layer is bright red, and the bottom layer is dark brown. The outside of the cake is covered in smooth white frosting decorated with black icing string designs and colorful round candies in green, blue, and yellow. On top, there are swirls of white cream evenly spaced around the edge, each topped with a small round waffle cookie. The cake sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra pop, serve with additional Peanut M&M’s and small, fresh berries on the side. The vibrant colors complement the cake’s playful theme perfectly, and the berries add a touch of refreshing tang that brightens each bite.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a steaming cup of rich hot chocolate. The creamy coldness of ice cream contrasts beautifully with the sweet, layered cake, making it an indulgent treat perfect for any celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

Present your Stranger Things Cake Recipe on a simple white cake pedestal to let the colors and decorations shine. For an even more immersive fan experience, add themed decor around the serving area such as alphabet lights, clocks, or figurines from the show to transport your guests right into Hawkins, Indiana.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After serving, store leftover cake tightly covered in the refrigerator. This frosting keeps the cake moist and fresh for up to 4 days. Make sure to bring the cake back to room temperature before serving again for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the Stranger Things Cake Recipe after assembling but before decorating. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before decorating and serving for optimum results.

Reheating

Since this is a frosted cake, reheating isn’t recommended as it may affect the texture of the frosting. Instead, simply let refrigerated slices come to room temperature before enjoying, letting the flavors and textures really shine through.

FAQs

Can I make this cake without the cake mix?

Absolutely! If you prefer from-scratch baking, use your favorite white cake recipe and adjust the sugar slightly to balance sweetness. The key is to keep the batter light and moist for ideal layering.

What if I don’t have Wilton black decorating icing?

No worries! You can make your own by tinting some white royal icing or buttercream with black gel food coloring, then piping it carefully with a small round tip. Practice piping on parchment paper first to get comfortable.

Why is there sour cream in the cake batter?

Sour cream adds moisture and richness without making the batter heavy. It also helps keep the cake tender and adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness beautifully.

Can I use regular eggs instead of egg whites?

Using whole eggs will change the texture slightly, making the cake a bit denser. The egg whites lighten the batter, so if you use whole eggs, consider slightly reducing the yolks or increasing flour by a small amount to maintain structure.

How do I get the red color so vibrant?

The depth of the red layer comes from generous use of red food coloring. Gel or paste colorings are preferable to liquid as they provide richer, brighter hues without thinning the batter.

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve got the full scoop on this delightful Stranger Things Cake Recipe, I hope you’re as excited as I am to bake your own piece of Hawkins magic. It’s a perfect centerpiece for any party or Netflix binge night, blending nostalgic fun with delicious flavors in every bite. So grab your apron, turn up the soundtrack, and dive into this captivating cake adventure!