Grinch Cake

I still remember the first time I made this Grinch cake—everyone’s eyes lit up before I even sliced into it.

The kids were giggling at his mischievous grin, and the grown-ups were just as entertained. It felt like the cake had its own personality sitting right there in the middle of the table.

What I love about this cake is how it mixes fun with flavor. Beneath that cheeky green face is a soft, moist sponge layered with smooth buttercream.

And honestly, decorating it is half the joy. Once you outline his smirk and fill in the colors, it’s like the character comes alive right on the cake.

It’s playful, it’s festive, and it always steals the show at holiday gatherings. If you’ve been wanting a dessert that makes people stop and smile before they even taste it, this Grinch cake does exactly that.

Table of Contents

Grinch Cake Recipe

Ingredients

For the Cake Layers:

2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
2 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp fine salt
1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
½ cup (110 g) packed light brown sugar
1 cup (230 g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
4 large eggs, room temperature
1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, room temperature
2 tbsp vegetable oil

For the Buttercream Frosting:

1 ½ cups (345 g) unsalted butter, softened
6 cups (720 g) powdered sugar, sifted
½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream (add more if needed for consistency)
1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
Pinch of fine salt

For the Grinch Decoration:

Green gel food coloring
Red gel food coloring
Black gel food coloring
Yellow gel food coloring
Piping bags fitted with small round tips and star tips
Toothpick for outlining
Fondant holly leaves and red berry decorations (or make with colored frosting)

Instructions

Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar with an electric mixer on medium-high until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
Mix in the vanilla extract.
Add half of the dry mixture, mix on low until just combined.
Pour in the milk and vegetable oil, mix gently.
Add the remaining dry mixture and mix until the batter is smooth (do not overmix).
Divide batter evenly into the prepared pans.
Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Beat softened butter in a large bowl until creamy (about 2 minutes).
Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time.
Mix in vanilla extract and salt.
Add heavy cream a little at a time until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.
Place one cake layer on a serving board. Spread an even layer of buttercream.
Place the second cake layer on top.
Apply a thin “crumb coat” of buttercream to seal in crumbs. Chill the cake in the fridge for 20 minutes.
Apply the final smooth coat of buttercream all over the cake using an offset spatula.
Print or sketch a Grinch face reference for guidance.
With a toothpick, lightly outline the Grinch’s face on the top of the cake.
Tint a portion of frosting green, a small portion yellow, another red, and a little black. Keep some frosting white.
Using a small round tip, pipe black frosting to trace the outline of the Grinch’s face, features, and Santa hat.
Fill in the face with green frosting using a star or round tip. Smooth with a spatula or small brush strokes.
Pipe yellow frosting for the eyes and add a thin black outline for detail.
Fill in the Santa hat with red frosting, leaving the fluffy parts white.
Place fondant holly leaves and berries around the sides and top edge of the cake (or pipe with green and red frosting using star tips for leaves and small round tips for berries).
Chill the cake for 15 minutes to set the design.
Serve at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.

How Do I Get The Perfect Grinch Green Color For The Cake And Frosting?

The Grinch isn’t just any green—his shade is bold, fun, and eye-catching. To get it right, it’s important to use the right kind of coloring and add it little by little until the shade matches.

Use gel food coloring: Gel gives a stronger color without watering down the batter or frosting.
Add slowly: Start with just a toothpick dip, mix well, and keep adding until you get the exact shade.
Mix fully: Stir or beat long enough so no streaks of color remain.
Check under natural light: Kitchen lights can change how the green looks—daylight shows the real shade.

Can I Use Cake Mix To Make a Grinch Cake, Or Should I Bake From Scratch?

You can easily make a Grinch Cake both ways. Cake mix is faster and simpler, while baking from scratch gives you more control over flavor and texture. Both can look and taste amazing.

For cake mix: Add an extra egg and replace water with milk for a richer sponge.
For scratch baking: Adjust sugar and flavors as you like—homemade always feels more personal.
Both options work: The real magic is in the decoration, not just the cake base.

Can I Add a Hidden Red Heart Inside The Grinch Cake?

Yes, you can add a red heart inside, and it makes the cake extra special. When sliced, each piece shows the surprise heart against the green sponge, just like the story where the Grinch’s heart gro

Bake a red sponge first: Use red food coloring to bake a thin red cake layer.
Cut out hearts: Use a small heart-shaped cutter once the red cake is cooled.
Line up the hearts: Place them standing upright in the center of your green cake batter.
Cover carefully: Pour the remaining green batter gently so the hearts stay in place while baking.

How Do I Stop The Food Coloring From Changing The Cake’s Taste?

Sometimes too much food coloring leaves a bitter aftertaste. The trick is using concentrated colors and balancing the amount.

Use gel colors, not liquid: Gels are stronger, so you need much less.
Add flavor extracts: A drop of vanilla or almond helps mask any strong notes.
Don’t overdo it: Stop adding once you reach the shade—going darker doesn’t make it better.
Choose good quality brands: They’re made to be flavor-neutral.

What Tools Do I Need To Decorate a Grinch Cake Properly?

Decorating is what makes a Grinch Cake stand out. Having the right tools makes the process smoother and the design much cleaner.

Piping bags with small round tips: For drawing the face and details.
Star tips: For filling larger green areas with texture.
Offset spatula: To spread and smooth frosting evenly.
Toothpicks: For sketching outlines before piping.
Gel food colors: To make the green, red, yellow, and black shades.

Can I Make a Grinch Cake Ahead Of Time And How Do I Store It?

Yes, you can prepare the cake in advance—it actually helps the flavors settle better. Storing it properly keeps it fresh and keeps the decorations neat.

Unfrosted cakes: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Frosted cakes: Keep in the fridge for 2–3 days, covered in a cake box or airtight container.
Decorated cakes: Chill lightly to set the design, then cover loosely with plastic wrap.
Freezing option: Wrap unfrosted cake layers well and freeze for up to 2 months—thaw fully before frosting.