How to Make Cannabis Cake: The Ultimate Guide to Baking with a Buzz

Baking with cannabis is a fun and rewarding experience that allows you to infuse your favorite treats with a unique twist. Cannabis cake, in particular, is a classic choice, offering a delicious and potent way to enjoy the plant’s effects. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, this comprehensive guide will equip you with everything you need to know to make your own cannabis cake from scratch.

Understanding Cannabis for Baking

Before we delve into the baking process, it’s crucial to understand the key ingredient: cannabis. For baking, we use cannabutter or cannabis-infused oil, which are essentially butter or oil that have been infused with the active compounds of cannabis, primarily THC and CBD.

What are THC and CBD?

• THC (tetrahydrocannabinol): The psychoactive compound responsible for the “high” associated with cannabis.
• CBD (cannabidiol): A non-psychoactive compound known for its potential therapeutic benefits, such as pain relief and anxiety reduction.

Choosing the Right Cannabis

The type of cannabis you choose will significantly impact the potency and effects of your cake. Different strains contain varying levels of THC and CBD, so it’s essential to select one that aligns with your desired experience. If you’re unsure, consult a knowledgeable budtender at your local dispensary for recommendations.

Decarboxylation: The Key to Activation

Before infusing your butter or oil, you’ll need to decarboxylate your cannabis. This process involves heating the cannabis to activate the THC, making it psychoactive when consumed.

Safety First

Remember, cannabis edibles can take longer to kick in than smoking or vaping, and the effects can be more intense and long-lasting. Start with a small dose, especially if you’re new to edibles, and wait at least an hour before consuming more.

Cannabis Cake Recipe

This recipe yields a moist and flavorful cannabis cake that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• ½ cup cannabutter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup hot water

For the Frosting:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ cup cannabutter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup milk
• Pinch of salt

Equipment

• Two 9-inch round cake pans
• Parchment paper
• Electric mixer
• Spatulas
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowls

Instructions

Making the Cake:

1. Prepare the pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, lining the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, melted cannabutter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
5. Add hot water: Slowly pour in the hot water while mixing on low speed. Continue mixing until the batter is smooth and well-combined.
6. Pour and bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool completely: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Making the Frosting:

1. Cream the butter: In a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter and cannabutter together until light and fluffy.
2. Add sugar and cocoa: Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, beating on low speed until combined.
3. Add remaining ingredients: Mix in the vanilla extract, milk, and salt. Beat on high speed for 2-3 minutes, or until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Assembling the Cake:

1. Level the cakes: If necessary, use a serrated knife to level the tops of the cakes to ensure even layers.
2. Frost the cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate and frost the top evenly. Carefully place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.

Tips and Tricks

• Cannabutter Strength: The potency of your cannabutter will directly impact the cake’s potency. Adjust the amount used based on your desired dosage and tolerance.
• Even Baking: To ensure even baking, use an oven thermometer and rotate the cake pans halfway through baking.
• Storage: Store your cannabis cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Deliciously potent cannabis cake

FAQs

1. Can I use regular butter instead of cannabutter?

While you can technically use regular butter, it will result in a regular cake without any cannabis effects.

2. How long will the effects of the cake last?

The duration of effects varies depending on several factors, including dosage, metabolism, and tolerance. Generally, the effects of edibles can last anywhere from 4 to 6 hours, sometimes longer.

3. Can I freeze cannabis cake?

Yes, you can freeze cannabis cake for later consumption. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn, and thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Fresh ingredients for baking cannabis cake

Conclusion

Baking with cannabis opens up a world of culinary possibilities, and this cannabis cake recipe is just the beginning. Experiment with different flavors, frostings, and decorations to create your own signature cannabis-infused treats. Remember to consume responsibly and enjoy the journey of baking with a buzz!