Ingredients
Scale
For the Red Velvet Cake Layers:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cocoa powder
- 1 ½ cups buttermilk (room temperature)
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 tbsp red food coloring (gel preferred)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp white vinegar
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Decoration:
- Edible gold dust or gold sprinkles
- Gryffindor crest stencil (optional)
- Red and gold fondant or ribbons
Instructions
1. Preparing the Red Velvet Cake Batter
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
- In another bowl, mix buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, vinegar, and red food coloring until smooth.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
2. Baking the Cake Layers
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Making the Cream Cheese Frosting
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until fluffy.
- Mix in the vanilla extract.
4. Assembling the Cake
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of frosting on top. Repeat with the remaining layers.
- Apply a thin crumb coat of frosting around the entire cake, then chill for 15 minutes.
- Apply a final smooth layer of frosting and decorate as desired.
5. Decorating the Cake
- Lightly dust the top with edible gold dust or sprinkles.
- Use a Gryffindor crest stencil and edible food spray for a themed design.
- Add fondant decorations or red and gold ribbons for extra magic!
Notes
- Storage Tips: Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days or freeze layers in advance for up to 1 month.
- Customizations: Swap red velvet for chocolate cake or add orange zest for a citrusy twist.
- Themed Ideas: Pair with Butterbeer or Chocolate Frogs for the ultimate Harry Potter feast!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Themed, Fantasy
- Diet: Vegetarian