Homemade Gryffindor Layer Cake

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Bring a touch of wizarding magic to your kitchen with this Homemade Gryffindor Layer Cake. Inspired by the bold red and gold colors of Gryffindor House, this stunning dessert features moist red velvet cake layers, rich cream cheese frosting, and shimmering golden accents. It’s the perfect centerpiece for themed parties, birthdays, holidays, or any celebration where you want to impress with both flavor and flair.

This cake isn’t just beautiful—it’s incredibly delicious, easy to follow, and designed to deliver bakery-style results at home.

Ingredients

For the Red Velvet Cake Layers

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
• 1½ cups buttermilk, room temperature
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 tablespoons red gel food coloring
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Decoration

• Edible gold dust or gold sprinkles
• Red velvet cake crumbs
• Red and gold fondant or themed toppers (optional)

Instructions For Homemade Gryffindor Layer Cake

1. Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
3. In another bowl, mix buttermilk, oil, eggs, vanilla, vinegar, and food coloring.
4. Gradually combine wet and dry ingredients until smooth.

2. Bake the Cake Layers

1. Divide batter evenly between pans.
2. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
3. Cool 10 minutes in pans, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

3. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Beat cream cheese and butter until creamy.
2. Add powdered sugar gradually, mixing on low speed.
3. Stir in vanilla and beat until fluffy.

4. Assemble the Cake

1. Place one cake layer on a stand and spread frosting evenly.
2. Repeat with remaining layers.
3. Apply a thin crumb coat and chill for 15 minutes.
4. Finish with a smooth final layer of frosting.

Pro Tips

• Use gel food coloring for deeper red color without thinning the batter.
• Chill frosting briefly if it becomes too soft.
• Level cake layers for a professional, bakery-style finish.

Why This Recipe Works

• Moist, tender red velvet crumb
• Balanced sweetness with tangy cream cheese frosting
• Visually striking layers perfect for special occasions
• Easy-to-follow steps with consistent results

Substitutions & Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
• Chocolate Version: Swap red velvet for chocolate cake
• Dairy-Free: Use plant-based cream cheese and butter
• Cupcakes: Turn into 24 themed cupcakes

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating Guide

• Make Ahead: Bake layers up to 1 month in advance and freeze
• Storage: Refrigerate covered for up to 5 days
• Freezing: Freeze unfrosted layers or fully assembled cake (without décor)

Serving Ideas For Homemade Gryffindor Layer Cake

• Pair with themed drinks or dessert platters
• Serve with fresh berries or chocolate drizzle

Nutrition (Per Serving Estimate)

• Calories: ~400
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fat: 18g
• Protein: 4g

(Values may vary based on portion size and substitutions.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a cake mix instead?

Yes, but homemade delivers richer flavor and better texture.

How do I keep frosting from melting?

Use softened—not melted—ingredients and chill briefly if needed.

Can I decorate ahead of time?

Yes, decorate up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate.

What’s the best pan size?

Three 8-inch round pans work best for even layers.

This Homemade Gryffindor Layer Cake is a celebration of bold color, rich flavor, and magical presentation. Whether you’re hosting a themed event or simply baking for fun, this cake delivers unforgettable results. One slice is all it takes to bring a little magic to the table.

Homemade Gryffindor Layer Cake – A Magical Red Velvet Showstopper

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This Homemade Gryffindor Layer Cake is a magical red velvet showstopper inspired by the bold red and gold colors of Gryffindor House. Featuring moist cake layers, tangy cream cheese frosting, and golden decorative accents, it’s the perfect centerpiece for themed parties, birthdays, and celebrations.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Dessert

Cuisine Fantasy, Themed

Servings 10 slices

Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

• three 8-inch round cake pans
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• rubber spatula
• wire cooling rack

Ingredients

  

• 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cocoa powder
• 1.5 cups buttermilk, room temperature
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 tbsp red gel food coloring
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp white vinegar
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans.
• In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
• In another bowl, mix buttermilk, oil, eggs, vanilla, vinegar, and red food coloring until combined.
• Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until the batter is smooth.
• Divide the batter evenly between pans and bake for 25–30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
• Cool cakes for 10 minutes in pans, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Beat cream cheese and butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in vanilla until fluffy.
• Assemble cake by frosting between layers, applying a crumb coat, chilling briefly, then finishing with final frosting and decorations.

Notes

Use gel food coloring for vibrant red color without thinning the batter. Chill the cake between frosting layers for clean edges. Decorations are optional—keep it simple or go all out with gold accents and themed toppers.

Keyword cream cheese frosting cake, gryffindor cake, harry potter themed cake, red velvet layer cake

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