Homemade Gryffindor Layer Cake – A Magical Red Velvet Showstopper
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.
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.