Go Back
Homemade Harry Potter Cake photo

Harry Potter Cake

This Harry Potter Cake is magical and fun! Vibrant colors and a moist, flavorful taste make it perfect for any wizard-themed celebration.
Print Recipe Save it
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • 9-inch Round Cake Pans
  • Cooling rack
  • Offset spatula

Ingredients
  

Cake Ingredients

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons white vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 cups water
  • 1/4 teaspoon yellow food coloring
  • 1/4 teaspoon red food coloring

Frosting Ingredients

  • 6 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 cups softened butter
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon red food coloring

Instructions
 

Baking the Cake

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake will bake evenly and rise perfectly.
  • Grease and flour your 9-inch round cake pans. This will help prevent the cake from sticking once it’s baked.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, and baking soda until well combined. This step ensures that your dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
  • In another bowl, mix together the water, vegetable oil, white vinegar, and vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined.
  • Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tougher cake.
  • Divide the batter into two bowls. In the first bowl, add the yellow food coloring and mix well. In the second bowl, mix in the red food coloring. This will give you two vibrant colors to work with.
  • In your prepared cake pans, alternate spooning the yellow and red batter to create a marbled effect. Use a knife or toothpick to swirl the colors together for a magical look.
  • Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Making the Frosting & Decorating

  • While the cakes are cooling, make the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until well incorporated. Pour in the heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract, and beat until fluffy. For a pop of color, incorporate the red food coloring until you achieve your desired shade.
  • Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top, then add the second layer. Frost the top and sides of the cake, smoothing it out with the offset spatula.
  • This is where your creativity can shine! You can add edible glitter, themed decorations, or even little figurines to reflect the magical world of Harry Potter.

Notes

  • Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
  • Don’t skip the cooling process; frosting a warm cake can lead to melting and sliding.
  • Feel free to adjust the food coloring to create your own magical shades!
  • This cake can be made a day in advance; just store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Keyword Cake, Colorful, Easy, Themed