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Finished Harry Potter cake with golden snitch and chocolate frosting, perfect for a Harry Potter party.

Ultimate Harry Potter Cake Tutorial for Home Cooks

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Bring the magic of Hogwarts to your kitchen with this ultimate Harry Potter cake tutorial! Perfect for Potterheads, this themed cake features moist chocolate cake, decadent frosting, and iconic decorations like the Golden Snitch. A showstopping dessert for birthdays, movie nights, or any magical occasion.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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 vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • For the Chocolate Frosting:
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • For Decoration:
  • Golden Snitch (store-bought or homemade)
  • Chocolate Frogs (optional)
  • Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, then line the bottoms with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Add the buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix on medium speed for about 2 minutes until well combined.
  4. Carefully pour in the boiling water while mixing on low speed. The batter will be thin.
  5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
  6. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter until smooth and creamy.
  8. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with the milk, until well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
  9. Once the cakes are completely cool, level them with a serrated knife if needed. Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand.
  10. Spread a generous layer of chocolate frosting over the first cake layer, then place the second cake layer on top. Frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
  11. Decorate with the Golden Snitch, Chocolate Frogs, and Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans.

Notes

  • Don’t Overbake: Overbaking can result in a dry cake. Use a toothpick to check for doneness.
  • Cool Completely: Make sure the cakes are completely cool before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
  • Get Creative with Decorations: Use edible gold spray to make your Golden Snitch extra shiny, or add fondant decorations for a personalized touch.
  • House Colors: Use food coloring to tint the cake layers or frosting in the colors of your favorite Hogwarts house.
  • Pumpkin Juice Flavor: Add pumpkin puree and spice to the cake batter for a fall-themed Harry Potter dessert.
  • Butterbeer Frosting: Infuse your frosting with butterscotch flavoring to create a Butterbeer-inspired topping.
  • Serve your Harry Potter cake recipe at room temperature for the best flavor and texture. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Author: Serena Miller
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 450 Kcal
  • Sugar: 50g
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 13g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 60g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg