Harry Potter Cake ideas
A magical Harry Potter-themed cake, perfect for wizards and witches of all ages! This enchanting cake features layers of soft sponge, creamy frosting, and magical decorations like house colors, golden snitches, and wands. Whether for a birthday or a Harry Potter movie night, this cake will transport you straight to Hogwarts!
Ingredients
For the Sponge Cake:
- 2 ½ cups 315g all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup 225g unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups 400g granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup 240ml whole milk
For the Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 ½ cups 340g unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups 480g powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp heavy cream or milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Gel food coloring red, green, blue, yellow for house themes
For the Decorations:
- Fondant white, black, and colored for house themes
- Edible gold dust for a golden snitch
- Chocolate wands made from melted chocolate
- Edible printed Hogwarts crest optional
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Sponge Cake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch cake pans.
- In a bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy (about 3 minutes).
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients and milk, alternating, starting and ending with flour.
- Divide batter evenly between pans and bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool completely before decorating.
- Step 2: Make the Buttercream Frosting
- Beat butter until creamy (about 2 minutes).
- Slowly add powdered sugar, mixing until smooth.
- Add heavy cream and vanilla extract, and beat for another 2-3 minutes until fluffy.
- If making house-themed cakes, divide the frosting and color with red, green, blue, or yellow.
- Step 3: Assemble & Decorate
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread frosting evenly, and top with the second layer.
- Frost the outside smoothly, or pipe house-colored designs.
- Use fondant to create decorations, such as a scar, glasses, house banners, or a spellbook.
- For a golden snitch: Roll gold fondant into a ball and attach sugar-paper wings.
- For a chocolate wand: Melt chocolate, pipe onto wax paper, and let harden.
- Dust with edible gold dust for a magical effect!
Notes
- Sponge Cake: Can be made a day ahead and stored in an airtight container.
- Frosting: If too thick, add a splash of milk; if too thin, add more powdered sugar.
- Storage: Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for 2 months (without decorations).