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Homemade Hufflepuff’s Layer Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 84 reviews

This Homemade Hufflepuff’s Layer Cake is a delightful, visually stunning three-layer cake inspired by the Hufflepuff house colors from the Harry Potter series. Featuring moist yellow layers colored with food gel, luscious semi-sweet chocolate ganache between layers, and finished with a smooth yellow buttercream frosting, this cake is perfect for themed celebrations and dessert lovers alike. The recipe includes options for dairy-free and vegan substitutions, making it versatile and suitable for various dietary preferences.

Ingredients

For the Cake

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (Substitute with gluten-free flour mix if needed)
  • 1 tbsp baking powder (Make sure it’s fresh for the best rise)
  • 1/2 tsp salt (Enhances flavor; keep it in for balance unless necessary to omit)
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (softened) (Vegan butter works for a dairy-free option)
  • 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar (Consider brown sugar for a deeper flavor)
  • 4 large eggs (Flax eggs can substitute for a vegan alternative)
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract (Opt for pure vanilla for the best quality)
  • 1 cup whole milk (Any plant-based milk can be used for a dairy-free version)
  • Several drops yellow gel food coloring (Skip it for a natural look or use turmeric as an alternative)

For the Ganache

  • 1 cup heavy cream (Coconut cream works as a non-dairy substitute)
  • 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (Dark chocolate offers a deeper taste)
  • Several drops black gel food coloring (Can be omitted for a natural appearance)

For the Frosting

  • 3 cups powdered sugar (Adding cornstarch can enhance stability in homemade versions)

Optional Decorations

  • Additional decorations such as edible gold dust or themed cake toppers to enhance the presentation

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans to ensure the cake does not stick.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt until evenly combined.
  3. Cream butter and sugar: Using a stand mixer on medium speed, beat 1 cup of softened unsalted butter with 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes a few minutes.
  4. Add eggs and vanilla: Add 4 large eggs one at a time into the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Then mix in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract for flavor.
  5. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet mixture in alternating portions with 1 cup of whole milk. Mix gently just until everything is combined to avoid overmixing, which keeps the cake tender.
  6. Add yellow coloring: Add several drops of yellow gel food coloring to the batter and stir gently until the color is evenly distributed.
  7. Divide and bake: Evenly divide the batter among the prepared cake pans. Place them in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Prepare ganache: In a small saucepan, heat 1 cup of heavy cream just until it begins to simmer. Immediately pour this hot cream over 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips in a bowl. Let sit a minute, then stir until smooth and glossy. Add black gel food coloring if desired and stir to combine.
  9. Cool and level cakes: Once the cakes are completely cooled, use a serrated knife to level the tops to create flat layers suitable for stacking.
  10. Assemble layers with ganache: Place one cake layer on your serving plate, spread an even layer of cooled ganache on top, then repeat with the remaining layers to stack the cake.
  11. Apply crumb coat: Frost the assembled cake with a thin crumb coat of yellow buttercream frosting to lock in crumbs. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set the coat.
  12. Final frosting and ganache drizzle: Apply a final smooth layer of yellow buttercream over the whole cake. Drizzle the cooled ganache over the top for a polished finish.
  13. Chill before serving: Refrigerate the finished cake for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving to allow it to set properly.

Notes

  • For a dairy-free version, substitute vegan butter for butter, plant-based milk for whole milk, and coconut cream for heavy cream.
  • Flax eggs can be used as an egg substitute for a vegan-friendly cake (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg).
  • Ensure your baking powder is fresh for optimal cake rise.
  • You can add cornstarch to the powdered sugar when making the buttercream frosting for better stability.
  • Skip gel food coloring or use natural alternatives (such as turmeric) for a natural yellow hue.
  • Decorate with edible gold dust or themed toppers to enhance the visual appeal for special occasions.
  • Allow cake layers to cool completely before leveling and assembling to prevent ganache melting.

Find it online: https://forkvista.com/homemade-hufflepuffs-layer-cake-recipe/