Mortals, Beware: The Recipes in This Unofficial Hocus Pocus Cookbook Are Frighteningly Tasty

Serves: 8 | Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 25 to 30 minutes

Red Velvet Cake Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup buttermilk
1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
2 tablespoons red food coloring

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients:
2 (8-ounce) blocks of cream cheese, softened
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar, divided
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon kosher salt

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease two 9-inch round cake pans or coat with cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, beat together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (2 or 3 minutes).
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Mix in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate large bowl, stir together the flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt. Add half of the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Add the buttermilk, vinegar, and food coloring, beating well to combine. Add the remaining dry ingredients, folding in until just incorporated.
6. Pour the batter evenly into the two cake pans. Bake about 25 to 30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool fully before frosting.