Game of Thrones Boozy Red Wedding Cake

Like many lovely Americans, my husband and I are looking forward to HBO's Game of Thrones returning this week, on Sunday.  In fact, it was the hubs idea for this series of recipes.  (Alas, I know I should have capitalized on Mad Men's return as well, but I may do something for their series finale in a few weeks!)

Each day this week, I will present a new Game of Thrones boozy dessert, focusing on different characters from the show.  Gosh, there are so many characters!

Today's dessert is inspired by the red wedding episode.  I feel compelled not to disclose or spoil the ending...but if you haven't seen it by now, you are certainly living under a rock!  I will not spoil the show for you.  

I'm sure the title "red wedding" and the ominous cherry blood-like topping are no indicator of bloodshed ;-)

This red velvet cake is an adaptation of my favorite chocolate cake recipe.  It's simple and so foolproof - I don't think anyone can mess it up!  It has just the right amount of fluff and moisture.  Robb Stark would think it a wonderful cake to have on his wedding day.

Game of Thrones Boozy Red Wedding Cake
Cake adapted from The Pretty Bee

1 1/2 c. organic flour*
1 c. organic sugar
1/2 c. unsweetened cocoa powder 
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. baking powder, aluminum-free
1/2 tsp. sea salt
1/3 c. coconut oil, melted
1 tsp. vinegar
3/4 c. beet juice - my secret red coloring!
1/4 c. dark spiced rum, like Kraken

For the Icing
My Vegan Buttercream Recipe

For the Cherry Topping
My Cherry Strudel Filling

*Gluten-free baking mix (with Xanthan Gum) can be substituted in for the flour

Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°. Grease two 8 inch cake tins with organic shortening or coconut oil.  

Sift the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.  Combine the materials and make a well in the middle of the bowl.

Have the liquid ingredients measured and ready to go before you start to pour.  Pour both the beet juice/rum and vinegar/oil into the well.  Stir well.

Pour the batter into the cake tins.  Bake for 25-30 minutes.

Allow the cakes to cool completely.

Once they are ready to be iced, lay the first layer of cake down on your chosen surface.  I spread a layer of berry jam between my cake layers and it had an amazing flavor and added just a smidge of moisture to the cake.  If you have no jam, frosting will do the trick!

I did a basic crumb frosting so that the cake would look rustic and medieval, Game of Thrones style.  I topped the cake with my cherry strudel filling - making sure it was very cool before scooping it on the cake!  I love the way that the little bit of cherry juice drizzles down the sides.  It makes the cake look so much more menacing!

Enjoy this cake and keep your eyes peeled for my other GoT recipes this week :-)

Cheers!
-Aileen