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