Harry Potter Inspired Birthday Cakes

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cakes inspired by harry potter

Muggles, hold on to your hats. I think I might have fared well in Potions class after the endeavor I undertook this weekend. Week 6’s challenge was to create a dish in two or more ways. I had been struggling to think of what meal I was going to make in multiple fashions when a coworker just so happened to provide the answer: The Unofficial Harry Potter Cookbook.

As I flipped through the pages, I discovered a recipe that instantly got the wheels turning in my head. A recipe based on the cakes Harry received from Ron, Hermione, Hagrid, and Sirius on his birthday in the Goblet of Fire.

unofficial harry potter cookbook with wand

I had to do some reimagining on the cakes from the description in the book:

A Cherry Bakewell Cake from Hermione:

hermione granger's cherry bakewell cake

A cherry bakewell cake is a traditional English dessert made with a shortcrust pastry base, a layer of cherry jam, an almond-flavored sponge cake, and topped with a layer of almond-flavored icing and a glacé cherry.

If we were to imagine how Hermione might make a cherry bakewell cake, we could speculate that she would carefully follow a recipe, measure out the ingredients precisely, and use her knowledge of baking science to create a perfectly risen sponge cake. She might also add her own touch to the recipe, such as using fresh, organic cherries or adding a hint of lemon zest to the sponge for extra flavor. Ultimately, we can imagine that Hermione’s cherry bakewell cake would be delicious, beautifully presented, and made with care and attention to detail.

A Sponge Sandwich Cake from Ron:

ron weasley's jelly sandwich cake

I imagine that Ron might make a simple sponge cake sandwich by layering two slices of sponge cake with a filling of his choice. He might use jam or whipped cream as a filling, or perhaps even combine the two for a classic Victoria sponge cake.

Knowing Ron’s love for food, he might also experiment with different fillings and flavors, such as adding fresh berries or a hint of vanilla to the whipped cream. Whatever the case, we can imagine that Ron’s sponge cake sandwich would be tasty and satisfying, with a touch of his own personality and creativity thrown in.

A Tropical Fruit Cake from Sirius:

sirius' tropical fruit cake slice

I imagine that Sirius, being a rebel and a risk-taker, might make a bold and adventurous tropical fruit cake that reflects his personality.

Sirius might start with a traditional vanilla sponge cake base, but infuse it with tropical flavors such as coconut, mango, and pineapple. He might add fresh slices of these fruits in between the layers of the cake to give it a burst of juicy flavor. To top it off, he might use a cream cheese frosting with hints of lime and coconut, or even a coconut whipped cream frosting for a lighter touch.

Knowing Sirius’s penchant for mischief, he might also add a little something extra to his cake, perhaps a hint of rum or a dash of chili powder for a spicy kick. Whatever the case, we can imagine that Sirius’s tropical fruit cake would be a bold and flavorful creation that would leave a lasting impression on anyone who tasted it.

And a Rock Cake from Hagrid:

hagrids rock cake recipe

Hagrid’s rock cakes are a recurring food item in the Harry Potter series. These cakes are described as being extremely hard and heavy, resembling actual rocks. However, despite their unappetizing appearance, the rock cakes are said to be deliciously crumbly and filled with dried fruit.

Based on this description, we can imagine that Hagrid’s rock cakes would be made with simple, hearty ingredients such as flour, butter, sugar, eggs, and dried fruit. Hagrid might mix the ingredients by hand, using his strength to knead the dough until it was stiff and dense. He might then drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a baking sheet, forming rough, irregular shapes that resemble rocks.

When the rock cakes were finished baking, they would be extremely hard and heavy, just like Hagrid’s description. However, when bitten into, the cakes would crumble and release a burst of sweet, fruity flavor that would make them surprisingly delicious. Despite their unorthodox appearance and texture, Hagrid’s rock cakes would be a comforting and nostalgic treat for anyone who tasted them.



These recipes are as easy as saying ‘Swish and Flick!’ The Harry Potter series has been a defining factor in my life. Growing up alongside these books has inspired me to become a writer, to step outside my comfort zone, and to embrace new experiences. It means so much more to me than just a story about a boy with a magical scar.

Last summer, my boyfriend and I had the incredible opportunity to visit the Harry Potter theme park and spend two magical days in Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. It was truly a dream come true and some of the best days of my life so far!

girl standing in front of hogwarts