Velvety Cherry Chocolate Dragon Cake
Celebrate George R.R. Martin's birthday in style with this enchanting Velvety Cherry Chocolate Dragon Cake. This show-stopping dessert features a moist red velvet base infused with rich cherry juice and chunks of luscious chocolate, perfectly layered with a creamy, decadent cream cheese frosting. Garnished with fresh cherries and chocolate shavings, it's not just a treat for the taste buds, but a feast for the eyes! Ideal for fans of Game of Thrones, this cake is sure to be the centerpiece of any birthday celebration themed around famed epic tales. From dragons to the Iron Throne, this cake invites imaginations and cravings alike.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
20
Ingredients
Ingredients
flour
3 cups (sifted)
sugar
2 cups (granulated)
baking powder
1 tablespoon (none)
non-fat powdered milk
1/2 cup (none)
cocoa powder
3 tablespoons (none)
cherry juice
1 1/4 cups (none)
cherries
1 1/4 cups (chopped, use 1/4 cup in batter)
milk chocolate pieces
2 cups (use 1 cup in batter, shavings for decoration)
vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
pink himalayan sea salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
vegetable oil
1/2 cup (none)
no-taste red food coloring
2 1/2 tablespoons (none)
eggs
3 (large, beaten)
egg whites
8 ounces (liquid measure, about 4-5 large eggs)
granulated sugar
2 cups (none)
unsalted butter
3 cups (room temperature)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
pure vanilla extract
3-4 teaspoons (none)
cream cheese extract
1 teaspoon (none)
cream cheese
8 ounces (room temperature)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Velvety Cherry Chocolate Dragon Cake?
This cake is a rich dessert featuring a moist red velvet base infused with cherry juice and chocolate chunks, finished with a creamy cream cheese frosting.
Whose birthday inspired this dragon-themed cake?
The recipe was created to celebrate the birthday of famed author George R.R. Martin.
What flavor is the cake base?
The base is a red velvet cake enriched with cherry juice and milk chocolate pieces.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are a total of 20 ingredients used to create both the cake and the frosting.
What kind of frosting is used for the Dragon Cake?
The cake is layered with a decadent frosting made from unsalted butter, cream cheese, and cream cheese extract.
How do you achieve the red color in the cake?
The color comes from a combination of cherry juice and 2 1/2 tablespoons of no-taste red food coloring.
Are real cherries used in the batter?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1 1/4 cups of chopped cherries, with a portion specifically mixed into the batter.
What type of chocolate is recommended?
The recipe uses 2 cups of milk chocolate pieces, with half going into the batter and half used as shavings for decoration.
Is cocoa powder included in the recipe?
Yes, 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder are added to give the red velvet base its signature hint of chocolate flavor.
What kind of salt should be used for the best flavor?
The recipe specifies pink Himalayan sea salt for the cake batter.
Does the recipe use whole eggs or egg whites?
It uses both: 3 large beaten eggs and an additional 8 ounces of liquid egg whites.
How much flour is needed for the cake?
You will need 3 cups of sifted flour.
What makes the frosting unique?
In addition to real cream cheese, the frosting uses cream cheese extract and pure vanilla extract for a more intense flavor profile.
How is the cake decorated?
It is garnished with fresh cherries and milk chocolate shavings for a show-stopping look.
Can this cake be served at a Game of Thrones viewing party?
Absolutely, the 'Dragon Cake' theme and red velvet color make it a perfect fit for Game of Thrones fans.
What kind of oil is used in the batter?
1/2 cup of vegetable oil is used to ensure the cake remains moist and velvety.
Is there milk in the cake batter?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of non-fat powdered milk in the dry mixture.
How much butter is required for the frosting?
The frosting is very rich, requiring 3 cups of room temperature unsalted butter.
What is the purpose of the cherry juice?
The cherry juice provides moisture, a fruity flavor depth, and contributes to the red hue of the cake.
Should the cream cheese be cold when making the frosting?
No, the cream cheese should be at room temperature to ensure a smooth, lump-free frosting.
Is granulated sugar used in both the cake and frosting?
Yes, granulated sugar is listed for both the cake batter and the frosting components.
How much vanilla extract is needed in total?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 teaspoons in the batter and 3 to 4 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract in the frosting.
Why is 'no-taste' red food coloring recommended?
Large amounts of standard red food coloring can sometimes be bitter; no-taste coloring provides the vibrant red without affecting the flavor.
What is the texture of the cake?
The cake is designed to be velvety and moist, with contrasting textures from the chocolate chunks and chopped cherries.
Is this a good birthday cake?
Yes, it is described as a show-stopping dessert ideal for birthdays and celebrations themed around epic tales.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
The recipe specifies unsalted butter to better control the salt level in the delicate cream cheese frosting.
How many cherries are needed for the garnish?
While 1 1/4 cups are used in total, the remaining cup of cherries after batter preparation is intended for decorating.
What baking leavening agent is used?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of baking powder to help the cake rise.
Does the recipe include instructions for assembly?
The description mentions layering the cake with frosting, though the specific instruction steps are omitted in the raw data.
Is this cake inspired by any specific books?
It is inspired by the epic tales of George R.R. Martin, most famously known for the A Song of Ice and Fire series.