Welcome to a truly special culinary creation: the **Red Velvet Cake**, affectionately known here as President Snow’s White Rose Cake. This exquisite dessert, adorned with a luscious cream cheese buttercream, draws its deep inspiration from Suzanne Collins’ iconic *The Hunger Games* trilogy. Beyond its literary ties, its striking red and white hues make it an absolutely perfect treat for celebrating Valentine’s Day, or any occasion that calls for a touch of dramatic elegance.
It’s almost unbelievable that, after countless Food & Fiction posts, this marks the very first recipe inspired by *The Hunger Games*. What’s even more astonishing is that there was a time I vehemently resisted reading these books, despite my profound love for literature. During my college days, while working at Yankee Candle, a coworker from Borders recommended the series. Soon, the entire staff was captivated, exchanging theories and discussing their favorite characters. Everyone, that is, except me.
I confess, I have a peculiar habit: if something becomes overwhelmingly popular, I tend to avoid it. It took me three years to finally watch *Avatar*, and frankly, it left me underwhelmed. And as for *Orange is the New Black*? No amount of persuasion will ever convince me to watch it. My partner, Matt, however, has a knack for cutting through my stubbornness. Shortly after my colleagues had devoured the first two *Hunger Games* books, and before the third was released, he asked for a book recommendation. I offhandedly suggested this new series everyone was raving about, thinking it sounded right up his alley.
And it *was* right up his alley. Eventually, I was “suckered” into reading it. By “suckered,” I mean I devoured all three books in less than 24 hours, possibly sacrificing a few classes and certainly an entire night’s sleep. Let me tell you, this series is absolutely phenomenal! I’m sure most of you already know this, but for those who haven’t yet experienced its gripping narrative—Mom, I’m looking at you—now is truly the time to immerse yourself in this dystopian masterpiece.
The books were extraordinary, and the movies, while excellent, have left Matt and me with a sense that public interest might be waning. Is this true? Have we collectively lost our excitement? Because I, for one, am still incredibly pumped! You see, *Mockingjay* was my absolute favorite installment in the series. While many prefer the brutal spectacle of the Games, the third book descends into a profound darkness, even more so than teenagers killing each other. It delves deep into the psychological toll of war and resistance, pulling at your heartstrings in ways few other stories can. The phrase “Real or Not Real” alone is enough to bring tears to my eyes.
Honestly, with the final film, it feels like another cherished chapter is drawing to a close. Much like the bittersweet farewells to series like *Harry Potter*, *How I Met Your Mother*, and *True Blood*. I’m incredibly grateful to have discovered *Outlander* this past year and that *Game of Thrones* continues its epic run; otherwise, I’d be completely lost in the void left by these cinematic and literary departures. The power of storytelling, whether on screen or page, to evoke such strong emotions and build entire worlds is truly something to marvel at, and these series have certainly mastered that art.
But enough about my emotional attachments to fictional universes. Let’s redirect our attention to this magnificent cake, shall we? You’re likely pondering how a classic red velvet cake seamlessly integrates with the gritty world of *The Hunger Games*. I believe my inspiration for this pairing was quite clever, if I do say so myself. In the series, President Snow, the tyrannical ruler of Panem, is perpetually associated with white roses. He wears them in his lapel, drops them symbolically on District 13 after a bombing, and leaves them as a chilling reminder in Katniss’s home. These aren’t just any white roses; their fragrance has been unnaturally enhanced, an unsettling detail designed to mask the lingering scent of blood. This duality—pure white on the outside, concealing a darker, bloody reality—is perfectly mirrored in our dessert. A rich, deep red velvet cake on the inside, beautifully contrasted with pristine white cream cheese roses on the outside. Poetic, isn’t it?
Initially, my plan was to create a white cake with a vibrant raspberry filling, aiming for a different kind of red-and-white contrast. However, last week, Matt happened to put on an episode of *Throwdown with Bobby Flay* featuring red velvet cake. Given my less-than-stellar track record with white cakes and the fact I’d never attempted a red velvet cake from scratch, I seized the opportunity. It felt like the perfect moment to embrace the challenge and dive into the world of homemade red velvet. I decided to use Cakeman Raven’s recipe, and the results were absolutely, deliciously spectacular. The process was rewarding, filling the kitchen with the aroma of cocoa and buttermilk, promising a cake that would be as delightful to eat as it was intriguing in its inspiration.
I genuinely hope you’re as thrilled as I am about the upcoming movie. And if you haven’t yet delved into the books, there’s still time to embark on Katniss’s journey before the final film arrives in theaters next week! While I anticipate shedding more than a few tears throughout the screening, lamenting the end of such a powerful saga, my excitement remains unwavering. The culmination of this epic story, with its profound themes of sacrifice, love, and rebellion, is something truly worth experiencing. After you’ve had a chance to bake and savor this President Snow-inspired Red Velvet Cake, be sure to check out some other fantastic *Hunger Games* creations shared by my talented friends. These diverse tributes offer even more ways to celebrate the world of Panem, from themed cocktails to unique crafts.
Red Velvet Cake
Rebecca Hubbell
Dessert
American
1 hour
30 minutes
45 minutes
2 hours 15 minutes
Servings
12 people
Ingredients
Cake:
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon fine salt
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 1½ cups vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk room temp
- 2 large eggs room temp
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Frosting:
- 16 oz. cream cheese softened
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 4-5 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350°F.
-
Prepare four 6-inch cake pans (or two 9-inch pans, baking in batches if necessary) by greasing them with vegetable oil and lining the bottoms with parchment paper. This step ensures easy release and perfectly shaped cake layers.
-
In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, fine salt, and cocoa powder. Whisk these dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure they are well combined and lump-free.
-
In a separate large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, combine the vegetable oil, room temperature buttermilk, large eggs, vibrant red food coloring, white distilled vinegar, and vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is smooth and evenly colored.
-
Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed, just until the ingredients are combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense cake.
-
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. For 6-inch pans, aim for approximately 1¼ cups of batter per pan. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
-
Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven. Run a thin knife around the edges of each pan to loosen the cakes. Invert them onto a plate, then immediately re-invert them onto a cooling rack, ensuring the rounded sides are facing up. Allow them to cool completely before proceeding.
-
Carefully slice off the rounded tops of the cooled cake layers using a serrated knife. This creates flat surfaces, essential for a stable and even layered cake.
-
For the frosting, in a large bowl or a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until the mixture is light and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, a cup at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and heavy cream. Continue beating on medium-high speed for about 5 minutes, until the frosting is light, fluffy, and perfectly spreadable.
-
Place the first cake layer on a cake board or serving plate. For cleaner frosting application, you can tuck strips of parchment or wax paper underneath the edges of the cake layer; these can be removed later.
-
Using an offset spatula, spread a ¼-inch thick layer of cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the first cake layer. Carefully place the next cake layer on top and repeat the frosting process until all layers are stacked.
-
Apply a thin layer of frosting around the sides and top of the stacked cake. This is called a crumb coat, and it seals in any loose crumbs. Let the cake set in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes, or until the crumb coat is firm.
-
Once the crumb coat is chilled, apply the final layer of frosting. For the signature white roses, transfer the remaining frosting to a decorator tool or a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Start in the center of a rose and pipe in a swirling motion, working your way outwards until the rose reaches your desired size. Repeat this process, covering the entire cake with these elegant white roses.
-
For optimal freshness and flavor, this cake is best enjoyed within 24 hours of preparation.
Notes
- Recipe adapted from Cakeman Raven.
- You can also make two 9-inch layers instead of four 6-inch layers; adjust baking time accordingly.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 87g |
Protein: 7g |
Fat: 31g |
Saturated Fat: 18g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 8g |
Trans Fat: 1g |
Cholesterol: 116mg |
Sodium: 443mg |
Potassium: 127mg |
Fiber: 1g |
Sugar: 66g |
Vitamin A: 1102IU |
Vitamin C: 1mg |
Calcium: 76mg |
Iron: 2mg
Did You Make This Recipe?
Don’t forget to share it with me on Instagram @sugarandsoulco and follow on Tiktok @sugarandsoulco and Pinterest @sugarandsoulco for more!
Pin Recipe
Share Recipe
Explore more fantastic *Hunger Games: Mockingjay* inspired creations below!
The Girl on Fireball Cocktail from The Love Nerds
Katniss Braided Breadsticks from Eat It & Say Yum
Hunger Games Logo Cut Files from Hey, Let’s Make Stuff
Cinna-mon Sugar Scrub from Hey, Let’s Make Stuff
“Nightlock” Berry Cupcakes with Berry Frosting from Cookie Dough and Oven Mitt
Hunger Games Wreath from illistyle
Ultimate Collection of Hunger Games Party Ideas from Play. Party. Pin.
Hunger Games T-Shirts from Play. Party. Pin.
