Step 2

Preheat oven to 170°C (fan forced). Grease and line three 20cm cake tins with baking paper.

Step 4

Combine butter, sugar and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat on high until light and creamy, approximately 3-5 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, mixing until fully incorporated.

Step 6

Place cocoa powder in a small bowl with Vanilla Extract and add Red Food Colour Gel until a paste forms. Add to batter and mix until incorporated.

Step 8

Add half the flour and half the buttermilk to the batter, mix to incorporate. Add the remaining flour and buttermilk mixing until just combined.

Step 10

Mix vinegar and bicarb in a small bowl before adding to the batter and mix to incorporate. Pour into prepared tin and bake for 30 minutes or until an inserted skewer comes out clean.

Step 12

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat cream cheese until smooth.

Step 14

Add Vanilla Bean Paste and butter and mix until just incorporated. Add icing sugar and mix on low until combined – do not over mix.

Step 16

Spread or pipe half the icing onto the first cake layer, top with second layer and repeat with remaining icing. Use a spoon or offset spatula to swirl the icing on top.