Ingredients

1 box Red Velvet cake, plus ingredients called for on box

2 8-oz. packages cream cheese, softened

1 stick butter, softened

2 1/4 c. powdered sugar

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1/2 c. cold water

2 tbsp. cornstarch

1/2 c. light corn syrup

1 tsp. vanilla extract

red food coloring

Preparation

Step 1Preheat oven to 350º and butter and flour two 9" cake pans. Prepare red velvet cake batter according to box directions. Divide between two cake pans and bake according to instructions.Step 2Make cream cheese frosting: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy, then add powdered sugar and vanilla and mix until combined.Step 3Make “blood”: in a small saucepan, stir together water and cornstarch until fully combined. Turn on heat to medium and pour in corn syrup. Let simmer and stir frequently for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and red food coloring.Step 4 Place bottom cake on a cake plate and trim the dome of the cake. Add “blood” to the top layer, just enough to dampen the cake. Cut the dome off the second cake and place upside down on the bottom layer of cake.Step 5Frost the entire outside of the cake with cream cheese frosting, making sure to make an extra smooth layer on top. Pour “blood” on the top and allow some to drip down the sides. Serve.

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