Red Velvet Number Cake

Sponge

• 120 g unsalted butter, soft, plus extra for greasing
• 300 g golden caster sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 40 g cocoa powder
• red food colouring gel
• 1 tsp natural vanilla extract
• 240 g buttermilk
• 300 g plain flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
• 3 tsp white wine vinegar

Cream Cheese Buttercream

• 200 g unsalted butter, soft
• 250 g icing sugar
• ½ tsp natural vanilla extract
• 200 g cream cheese, full fat, room temperature (see tip)

Decoration

• 532 g coloured chocolate sweets (e.g. M&Ms) (4 x 133 g bags)