Entertainment

How To Make 'Harry Potter' Treats, In Honor Of The Chosen One's Birthday

by Yvette Manes

Believe it or not, the boy who lived will turn 36 on July 31 this year, and Harry Potter fans from all over the world will come together to celebrate the bespectacled wizard's big day. Some will enjoy a movie marathon and others may take part in backyard Quidditch matches. But another way to join in on all the wizarding fun is to learn how to make Harry Potter treats in honor of his birthday.

Harry's birthday is extra special this year, as it coincides with the highly-anticipated release of J.K. Rowling's sequel to her beloved seven-part series. Harry Potter and The Cursed Child. The unofficial eighth installment will have its world theatrical premiere on July 30 at the Palace Theatre in London, and hit book stores at 12:01 a.m. on July 31.

I can neither confirm nor deny that I have secretly moved into my local 24-hour big box store in order to get my hands on a hard copy of Harry Potter and The Cursed Child. But, I can say that I will be curled up with mug full of homemade butterbeer while I delve into the next chapter of my favorite book series ever.

If you're looking to celebrate the special day with some special sweets, here are some Harry Potter-inspired recipes you can recreate on this most momentous of birthdays.

1

Harry Potter Butterbeer Cupcakes

This Harry Potter butterbeer cupcakes recipe by Sugar & Soul is said to taste like "french toast and butterbeer had a baby" with bits of toffee throughout. Rebecca added lightning bolt sprinkles to the whipped butterbeer frosting as a special touch. You know you want one.

2

Harry Potter Pumpkin Juice

My Frugal Adventure's Harry Potter pumpkin juice is primarily apple cider with hints of pumpkin and apricot. It's refreshing and not overly sweet. Perfect for when you're reading Harry Potter by the pool.

3

Florean Fortescue Butterbeer Ice Cream

Another treat perfect for Harry's summer birthday is Florean Fortescue butterbeer ice cream by Food In Literature. This ice cream is made with actual British ale, so it's easy to pretend you are sitting at a pub sharing a pint with a grown-up Harry Potter.

4

4. Harry Potter Cauldron Cakes

Your Cup of Cake's Harry Potter cauldron cakes look like they have some Polyjuice Potion bubbling on top. But, rest assured it is only delicious devil's food cake with vanilla pudding.

5

Best Butterbeer Recipe Ever

If you love frozen drinks, Princess Pinky Girl's best butterbeer recipe ever is definitely the best butterbeer recipe ever. And, because Harry's birthday is such an important occasion you can splurge on full-fat vanilla ice cream.

6

Golden Snitch Cake Pops

Pint Sized Baker went all out with her golden snitch cake pop tutorial using gold disco dust and edible sugar sheets for the wings. I don't know if I want to eat this, or just stare at its beauty.

7

Licorice Wands

These licorice wands by A Pastry Affair are super easy and so adorable. Just use licorice twists, candy coating (like candy melts), and sprinkles. Even your littlest Harry Potter fans can help with this recipe.

8

Quidditch Players Pie

Who says that a treat has to be sweet? The Audacious Cook's quidditch player's pie is a Potterverse version of a shepherd's pie, and will make the perfect birthday dinner. Melted cheese makes everything more delicious.

9

Pumpkin Butterbeer Hot Chocolate

All you have to do is look at this pumpkin butterbeer hot chocolate by Half Baked Harvest to know how great it is. What I like best about this recipe is that it uses milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate. So good.

10

Pretzel Wands

Meatloaf and Melodrama's pretzel wands will have your little ones running around the house shouting "Alohomora!" This super easy snack is sweet and salty – my favorite.

11

Butterbeer Cookies

If you like the thumbprint cookies that are popular in holiday cookie exchanges, you will love these butterbeer cookies by Cookies & Cups. Inside the indentation is a yummy butterscotch ganache. I bet Mrs. Weasley makes cookies like these.

12

Weasley is Our King Cupcakes

Even though it's Harry's big day, these Weasley is our king cupcakes by Sugar Bean Bakers are a perfect addition to your celebration. Just look at those adorable crowns made from fondant and silver dragrees.

13

Chocolate Frogs

Any Harry Potter fan will tell you that chocolate frogs have "only got one good jump in them." The good news is that these chocolate frogs by Cooking With Curls definitely won't jump out of the Hogwart's Express window. How do I know? Because they are actually turtles in disguise, filled with pecans and caramel.