Valentines Heart Cake
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Celebrate love with this delightful Valentines Heart Cake, perfect for romantic occasions or just to enjoy with someone special.
This Valentines Heart Cake is a labor of love, featuring rich chocolate layers and a luscious raspberry filling. It's designed to impress and delight anyone lucky enough to share it with you!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh raspberry filling
- Beautiful heart shape that makes it perfect for celebrations
- Moist and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth
A Perfect Treat for Any Occasion
This Valentines Heart Cake is not just for Valentine's Day; it's an excellent choice for anniversaries, birthdays, or any romantic celebration. The heart shape adds a personal touch that will impress your loved one. You can also customize the decorations based on the occasion, making it versatile for various events.
The combination of rich chocolate and fresh raspberries creates a unique flavor profile that is both indulgent and refreshing. The sweetness of the cake balances beautifully with the tartness of the raspberries, making each bite a delightful experience. Your loved ones will appreciate the effort you put into creating this stunning dessert.
Tips for Baking Success
When preparing the cake batter, ensure that all your ingredients are at room temperature for the best results. This allows for better mixing and a fluffier cake. Also, be sure to measure your flour correctly—spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife to avoid dense cake.
If you're short on time, you can make the cake layers a day in advance. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld together wonderfully.
Presentation and Serving Suggestions
To elevate the presentation of your Valentines Heart Cake, consider garnishing it with fresh raspberries or a dusting of powdered sugar. Chocolate shavings or edible flowers can also add a beautiful touch, making the cake even more visually appealing.
Pair the cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. This not only adds a creamy texture but also balances the sweetness of the cake, creating a perfect dessert experience.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
For the Filling
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam
For the Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Prepare the Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two heart-shaped cake pans.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla, and mix until smooth. Stir in the boiling water until well combined.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool completely.
Make the Filling
In a small bowl, mix the fresh raspberries with the raspberry jam until well combined. Set aside.
Prepare the Frosting
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with the heavy cream, until you reach the desired consistency. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Assemble the Cake
Once the cakes have cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread the raspberry filling on top, then place the second layer on top. Frost the entire cake with the chocolate frosting.
Serve
Decorate with additional raspberries or chocolate shavings if desired. Slice and serve to your loved ones!
Storing Your Cake
To keep your Valentines Heart Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to keep it longer, consider refrigerating it, but be aware that refrigeration can sometimes alter the texture of the frosting.
For longer storage, you can freeze the cake. Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature for a few hours before frosting and serving.
Variations to Try
Feel free to experiment with the flavors in this cake. Instead of raspberry, try using strawberry or blueberry jam for the filling, or even a layer of lemon curd for a zesty twist. Each variation will offer a different yet delightful taste experience.
For a more decadent treat, consider adding a chocolate ganache layer between the cake and frosting. This adds an extra layer of richness that chocolate lovers will adore, making your cake even more irresistible.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen raspberries for the filling?
Yes, you can use frozen raspberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them before mixing with the jam.
→ How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day in advance and assemble them just before serving.
→ What can I substitute for eggs?
You can use flax eggs or applesauce as an egg substitute for this recipe.
Valentines Heart Cake
Celebrate love with this delightful Valentines Heart Cake, perfect for romantic occasions or just to enjoy with someone special.
Created by: Clara Jennings
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 8 servings
What You'll Need
For the Cake
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
For the Filling
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam
For the Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two heart-shaped cake pans.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla, and mix until smooth. Stir in the boiling water until well combined.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool completely.
In a small bowl, mix the fresh raspberries with the raspberry jam until well combined. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with the heavy cream, until you reach the desired consistency. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Once the cakes have cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread the raspberry filling on top, then place the second layer on top. Frost the entire cake with the chocolate frosting.
Decorate with additional raspberries or chocolate shavings if desired. Slice and serve to your loved ones!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 6g