Valentines Heart Cake

Name: Valentines Heart Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 ½ tsp baking powder; 1 ½ tsp baking soda; 1 tsp salt; 2 large eggs; 1 cup whole milk; ½ cup vegetable oil; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup boiling water; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 ½ cups powdered sugar; ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; ½ cup heavy cream; 2 tsp vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

A delightful cake that captures the essence of love with its heart shape and rich flavors.

Created by

Riley Dawson

Last updated on 2025-12-31T14:58:21.333Z

This Valentines Heart Cake is not just a dessert; it's a heartfelt expression of love. Perfect for any romantic occasion!

        Why You'll Love This Cake
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh orange zest
Creamy texture that melts in your mouth
Perfect for celebrations or as a sweet indulgence

      

The Perfect Cake for Any Occasion

Valentine's Day is a wonderful opportunity to express your love through thoughtful gestures, and what better way to do that than with a homemade cake? The Valentine's Heart Cake is not only visually stunning but also bursting with rich flavors that will impress your loved ones. Whether you're celebrating a romantic evening or a gathering with friends, this cake adds a personal touch that store-bought treats simply can't match.

This cake isn’t just for Valentine’s Day; it’s an excellent choice for anniversaries, birthdays, or any celebration where love is in the air. Its heart shape symbolizes affection, making it a meaningful dessert for any occasion. Serve it at a dinner party, and watch as your guests are enamored not only by its taste but also by its heartfelt presentation.

Tips for Baking Success

To ensure your Valentine's Heart Cake turns out perfectly, start by measuring your ingredients accurately. Baking is a science, and precision is key to achieving the ideal texture and flavor. Use a kitchen scale for the dry ingredients, and make sure to level off your measuring cups for flour and sugar to avoid dense cake layers.

Pay close attention to the baking time. Every oven is different, so start checking your cakes a few minutes before the suggested baking time. Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your cake is ready. Overbaking can lead to a dry cake, so be vigilant!

Serving and Storing Your Cake

Once you’ve assembled your cake, let it sit for a few minutes to allow the frosting to set. This will help with presentation when slicing. For an extra special touch, consider garnishing with chocolate shavings, fresh berries, or edible flowers. These details enhance not only the visual appeal but also the overall flavor profile of your dessert.

If you have any leftovers, store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for up to a week. To keep the frosting fresh, you can separate the layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This cake freezes beautifully as well; just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to three months. Simply thaw in the fridge before serving.

Ingredients

For the Cake

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 ½ tsp baking powder
1 ½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
½ cup vegetable oil
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water

For the Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 ½ cups powdered sugar
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
½ cup heavy cream
2 tsp vanilla extract

Make sure to measure all ingredients accurately for the best results.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two heart-shaped cake pans.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Add Wet Ingredients

Add eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla to the dry ingredients. Mix until well combined.

Incorporate Boiling Water

Stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth. The batter will be thin.

Bake the Cakes

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Cool the Cakes

Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Frosting

In a bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with heavy cream and vanilla until smooth.

Assemble the Cake

Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread frosting on top, then add the second layer and frost the top and sides.

Decorate with chocolate shavings or fresh berries if desired!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different flavors for the cake? Absolutely! While this recipe highlights the rich chocolate and orange zest combination, feel free to experiment with flavors such as vanilla, lemon, or even a red velvet base. Just remember to adjust the cocoa powder accordingly if you’re making a lighter cake.

What if I don't have heart-shaped pans? No problem! You can use round cake pans instead. Simply bake the cakes in standard round pans and once cooled, use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to create heart shapes from the baked rounds. This alternative still captures the love theme while making the process easier.

Pairing Suggestions

To elevate your Valentine's Heart Cake experience, consider pairing it with a glass of red wine or a rich coffee. The depth of flavor in both beverages complements the chocolate beautifully, enhancing every bite. For a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling fruit beverage or a refreshing iced tea can also be delightful.

Adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side can take this dessert to the next level. The creamy texture balances the cake's richness, making for a decadent treat that will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different shape pan?

Yes, you can use round or square pans, just adjust the baking time as needed.

→ How should I store the cake?

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cakes a day in advance and frost them the day you plan to serve.

→ What can I substitute for eggs?

You can use applesauce or a flaxseed meal mixture as an egg substitute.