Valentines Heart Cake

Name: Valentines Heart Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups sugar; 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; 1 cup whole milk; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup boiling water; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Chocolate shavings; Fresh strawberries; Heart-shaped sprinkles

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Celebrate love with a delightful Valentines Heart Cake, perfect for sharing with that special someone.

Created by

Chantel Rivers

Last updated on 2025-12-31T16:28:27.532Z

This Valentines Heart Cake is a beautiful and delicious way to show your love. With its rich chocolate layers and creamy frosting, it’s sure to impress!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        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 Dessert for Two

Valentine's Day is a time to celebrate love, and what better way to express your affection than with a homemade cake? This Valentine's Heart Cake is not only visually stunning but also deliciously rich, making it perfect for sharing with that special someone. The heart shape symbolizes love and unity, making it an ideal centerpiece for your romantic dinner or celebration.

Baking together can also enhance your bond. This recipe encourages collaboration, whether you are measuring ingredients or decorating the cake. The experience of creating something wonderful together adds an extra layer of sweetness to your relationship, making the cake even more memorable.

Flavor Profile That Dazzles

The combination of rich chocolate and fresh orange zest in this cake creates a flavor profile that is both indulgent and refreshing. The chocolate offers a deep, satisfying taste, while the orange zest adds a bright note that balances the richness. This unique pairing is sure to impress your loved one and tantalize their taste buds.

The creamy frosting made from high-quality butter and cocoa powder complements the cake perfectly, ensuring every bite is a delightful experience. The addition of heavy cream gives the frosting a luxurious texture that melts in your mouth, making this cake an unforgettable treat for any celebration.

Decorating Tips for a Stunning Finish

Presentation matters, especially when it comes to a cake designed for a romantic occasion. Start by ensuring your cake layers are level before applying frosting. Use a serrated knife to trim any uneven tops, which will help your cake look polished and professional.

To elevate the visual appeal, consider using chocolate shavings and fresh strawberries as decorative elements. Not only do they add charm, but they also enhance the flavor experience. Heart-shaped sprinkles can be scattered on top for that extra touch of love, making your Valentine's Heart Cake truly special.

Ingredients

For the Cake

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water

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 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Decoration

Chocolate shavings
Fresh strawberries
Heart-shaped sprinkles

Make sure to have all ingredients at room temperature for the best results.

Instructions

Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch heart-shaped cake pans. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla, and mix until smooth. Carefully stir in boiling water.

Bake the Cakes

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Make the Frosting

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with heavy cream and vanilla, until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving platter. Spread a layer of frosting on top, then place the second layer on top. Frost the entire cake and decorate with chocolate shavings, strawberries, and heart-shaped sprinkles.

Let the cake set for at least 30 minutes before slicing to allow the frosting to firm up.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

After enjoying your Valentine's Heart Cake, you may have some leftovers. Store any uneaten portions in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. Just make sure to let the cake come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

This cake is versatile enough to serve on its own or with a side of whipped cream. A scoop of vanilla ice cream would also complement the rich chocolate flavor beautifully, making it a delightful dessert for any occasion, not just Valentine's Day.

Variations to Try

While this recipe is perfect as is, you can easily customize it to suit your preferences. For example, consider adding a layer of raspberry or cherry jam between the cake layers for an extra burst of flavor. This fruity addition can enhance the overall taste and add a lovely contrast to the chocolate.

If you’re a fan of nuts, feel free to incorporate some finely chopped hazelnuts or walnuts into either the cake batter or as a topping. This will give your cake a delightful crunch and add an additional layer of flavor that complements the chocolate beautifully.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, this cake can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

→ What can I use instead of eggs?

You can substitute eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce for a vegan option.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

→ Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 months.