Valentines Heart Cake

Name: Valentines Heart Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; 1 cup whole milk; ½ cup vegetable oil; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup boiling water; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 ½ cups powdered sugar; ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; ¼ cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Fresh raspberries; Chocolate shavings; Heart-shaped sprinkles

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Celebrate love with this delightful Valentines Heart Cake, perfect for any romantic occasion.

Created by

Erin Wallace

Last updated on 2025-12-31T16:28:27.613Z

This Valentines Heart Cake is not just a dessert; it's a heartfelt gift that expresses your love. With layers of rich chocolate and a hint of raspberry, this cake is sure to impress your special someone.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh raspberry
Beautiful heart shape that shows your affection
Perfect for celebrations or as a sweet indulgence

      

The Perfect Dessert for Any Occasion

Whether you’re celebrating a romantic dinner, an anniversary, or simply want to treat someone special, this Valentines Heart Cake is an ideal choice. Its rich chocolate flavor combined with the tartness of fresh raspberries creates a delightful contrast that is sure to impress. Not only does it taste amazing, but its beautiful heart shape makes it a visual treat too.

This cake is not just for Valentine’s Day; its elegant appearance and delicious taste make it suitable for birthdays, weddings, or any celebration centered around love and affection. Baking this cake can become a cherished tradition, creating sweet memories with those you hold dear.

Baking Tips for Success

To achieve the perfect texture for your heart cake, it’s essential to measure your ingredients accurately. Use a kitchen scale for precision, especially when measuring flour and sugar. Additionally, ensure that your butter is softened adequately to achieve a creamy frosting that spreads easily over the cake layers.

Don't rush the cooling process! Let the cakes cool in the pans for a short period before transferring them to wire racks. This helps maintain their shape and prevents them from breaking. Patience is key to creating a beautiful cake that not only looks good but tastes great.

Customizing Your Cake

While the original recipe is delightful, feel free to customize your Valentines Heart Cake to suit your taste. Consider adding a layer of raspberry jam between the cake layers for an extra burst of flavor or experimenting with different types of chocolate in the frosting. You can also use flavored extracts like almond or orange to enhance the overall taste.

For those who prefer a lighter cake, try substituting some of the all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour. This variation can add a unique flavor and texture, making your heart cake even more special and tailored to your preferences.

Ingredients

For the Cake

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

For the Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 ½ cups powdered sugar
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
¼ cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Decoration

Fresh raspberries
Chocolate shavings
Heart-shaped sprinkles

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting.

Instructions

Prepare the Cake Batter

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

Bake the Cakes

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Make the Frosting

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

Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate and spread frosting on top. Add the second layer and frost the top and sides of the cake. Decorate with fresh raspberries, chocolate shavings, and heart-shaped sprinkles.

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

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving your Valentines Heart Cake, presentation is everything. Consider placing the cake on a decorative platter and garnishing it with additional fresh raspberries and a dusting of powdered sugar. This not only enhances its visual appeal but also elevates the overall dining experience.

Pair the cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful contrast in textures. The creaminess of the ice cream or whipped cream complements the rich chocolate cake beautifully, making each bite a divine indulgence.

Storing Your Cake

If you have leftovers (which is unlikely!), store your Valentines Heart Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can wrap slices in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to a month. When you're ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature for a few hours before serving.

To keep the frosting fresh, consider separating the layers with parchment paper before stacking. This will prevent the frosting from sticking and maintain the cake’s beautiful appearance when you’re ready to serve it again.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different flavor of cake?

Yes, you can substitute the chocolate cake with vanilla or any other flavor you prefer.

→ How do I store the cake?

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cakes a day in advance and frost them just before serving.

→ Is this cake suitable for gluten-free diets?

You can use a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake gluten-free.