Valentine’s Day Cake

Valentine’s Day is a special occasion that calls for sweet gestures and romantic treats, and what better way to express your love than with a beautifully crafted Valentine’s Day cake? This article will guide you through creating a heartwarming cake that combines rich flavors and beautiful decoration, perfect for sharing with someone you cherish. You will find a list of ingredients you’ll need, step-by-step instructions to create a cake that looks as good as it tastes, a handy recipe card, a nutrition card, and answers to some frequently asked questions. With this Valentine’s Day cake, you’ll be making memories worth cherishing!

Ingredients

• 2 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 frosting:
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• ½ cup cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• For decoration:
• Red and pink sprinkles
• Fresh strawberries or raspberries

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, ensuring even coverage for easy release.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk them until well combined.

3. Combine the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Beat these ingredients together until they are smooth and well blended.

4. Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix on medium speed for about 2 minutes. Carefully add in the boiling water; the batter will be thin, but that’s perfectly normal.

5. Bake the Cakes

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Frosting and Decoration

6. Prepare the Frosting

While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing until smooth. Add the heavy cream and vanilla extract, and beat for an additional 3-4 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy.

7. Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one cake layer on a serving platter. Spread a layer of frosting on top, then place the second layer on top of the first. Use the remaining frosting to coat the entire cake evenly.

8. Decorate the Cake

Sprinkle red and pink sprinkles over the frosted surface of the cake and decorate with fresh strawberries or raspberries. Feel free to get creative; use heart-shaped cookie cutters to create decorative cutouts from leftover cake scraps!

Recipe Card

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes | Category: Dessert | Method: Baking | Cuisine: American

Nutrition Card

Calories: 410 per slice | Sugar: 45g | Fat: 20g | Carbohydrates: 55g | Fiber: 2g | Protein: 5g | Yields: 12 slices

FAQs

1. Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well for consistency.

2. How do I store leftovers?

The Valentine’s Day cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

3. Can I freeze the cake?

Absolutely! You can freeze the unfrosted cake layers wrapped in plastic wrap. They will last up to three months in the freezer. Thaw them in the refrigerator before icing.

4. What can I use instead of eggs?

You can use flax eggs or applesauce as a substitute. For each egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water or use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce.

5. How can I make this cake dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version, use plant-based milk such as almond or coconut milk and substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative. Adjust powdered sugar for a consistent texture.

I’m so glad you’re here. If you enjoyed this recipe or found it helpful, feel free to share it with your friends and family great food is meant to be shared! Don’t forget to follow me on Facebook and Pinterest for more delicious recipes, kitchen tips, and daily cooking inspiration. Your support means the world to me, and I look forward to bringing you even more tasty ideas straight from my kitchen.

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