Feel the Love with This Heart Cake!
Ever had a dessert that makes your heart flutter? This Heart Cake is the embodiment of sweet affection, with rich chocolate flavors and a fluffy texture that’ll leave everyone swooning! It’s simple enough for beginners but gorgeous enough to impress your loved ones or guests. Bake this cake, and you’ll be the star of your next celebration!
Why Make This Recipe
Why go for a basic cake when you can have a heart-shaped masterpiece? Here are a few reasons to whip up this delightful treat:
- Easy to make: You don’t need to be a master baker; just follow a few steps and voilà!
- Perfect for any occasion: Birthdays, anniversaries, or just because. Who doesn’t love a heart-shaped cake?
- Minimal cleanup: One mixing bowl will leave you more time to enjoy rather than scrub! 🙌
Ingredients
You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- For frosting:
- 1 cup butter
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 2/3 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two heart-shaped cake pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla to the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
- Carefully stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared 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, then remove from pans and cool completely on a wire rack.
- To make the frosting, cream the butter in a bowl, then gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with milk and adding vanilla until desired consistency is reached.
- Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the top of one cake layer, stack the second layer on top, and frost the top and sides.
- Decorate as desired and serve!
How to Make Heart Cake (Overview)
Making this Heart Cake is a breeze! Start by mixing the dry ingredients, add the wet ones, then stir in that hot water (trust me, it’s magic). Pour it into your heart-shaped pans and bake! After that, you’ll whip together a creamy frosting to cover every inch of that gorgeous cake. Pro tip: let the cake cool completely before frosting, or you’ll end up with a melty mess!
How to Serve Heart Cake
Time to make the presentation sing! This rich, chocolatey cake pairs beautifully with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Picture it: a moist, deep brown layer set off by a fluffy white frosting, maybe sprinkled with some colorful sprinkles or edible flowers for that extra wow factor. The aroma alone will have your guests begging for seconds! 😍
How to Store Heart Cake
Want to savor that love a little longer? Store the Heart Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for about 3 months, just slice it first for easy access! When you’re ready to enjoy, let it sit at room temperature or pop it in the microwave for a few seconds to warm it up.
Tips to Make Heart Cake
- Don’t skip the boiling water step; it’s a game changer for moist cake!
- For a richer flavor, try using dark cocoa powder instead of regular.
- Got a sweet tooth? Add some chocolate chips into the batter for extra decadence!
- If you’re short on time, store-bought frosting works just fine!
Variation
Feel like switching things up? You can easily turn this Heart Cake into a vanilla version by swapping out the cocoa powder for more flour and a touch of almond extract. Or, channel your inner health nut by using almond flour for a gluten-free twist. No one will ever know! 😉
FAQs
1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake, cool, and frost the cake up to 2 days ahead. Just store it in the fridge!
2. How do I prevent the cake from sticking?
Greasing and flouring the pans well is key. You can also use parchment paper for extra insurance!
3. Can I freeze the frosting?
Yes, you can freeze leftover frosting in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it before using.
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
Heart Cake
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups sugar
- 0.5 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1.5 tsp baking powder
- 1.5 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 0.5 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water Adding hot water makes the cake extra moist.
Frosting Ingredients
- 1 cup butter Softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 0.5 cup cocoa powder
- 2/3 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two heart-shaped cake pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla to the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
- Carefully stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth.
Baking
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared 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, then remove from pans and cool completely on a wire rack.
Frosting
- To make the frosting, cream the butter in a bowl.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with milk and adding vanilla until desired consistency is reached.
Assembly
- Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the top of one cake layer, stack the second layer on top, and frost the top and sides.
- Decorate as desired and serve!
Notes
Printable Recipe Card
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