Valentines Heart Cake Recipe

Name: Valentines Heart Cake Recipe
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 cocoa powder; ¼ cup heavy cream; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Fresh strawberries or raspberries; Chocolate shavings or heart sprinkles

Highlighted under: Baked Favorites

Celebrate love with this exquisite Valentines Heart Cake, perfect for impressing your special someone.

Created by

Ione Rutherford

Last updated on 2026-01-03T00:49:35.247Z

This Valentines Heart Cake is not just a dessert; it's a symbol of love and affection, meticulously crafted to celebrate the special bond between you and your loved one. With its rich chocolate flavor and a hint of citrus, this cake is sure to create unforgettable memories.

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 Treat for Your Valentine

This Valentine's Heart Cake is not just a dessert; it's a heartfelt expression of love. The rich chocolate flavor is beautifully complemented by fresh orange zest, creating a delightful taste experience that will leave your loved one craving more. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to surprise someone with a sweet treat, this cake is sure to make an impression.

Baking this cake together can be a romantic activity that brings you closer. The process of mixing the ingredients, pouring the batter, and decorating the cake can create cherished memories. Plus, the smell of fresh chocolate cake wafting through your kitchen will set a warm and loving atmosphere.

A Decadent Chocolate Experience

Chocolate is often considered the ultimate indulgence, and this cake does not disappoint. The combination of high-quality cocoa powder and a rich, creamy frosting creates a decadent dessert that feels luxurious and special. Each bite melts in your mouth, making it a perfect treat to share with someone you love.

The addition of orange zest not only enhances the chocolate flavor but also adds a refreshing twist that elevates this cake from traditional to extraordinary. It's a unique pairing that will surprise and delight your taste buds, making it a memorable dessert for any celebration.

Versatile Decoration Ideas

The decoration options for this cake are as limitless as your imagination. Fresh strawberries or raspberries lend a pop of color and a burst of freshness, perfectly balancing the richness of the chocolate. You can also experiment with heart-shaped sprinkles or chocolate shavings to give your cake a festive flair.

For a more personalized touch, consider adding a sweet message with frosting or using edible glitter to create a sparkling effect. These little details can turn an already beautiful cake into a stunning centerpiece that captures the spirit of love and celebration.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create your delightful cake:

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 cocoa powder
¼ cup heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla extract

For Decoration

Fresh strawberries or raspberries
Chocolate shavings or heart sprinkles

Ensure all ingredients are measured accurately for the best results.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your beautiful Valentines Heart Cake:

Preheat the Oven

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

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract.

Combine Mixtures

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until combined. Stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Frost

Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks. Once completely cool, frost with chocolate frosting.

Decorate

Decorate with fresh berries and chocolate shavings as desired.

Slice and serve this delightful cake to your loved ones!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, consider adding a layer of orange zest to the frosting for a refreshing twist.

Serving Suggestions

This Valentine's Heart Cake is best enjoyed fresh, but it can also be stored for a few days in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to impress your Valentine even more, consider serving the cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The contrast of temperatures and textures will enhance the overall experience.

Pairing this cake with a glass of red wine or a rich coffee can also elevate the flavors. The bitterness of the coffee or the fruity notes of the wine can beautifully complement the sweetness of the cake, making for a perfectly balanced dessert experience.

Storage Tips

To keep your Valentine's Heart Cake fresh, ensure it is completely cooled before wrapping it in plastic wrap or storing it in an airtight container. If you're planning on making the cake ahead of time, storing it in the refrigerator can help maintain its moisture and texture. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.

If you have leftover cake, you can also freeze it. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw the slices in the refrigerator when you're ready to enjoy them again, and they’ll taste like they were freshly baked.

Customization Options

Feel free to customize this cake recipe to suit your preferences! If you or your loved one has a particular favorite flavor, you can easily swap out the orange zest for another citrus or even a different extract like almond or mint. This recipe is versatile enough to accommodate your creative twists.

For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Similarly, you can use dairy-free alternatives for the frosting, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this delightful treat, regardless of dietary restrictions.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of frosting?

Absolutely! Cream cheese frosting or vanilla buttercream would also work beautifully.

→ How should I store leftovers?

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

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance and frost it just before serving.

→ Is this cake suitable for freezing?

Yes, you can freeze the baked and cooled cake layers for up to 2 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap.