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: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 3/4 cups granulated 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; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; Fresh strawberries; Chocolate shavings; Heart-shaped sprinkles

Highlighted under: Festive Meals

Celebrate love with this delightful and decadent Valentine's Heart Cake, perfect for sharing with that special someone.

Created by

Yvette Harrington

Last updated on 2026-01-03T04:33:34.727Z

This Valentine's Heart Cake is not just a treat for the taste buds; it's also a visual delight. With its rich chocolate flavor, creamy frosting, and beautiful heart shape, it's perfect for celebrating love on Valentine's Day or any romantic occasion.

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

A Sweet Celebration of Love

Valentine's Day is a special occasion dedicated to celebrating love and affection. What better way to express your feelings than with a homemade cake? This Valentine's Heart Cake is not just a dessert; it's a heartfelt gesture that shows how much you care. The heart shape symbolizes love, making it perfect for this romantic holiday. Whether you are preparing it for your partner, friends, or family, this cake is sure to impress and create lasting memories.

Baking together can also be a wonderful way to deepen your connection with your loved ones. The process of measuring, mixing, and decorating fosters teamwork and communication. Plus, the delightful aroma of chocolate baking in the oven adds an intimate touch to your celebration. Gather your loved ones and create this delicious cake together, strengthening your bonds while indulging in a sweet treat.

The Perfect Balance of Flavors

One of the standout features of this Valentine's Heart Cake is its rich chocolate flavor paired with the fresh zest of orange. This unique combination elevates the traditional chocolate cake, adding a refreshing twist that tantalizes the taste buds. The citrus notes from the orange zest cut through the sweetness, creating a balanced flavor profile that is both indulgent and refreshing.

Moreover, the cake's creamy texture melts in your mouth, making each bite a delightful experience. The frosting, made from unsweetened cocoa powder and heavy cream, offers a smooth and luscious finish that complements the cake perfectly. Each layer is designed to bring together rich flavors and luxurious textures, making this cake a showstopper for any celebration.

Perfect for Any Occasion

While this cake is ideal for Valentine's Day, it is versatile enough to be served at any celebration or gathering. Birthdays, anniversaries, or even just a cozy night in can all be enhanced with this indulgent dessert. The heart shape adds a personal touch, making it suitable for various romantic occasions. It's a cake that resonates with love, making it a timeless choice.

Additionally, the decoration options are endless, allowing you to customize the cake to match the theme of your event. Whether you opt for fresh strawberries, chocolate shavings, or whimsical heart-shaped sprinkles, you can easily make this cake uniquely yours. This flexibility makes the Valentine's Heart Cake not just a dessert, but a canvas for your creativity.

Ingredients

For the Cake

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 3/4 cups granulated 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
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For Decoration

Fresh strawberries
Chocolate shavings
Heart-shaped sprinkles

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

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

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

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Add Wet Ingredients

Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until well combined.

Incorporate Boiling Water

Carefully stir in the boiling water to the batter until smooth. The batter will be thin.

Bake the Cakes

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

Cool the Cakes

Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Frosting

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

Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of frosting on top of one cake layer, place the second layer on top, and frost the top and sides of the cake.

Decorate

Garnish with fresh strawberries, chocolate shavings, and heart-shaped sprinkles.

Slice the cake and serve it with a smile!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the frosted cake before serving.

Tips for Baking Success

To ensure your cake turns out perfectly, it's essential to measure your ingredients accurately. Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour and sugar, which can vary in density. Additionally, make sure to sift the cocoa powder to avoid any lumps, resulting in a smoother batter. Properly preparing your cake pans by greasing and flouring them will prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.

Another tip is to avoid overmixing your batter once the wet ingredients are added. Overmixing can lead to a denser cake rather than the light and fluffy texture you desire. Mixing just until combined will allow the ingredients to blend without overworking the gluten in the flour.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

If you happen to have leftovers, store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it fresh longer, you can refrigerate it, but be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving to enjoy the best flavor and texture. If you plan to keep it for an extended period, consider freezing it. Wrap the individual cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.

When it comes to serving, consider pairing your Valentine's Heart Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A drizzle of chocolate sauce or a sprinkle of powdered sugar can also elevate the presentation. For an added touch, serve it alongside fresh strawberries or raspberries to complement the rich chocolate flavors.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different shape for the cake?

Absolutely! You can use round or square pans if you don't have heart-shaped ones.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cakes a day in advance and frost them on the day you plan to serve.

→ What can I substitute for eggs?

You can use flaxseed meal or applesauce as an egg substitute for a vegan version.