Description
Celebrate love with this Sweet Valentine Cake, a moist and flavorful dessert perfect for Valentine’s Day. With rich flavors, a soft texture, and a romantic presentation, this cake will impress your loved one. Whether you choose classic red velvet, chocolate, or a fruity variation, this recipe ensures a delightful treat for any special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup whole milk or buttermilk
- ½ cup cocoa powder (if making a chocolate version)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
For the Frosting:
- 2 cups unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp heavy cream or milk
- Food coloring (red or pink, optional)
For Decoration:
- Fresh strawberries or raspberries
- Chocolate shavings or sprinkles
- Edible flowers (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with the milk.
- If making a chocolate version, stir in cocoa powder at this stage.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
- Divide the batter evenly between the cake pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Make the Frosting
- In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until smooth.
- Stir in vanilla extract and heavy cream, beating until fluffy. Add food coloring if desired.
Step 4: Assemble and Decorate
- Spread frosting on one cake layer, then place the second layer on top.
- Frost the entire cake, smoothing the sides with a spatula.
- Decorate with fresh berries, chocolate shavings, or edible flowers.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend.
- To make a vegan version, replace eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based milk and butter.
- For extra moisture, brush cake layers with simple syrup before frosting.
- Storage Tip: Keep the cake covered at room temperature for two days, or refrigerate for up to five days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Valentine cake, chocolate cake, red velvet cake, romantic dessert