Valentines Heart Cake Recipe

Highlighted under: Soft Ideas

This Valentines Heart Cake Recipe is a delightful way to celebrate love with a rich and decadent dessert that is sure to impress.

Kendra Lawson

Created by

Kendra Lawson

Last updated on 2026-01-03T07:09:34.713Z

This cake is not just a dessert; it's a heartfelt gesture that speaks volumes of your affection. The combination of rich chocolate and a hint of orange zest makes it a memorable treat for 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 meant for celebrating love in all its forms. This Valentine's Heart Cake Recipe not only embodies the spirit of romance but also tantalizes the taste buds with its rich flavors and creamy textures. The heart shape of the cake serves as a romantic symbol, making it an ideal dessert for a candlelit dinner or a cozy celebration at home.

As you prepare this cake, you'll find that every step is infused with love—from mixing the ingredients to the final touches of decoration. Baking together can be a wonderful bonding experience, allowing you to create lasting memories while indulging in a delicious treat. Whether it's for a partner, a family member, or even a friend, this cake is sure to make anyone feel cherished.

Perfect for Any Occasion

While this cake is perfect for Valentine's Day, its rich chocolate flavor and delightful presentation make it suitable for any celebration. Birthdays, anniversaries, or even a surprise treat just because—this heart cake is versatile and can be enjoyed year-round. The addition of fresh orange zest elevates the flavors, creating a unique twist that sets it apart from traditional chocolate cakes.

Moreover, the cake can be easily customized to suit your personal preferences. You can experiment with different fillings, such as raspberry or cherry, to add an extra layer of flavor. This cake not only satisfies a sweet craving but also offers a canvas for creativity, allowing you to make it uniquely yours.

Tips for Baking Success

To ensure your Valentine's Heart Cake turns out perfectly, it's important to measure your ingredients accurately. Baking is a science, and even slight variations can impact the final product. Use the scoop and level method for flour and sugar to avoid packing them too tightly, which can lead to a denser cake.

Additionally, allow the cake to cool completely before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and sliding off, ensuring a beautiful presentation. If you're short on time, you can prepare the cake layers a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.

Ingredients

For the Cake

  • 1 3/4 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
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Garnish

  • Chocolate shavings
  • Fresh berries

Gather all ingredients before starting the preparation.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

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

Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Add Wet Ingredients

Add eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Stir in boiling water last.

Bake the Cake

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

Prepare the Frosting

In a bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with heavy cream, beating until smooth. Stir in vanilla.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are cooled, frost the top of one cake layer, place the second layer on top, and frost the sides and top of the entire cake.

Garnish

Decorate with chocolate shavings and fresh berries before serving.

Slice and serve your delicious Valentines Heart Cake to your loved ones!

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Pro Tips

  • For a more intense chocolate flavor, use dark cocoa powder in the frosting.

Storing Your Cake

If you have leftovers (which is always a possibility with such a delicious cake!), storing your Valentine's Heart Cake properly is essential to maintain its freshness. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. It can be kept at room temperature for a couple of days, but for longer preservation, refrigerate it. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for a bit before serving, as it tastes best when slightly warmed.

You can also freeze the cake for up to three months. To do so, slice it into portions and wrap each piece in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can enjoy a sweet treat whenever the craving hits!

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving your Valentine's Heart Cake, presentation is key. Consider serving slices on elegant plates and adding a side of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence. A drizzle of chocolate sauce or a sprinkle of powdered sugar can elevate the visual appeal, making the dessert even more tempting.

Pair the cake with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of dessert wine to complement its rich flavors. The combination of chocolate and orange zest creates a delightful tasting experience that pairs beautifully with both hot and cold beverages, making for a perfect ending to a romantic meal.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day ahead and store them wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature.

→ What can I substitute for eggs?

You can use flax eggs or applesauce as a substitute for eggs in this recipe.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cake layers for up to 3 months. Just make sure they are well wrapped.

Valentines Heart Cake Recipe

This Valentines Heart Cake Recipe is a delightful way to celebrate love with a rich and decadent dessert that is sure to impress.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration30 minutes
Overall Time50 minutes

Created by: Kendra Lawson

Recipe Type: Soft Ideas

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 8 servings

What You'll Need

For the Cake

  1. 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
  3. 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  4. 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  5. 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  6. 1 teaspoon salt
  7. 2 large eggs
  8. 1 cup whole milk
  9. 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  10. 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  11. 1 cup boiling water

For the Frosting

  1. 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  2. 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  3. 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  4. 1/4 cup heavy cream
  5. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Garnish

  1. Chocolate shavings
  2. Fresh berries

How-To Steps

Step 01

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

Step 02

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

Step 03

Add eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Stir in boiling water last.

Step 04

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

Step 05

In a bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with heavy cream, beating until smooth. Stir in vanilla.

Step 06

Once the cakes are cooled, frost the top of one cake layer, place the second layer on top, and frost the sides and top of the entire cake.

Step 07

Decorate with chocolate shavings and fresh berries before serving.

Extra Tips

  1. For a more intense chocolate flavor, use dark cocoa powder in the frosting.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Total Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 195mg
  • Sodium: 85mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 24g
  • Protein: 6g