Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion to express love and appreciation for your significant other, and what better way to do it than with a homemade cake? This delightful Valentine’s Day cake is moist, rich, and topped with a luscious frosting that will make your celebration extra special.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup hot water
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Blend Together: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Stir in hot water until the batter is smooth.
- Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Frosting: In a large bowl, beat butter until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Slowly pour in the heavy cream and vanilla extract, beating until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble & Decorate: Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread frosting over the top, then place the second layer on top. Cover the entire cake with frosting and decorate with sprinkles, chocolate shavings, or fresh berries.
FAQs:
1. Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes! You can bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them tightly wrapped at room temperature. Frosting can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
2. Can I substitute buttermilk? Absolutely. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tbsp of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
3. How do I store leftovers? Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes & More:
- For a romantic touch, use a heart-shaped cake pan.
- Add a drizzle of melted chocolate or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra decoration.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
With this Valentine’s Day cake recipe, you’ll create a sweet, heartfelt dessert that will make the day even more memorable. Enjoy baking and spreading love!
