Description
Chocolate lovers rejoice with this Valentine’s Day Cake, a delightful dessert that blends rich cocoa and sweet romance. Each slice promises pure indulgence, inviting you to savor a moment of passionate culinary bliss.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 box vanilla or red velvet cake mix
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
Flavoring and Coloring:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Red food coloring
Frosting Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups (240 grams) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) milk
- Pink or red food coloring (optional)
Optional Decorations:
- Heart-shaped sprinkles
- Fresh strawberries
- Fresh raspberries
Instructions
- Preheat the oven according to cake mix guidelines and prepare a heart-shaped cake pan by lightly coating with grease and flour to prevent sticking.
- Combine cake mix ingredients in a mixing bowl, incorporating vanilla extract and red food coloring to create a vibrant romantic hue. Blend until the mixture is smooth and consistent.
- Transfer the crimson batter into the prepared pan, ensuring even distribution for uniform baking.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake following package instructions until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack, preventing moisture buildup and ensuring a stable cake structure.
- Prepare the frosting by whipping butter until light and fluffy, gradually introducing powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk to create a silky smooth texture.
- Adjust the frosting’s color with additional food coloring if desired, creating a complementary or contrasting shade.
- Once the cake has cooled entirely, carefully spread the frosting across the surface using a spatula for an even, elegant finish.
- Embellish the frosted cake with delicate sprinkles and fresh berries, adding a playful and romantic touch to the Valentine’s Day dessert.
Notes
- Ensure the cake mix is at room temperature for smoother mixing and better rising.
- Use gel food coloring for more vibrant red without altering the batter’s consistency.
- For a gluten-free version, swap the standard cake mix with a gluten-free alternative and check baking time adjustments.
- Add a splash of almond extract to enhance the vanilla flavor and create a more complex taste profile.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg