Valentines Heart Cake Recipe

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Celebrate love with this exquisite Valentines Heart Cake, perfect for any romantic occasion.

Camilla Rhodes

Created by

Camilla Rhodes

Last updated on 2026-01-04T12:04:24.752Z

This Valentines Heart Cake is not just a dessert; it's a symbol of love. With its rich chocolate flavor and velvety frosting, it's the perfect way to express your feelings on this special day.

Why You'll Love This Cake

  • Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh orange zest
  • Creamy texture that melts in your mouth
  • Perfect for celebrations or as a sweet indulgence

A Heartfelt Dessert

This Valentine's Heart Cake is more than just a dessert; it's a heartfelt expression of love. With its beautiful shape and rich flavors, it serves as a perfect centerpiece for your romantic celebration. Whether you're planning a cozy dinner at home or a grand celebration, this cake will undoubtedly impress your loved ones and create lasting memories.

Infused with the delightful combination of chocolate and fresh orange zest, this cake tantalizes the taste buds and brings a burst of freshness with every bite. The creamy texture of the frosting complements the cake perfectly, making it an indulgent experience that you and your partner will cherish.

The Perfect Occasion

Valentine's Day may be the most obvious occasion for this cake, but its appeal extends beyond just one day. Birthdays, anniversaries, or even a surprise treat for a loved one make this cake a versatile choice. Its heart-shaped design speaks volumes about your affection, making it suitable for any romantic occasion.

You can also personalize this cake to reflect your partner's preferences. Consider incorporating their favorite flavors or adding a sentimental touch, such as a heartfelt message written in frosting. This cake is not just a treat; it becomes a memorable part of your celebration.

Tips for Baking Success

Baking this heart-shaped cake is a delightful experience, but a few tips can help ensure it turns out perfectly. Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results. Using room temperature eggs and milk can also make a difference in achieving a light and fluffy cake.

When it comes to frosting, let it cool completely before applying to avoid melting. If you find that the frosting is too thick, add a little more heavy cream until it reaches your desired consistency. This will make spreading it on the cake much easier and give it a beautiful finish.

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 Decoration

  • Fresh strawberries
  • Chocolate shavings
  • Heart-shaped sprinkles

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.

Instructions

Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two heart-shaped cake pans. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla, and mix until smooth. Stir in boiling water until well combined.

Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Make the Frosting

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

Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top, then place the second layer on top. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.

Decorate

Finish by decorating the cake with fresh strawberries, chocolate shavings, and heart-shaped sprinkles. Slice and serve to your loved ones!

Enjoy your delicious Valentines Heart Cake with a glass of champagne or your favorite beverage!

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Pro Tips

  • For an extra touch, consider adding a layer of raspberry or strawberry jam between the cake layers for added flavor.

Storing Your Heart Cake

To keep your Valentine's Heart Cake fresh for longer, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it for an extended period, consider refrigerating it. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving, as this will enhance the flavors and texture.

If you're planning to make the cake ahead of time, you can also freeze the individual layers. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and they can last up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and frost as desired.

Pairing Suggestions

For a truly indulgent experience, consider pairing this heart cake with a glass of sparkling wine or champagne. The effervescence of the drink complements the rich chocolate flavors beautifully, making every bite even more delightful. You can also serve the cake with a scoop of vanilla or orange-flavored ice cream for an added touch of sweetness.

If you're looking for a non-alcoholic option, a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a creamy hot chocolate would also pair wonderfully. The warmth of these beverages contrasts nicely with the cool, creamy frosting, creating a delightful balance of flavors.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cakes a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Frost them just before serving.

→ What can I use instead of eggs?

You can substitute eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce if you prefer a vegan version.

→ How should I store leftover cake?

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the cake?

Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to three months. Thaw before frosting and serving.

Valentines Heart Cake Recipe

Celebrate love with this exquisite Valentines Heart Cake, perfect for any romantic occasion.

Prep Time30 minutes
Cooking Duration25 minutes
Overall Time55 minutes

Created by: Camilla Rhodes

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

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 Decoration

  1. Fresh strawberries
  2. Chocolate shavings
  3. Heart-shaped sprinkles

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two heart-shaped cake pans. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla, and mix until smooth. Stir in boiling water until well combined.

Step 02

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 03

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

Step 04

Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top, then place the second layer on top. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.

Step 05

Finish by decorating the cake with fresh strawberries, chocolate shavings, and heart-shaped sprinkles. Slice and serve to your loved ones!

Extra Tips

  1. For an extra touch, consider adding a layer of raspberry or strawberry jam between the cake layers for added flavor.

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