Looking to impress your special someone this Valentine's Day without spending hours in the kitchen? Look no further! This Simple Valentine's Heart Cake Dessert for Two is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make, perfect for a romantic evening at home. In just 35 minutes, you can whip up a decadent chocolate cake that’s beautifully shaped like a heart, topped with fluffy whipped cream and fresh strawberries. Whether you're celebrating a milestone or just want to indulge in a sweet treat together, this delightful dessert is sure to set the mood. Ready to bake up some love? Let’s get started!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Whipped cream for topping
- Fresh strawberries for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two heart-shaped cake pans or line them with parchment paper for easy removal later.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are well blended.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir this mixture until it is smooth and well combined.
- Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula or a whisk. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.
- Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared heart-shaped cake pans. Use a spatula to smooth the tops if necessary.
- Place the cake pans in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer the cakes to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the cakes are completely cool, you can assemble your dessert. Place one heart-shaped cake on a serving plate, and spread a layer of whipped cream on top.
- Carefully place the second heart-shaped cake on top of the whipped cream layer. Add more whipped cream on top of the second cake, and feel free to be generous!
- Garnish the top of the cake with fresh strawberries. You can slice them or leave them whole for a beautiful presentation.
- Slice the cake into two servings and enjoy your simple Valentine's heart cake dessert for two!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, measure out your dry ingredients in advance and store them in an airtight container. This way, you can quickly mix them with the wet ingredients when you're ready to bake.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, so be gentle!
- Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking your cakes a few minutes before the suggested baking time. A toothpick should come out clean when inserted into the center.
- Chill the Whipped Cream: For a more stable whipped cream topping, chill your mixing bowl and beaters before whipping. This helps the cream hold its shape better.
- Garnish Creatively: While fresh strawberries add a lovely touch, consider adding a drizzle of chocolate sauce or sprinkles for extra flair and sweetness.
- Serve Warm or Cold: This cake is delightful either way! Serve it warm for a cozy dessert or chill it in the fridge for a refreshing treat.
- Make It Your Own: Feel free to experiment with flavors! Add a hint of almond extract or a splash of coffee to the batter for a unique twist.With these tips in mind, you’re all set to create a memorable dessert that will make your Valentine’s Day celebration truly special!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 5mg
