Valentines Heart Cake Recipe

Name: Valentines Heart Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup buttermilk; Zest of 1 orange; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Chocolate shavings for garnish

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Indulge in the sweetness of love with this delightful Valentines Heart Cake. Perfectly moist and rich, it’s a wonderful way to celebrate romance on Valentine's Day.

Created by

Lydia Barrett

Last updated on 2026-01-02T01:43:09.167Z

This Valentines Heart Cake is not just a dessert; it's a celebration of love. The blend of rich chocolate and a hint of orange zest makes it a perfect choice for your special day.

        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 Symbol of Love

Valentine's Day is all about celebrating love, and what better way to express your feelings than with a heart-shaped cake? This Valentine's Heart Cake embodies the essence of romance, making it a perfect centerpiece for your celebrations. The rich chocolate flavor combined with the refreshing hint of orange zest creates a delightful balance that will leave your loved ones craving more.

Baking this cake is not just about the end result; it's an experience filled with joy and anticipation. Sharing the process of making this cake can be a wonderful bonding activity with your partner or family. As the aroma of chocolate fills your kitchen, you create not just a dessert but also lasting memories.

Elevate Your Celebrations

This cake is not only visually appealing but also versatile for various occasions. Whether you're hosting a romantic dinner for two or a gathering of friends, this cake adds an elegant touch to your table. You can customize it further with different toppings or decorations to suit the theme of your celebration.

Pair this cake with a glass of sparkling wine or a cup of coffee for a delightful treat. The combination of flavors makes it an ideal dessert that pairs well with various beverages, heightening the overall dining experience.

Tips for the Perfect Cake

To ensure your Valentine's Heart Cake turns out perfectly, it's essential to measure your ingredients accurately. Using a kitchen scale can help you achieve precise measurements, resulting in a consistently moist and rich cake. Additionally, be sure to use fresh ingredients, especially the orange zest, to enhance the cake's flavor.

Another tip is to let the cake cool completely before frosting it. A warm cake can cause the frosting to melt and slide off, ruining your beautiful creation. Once cooled, be generous with the frosting to create a luscious layer that complements the cake's richness.

Ingredients

For the Cake

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk
Zest of 1 orange

For the Frosting

1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Chocolate shavings for garnish

Mix all dry ingredients well before adding wet ingredients to ensure an even texture.

Instructions

Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat together the butter, eggs, vanilla, buttermilk, and orange zest until smooth.

Combine the wet and dry ingredients and mix until just combined.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into a greased heart-shaped cake pan. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack.

Make the Frosting

In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla, continuing to whip until stiff peaks form.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cake is cool, frost the top and sides with the whipped cream frosting. Garnish with chocolate shavings for an elegant touch.

For best results, let the cake sit for 30 minutes after frosting to allow flavors to meld.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving your Valentine's Heart Cake, consider pairing it with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The tartness of the berries and the creaminess of the ice cream will perfectly balance the richness of the chocolate cake, creating a delightful flavor explosion in every bite.

For a more decadent experience, drizzle some chocolate or orange sauce over the top before serving. This not only enhances the cake's presentation but also adds an extra layer of flavor that will impress your guests.

Storing Your Cake

If you have leftovers (which is unlikely!), store your Valentine's Heart Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last up to three days, but the texture is best enjoyed fresh. Just make sure to add any toppings or garnishes right before serving to keep them looking their best.

If you want to prepare ahead of time, consider baking the cake a day in advance and storing it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. This will not only save you time on the day of your celebration but also allow the flavors to meld together, making it even more delicious.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance. Just store it wrapped in plastic wrap to keep it fresh.

→ How can I make this cake gluten-free?

Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make it gluten-free.

→ What can I use instead of buttermilk?

You can make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

→ Can I use a different shape for the cake?

Absolutely! You can use round, square, or any shape you prefer. Just adjust the baking time accordingly.