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VALENTINE’S DAY CHOCOLATE CAKE

This rich and decadent chocolate cake is the perfect way to celebrate Valentine's Day. The moist cake layers and luscious frosting make it a truly special treat.

Prep Time
30 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Servings: 9 inch
Calories: 500 kcal
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Cake
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (high-quality)
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup freshly brewed hot coffee
Frosting (options below)
Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ¼ cup milk or cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Strawberry Frosting: (see notes for ingredients)
Garnish (optional)
  • Fresh strawberries, raspberries, or other berries
  • chocolate shavings
  • Sprinkles
  • edible glitter

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Prepare the pans: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. You can also line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
  4. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Add coffee: Carefully pour in the hot coffee and mix until the batter is smooth. The batter will be thin.
  6. Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the frosting: While the cakes are cooling, prepare your chosen frosting.
  1. Chocolate Buttercream: Cream the butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with the milk or cream, mixing on low speed until combined. Stir in the vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed until light and fluffy.
  2. Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until combined. Stir in the vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed until light and fluffy.
  3. Strawberry Frosting: (For strawberry frosting, you can adapt a buttercream or cream cheese recipe by adding strawberry puree or jam. Adjust the liquid and sugar as needed for the desired consistency and sweetness.)
  4. Frost the cake: Once the cakes are completely cooled, frost the first layer with your chosen frosting. Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake.
  5. Garnish: Decorate the cake with fresh berries, chocolate shavings, sprinkles, edible glitter, or other toppings of your choice.

Notes

  • Cocoa Powder: Using high-quality cocoa powder will enhance the chocolate flavor of the cake.
  • Coffee: The hot coffee enhances the chocolate flavor. Don't skip it!
  • Frosting: Feel free to use your favorite frosting recipe. You can also add different flavors to the frosting, such as espresso powder or a liqueur. Consider a white chocolate ganache or a raspberry glaze.
  • Decorations: Get creative with your decorations! Use stencils to create patterns on the frosting, pipe decorative borders, or arrange berries in a heart shape.
  • Make-Ahead: The cake layers can be baked ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 3 months. The frosting can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let it come to room temperature and re-whip before using.
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Nutrition Information

Calories 500kcal (25%) Carbohydrates 60g (20%) Protein 7g (14%) Fat 25g (38%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 9inch

Amount Per Serving

Calories 500

% Daily Value*

Calories 500kcal 25%
Carbohydrates 60g 20%
Protein 7g 14%
Fat 25g 38%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.