Why Make This Recipe
Valentine’s Day is a special occasion to show love and appreciation to those we care about. What better way to celebrate than with a delicious cake? This Valentine’s Cake is not only beautiful with its striking red color, but it also has a rich, satisfying taste. Baking this cake is a fun activity, and decorating it can be a heartfelt way to express your feelings. Plus, sharing homemade treats is a wonderful way to connect with loved ones.
How to Make Valentine’s Cake
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Buttercream frosting (for decoration)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the creamed mixture, alternating with the buttermilk.
- Divide the batter into two separate bowls. In one bowl, mix in the red food coloring and cocoa powder until well combined.
- Pour the red batter into one of the prepared pans and the vanilla batter into the other.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- Once the cakes are cooled, frost with buttercream and pipe heart decorations on top. Serve and enjoy!
How to Serve Valentine’s Cake
This cake is perfect for sharing with friends and family. Cut it into slices and serve on dessert plates. You can add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh strawberries on the side for an extra special treat. This cake is also great for parties, where it can be the centerpiece on your dessert table.
How to Store Valentine’s Cake
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want it to last longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. For the best flavor, let the cake come to room temperature before serving.
Tips to Make Valentine’s Cake
- Make sure your butter is soft for easy mixing.
- Use gel food coloring for a brighter red shade.
- Don’t skip the cooling time; it helps keep the frosting from melting.
- Use a serrated knife to level off the tops of the cakes before frosting for a smoother finish.
Variation
For a twist, you can make a layered heart cake. Use heart-shaped cake pans or cut the baked cakes into heart shapes after they cool. It’s a fun surprise for your loved ones!
FAQs
1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cakes a day in advance. Just wrap them in plastic wrap and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to frost.
2. Can I use different food coloring?
Absolutely! While red is perfect for Valentine’s Day, you can use any color that fits the occasion or your preferences.
3. Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it has a good binding agent for the best results.
Valentine’s Cake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A beautiful and delicious cake perfect for celebrating love on Valentine’s Day.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Buttercream frosting (for decoration)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the creamed mixture, alternating with the buttermilk.
- Divide the batter into two separate bowls. In one bowl, mix in the red food coloring and cocoa powder until well combined.
- Pour the red batter into one of the prepared pans and the vanilla batter into the other.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- Once the cakes are cooled, frost with buttercream and pipe heart decorations on top. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Make sure your butter is soft for easy mixing. Use gel food coloring for a brighter red shade. Don’t skip the cooling time; it helps keep the frosting from melting. Use a serrated knife to level off the tops of the cakes before frosting for a smoother finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Valentine's Day, Cake, Dessert, Celebration, Love