Description
Indulge in the ultimate Valentine’s Day Cake, a show-stopping dessert that combines rich chocolate layers with luscious strawberry buttercream. This cake is more than just a treat; it’s a celebration of love and sweetness, perfect for any romantic occasion. Whether you are hosting an intimate dinner or a lively gathering with friends, this cake will impress with its stunning appearance and delectable flavor. With easy-to-follow steps, even novice bakers can create a bakery-worthy masterpiece at home. Customize your decoration with chocolate-covered strawberries or heart-shaped embellishments to make it extra special. Share the joy of baking and delight your loved ones with this irresistible creation!
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups (225 grams) all-purpose flour, plus more for pans
- 2 cups (400 grams) granulated sugar
- 3/4 cups (64 grams) unsweetened natural cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup fresh vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs, at cool room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup freshly brewed hot coffee
- 6 cups (750 grams) powdered sugar, sifted
- 4 sticks (452 grams) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 2/3 cup seedless strawberry preserves
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- Red gel food coloring, if desired
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two round baking pans by greasing and flouring them.
- In one bowl, mix together all dry ingredients: flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and hot coffee until smooth.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures gently until just mixed – avoid overmixing.
- Pour into prepared pans and bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a rack.
- For buttercream, beat softened butter until creamy; gradually add powdered sugar followed by strawberry preserves and vanilla until fluffy.
- Assemble the cake by layering the cooled cakes with buttercream in between and covering the entire cake with remaining frosting.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 55g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 59g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg