Description
This Heart Shaped Cocoa Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a visually stunning dessert perfect for special occasions. Featuring a moist and rich cocoa-flavored cake combined with a smooth, tangy cream cheese frosting, this recipe guides you step-by-step to create a heart-shaped cake that impresses both in taste and presentation. Utilizing simple ingredients and straightforward baking techniques, it delivers a luscious treat that’s as delightful to bake as it is to enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients
- 2 ½ Cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups buttermilk, room temperature
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons liquid red food coloring
Frosting Ingredients
- 1 pound cream cheese, room temperature
- 8 ounces unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray one 8-inch round pan and one 8-inch square pan with pan spray, then line each with parchment paper. Additionally, spray the parchment paper to prevent sticking and set aside for batter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and baking powder. Add the granulated sugar and salt, whisk everything together to ensure even distribution, then set this mixture aside.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, white vinegar, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
- Make Batter: Gradually incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, whisking gently until the batter is smooth and fully combined. Be careful not to overmix to maintain a tender crumb.
- Bake: Evenly divide the batter between the prepared pans. Place them in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The cakes are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or the cake springs back when gently pressed.
- Cool Cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 to 15 minutes. Then, carefully remove them from the pans and transfer to a wire cooling rack to cool completely before frosting.
- Make Frosting: In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, beat together the cream cheese and unsalted butter until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
- Add Flavor: Mix in the vanilla extract, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure even blending.
- Finish Frosting: Gradually add the powdered sugar while mixing at low speed to avoid powder clouds. Once incorporated, increase the mixer speed and beat the frosting until light and fluffy.
- Assemble Cake: Once the cakes have completely cooled, cut the round cake horizontally in half to create two half circles. Place the square cake on your serving plate, then arrange the two half circles on adjacent sides of the square to form a heart shape.
- Apply Crumb Coat: Spread a thin layer of frosting over the entire assembled cake to trap any loose crumbs. Smooth the layer evenly, then chill the cake briefly if desired to set the crumb coat.
- Final Frosting Layer: Spread the remaining frosting evenly over the cake, covering all surfaces smoothly. Decorate the cake with sprinkles or any decoration of your choice.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the decorated cake for at least 30 minutes to allow the frosting to set properly, making slicing easier and presentation neater.
Notes
- Room temperature ingredients like eggs, buttermilk, cream cheese, and butter help the batter and frosting blend smoothly without curdling.
- If liquid red food coloring is unavailable, gel or paste food coloring can be used for more vibrant color with less liquid added.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep the cake light and tender; mix until just combined.
- Make sure cakes are completely cool before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting or sliding off.
- For a stronger cream cheese flavor, allow the cream cheese to reach full room temperature before mixing.
- This cake is best enjoyed within 2-3 days; keep refrigerated and covered.
- Decorate with fresh strawberries or chocolate shavings for an extra special touch.
