This chocolate coronary heart cake with chocolate cream cheese frosting is a decadent deal with excellent for Valentine’s Day, and also you make it utilizing common 8″ cake pans. With its unimaginable texture and wealthy chocolaty taste, it’s the last word dessert to precise your love. Whether or not you select common flour, entire wheat, or gluten-free flour, this cake is sure to impress!
Earlier than anybody runs off considering that is too troublesome, I ought to say that I used to be a bit anxious that making a heart-shaped cake can be too exhausting for me, as I’m not a decorator. However this was very easy.
You completely don’t want a specialty pan. Additionally, when utilizing 8″ pans, after your 2 easy cuts, you’re left with a small piece to attempt earlier than anybody else as a reward to your exhausting work. A pleasant bonus for the baker. 🙂
In order for you one thing even simpler, try these Coronary heart-shaped Chocolate Chip Cookies. You simply want a heart-shaped cookie cutter a jellyroll pan.
I simply posted this Classic Coronary heart Cake final week, and in that submit, I included a photograph of at the moment’s recipe. I wasn’t going to submit this cake so quickly after the primary heart-shaped cake, however folks have been asking for the chocolate model, so right here it’s. 🙂
Elements
Simply customary elements right here!
For the cake
- Granulated sugar – coconut sugar is an alternate.
- Flour – choices embrace all-purpose, entire wheat, white entire wheat, or both of the gluten-free alternate options talked about under.
- Cocoa powder – I opted for Dutch-process. Utilizing common Hershey’s cocoa powder will lead to a lighter shade of brown.
- Eggs – chia eggs are an possibility for an eggless cake, however the cream cheese frosting prevents this cake from being vegan. However I’ve included hyperlinks to three of my different vegan chocolate frosting recipes under.
- Milk – any sort of milk works. I used unsweetened cashew milk.
- Oil – I normally use olive oil, however canola oil, vegetable oil, or one other impartial oil work. Keep away from utilizing a pricey, flavorful olive oil. I exploit natural olive oil from Aldi or Lidl and the olive style dissipates as soon as the cake cools.
- Boiling water – though it might appear extreme and lead to a really skinny batter, the total amount is important.
- Vanilla extract, baking powder, baking soda, and salt
For the frosting
- Cream cheese – important for the frosting. No subs are attainable. The identical applies to different frosting elements listed under.
- Butter – guarantee it reaches room temperature for straightforward mixing with the cream cheese. I’m generally in such a rush that I don’t let it heat up correctly. I remorse it 100% of the time, and I waste a ton of time transferring the frosting to a glass mixing bowl that I then microwave at 30% energy to soften the clumps of butter within the frosting (with numerous stirring after each 20 seconds or so).
- Powdered sugar – if it’s clumpy, take into account sifting it or mixing it in a high-speed mixer to revive its powdery consistency.
Cake recipe
This is identical base I exploit in all my cake recipes, like my Chocolate Walnut Cake, Jack Skellington Cake and my Dairy-free Chocolate Cake.
So many commenters have mentioned that that is the most effective chocolate cake ever, and I agree. I’ve been making it for over 15 years.
I’ve stopped attempting different cake recipes and ordering cake from bakeries as a result of they’re all the time disappointing. That is actually the proper chocolate cake!
In case you have questions in regards to the cake recipe that I haven’t answered right here, try my Wholesome Chocolate Cake submit as I consider I’ve answered all the pieces. 🙂
If not, be at liberty to ask under!
It’s tailored from the well-known Hershey’s One Bowl Chocolate Cake Recipe. I discover that the stickiness of the floor makes it a bit difficult to deal with, which I undoubtedly didn’t need for this cake which you must lower to create the center form.
The batter of the unique is nearly as skinny as water, however for at the moment’s recipe, I diminished the water by 25%.
I additionally diminished the baking soda and baking powder. It’s now not sticky, and you may simply maintain, stack, and lower the layers for this coronary heart cake.
It’s a very easy one-bowl recipe. If you happen to’ve made this cake earlier than, please be aware that the batter is thicker than the unique Hershey’s recipe with my diversifications.
Easy methods to bake the cake
First, combine collectively the dry elements.
Subsequent, add within the moist elements.
The batter will look actually skinny. Don’t be alarmed!
Divide the batter between the two pans and bake. A dry toothpick implies that it’s overbaked. You need moist crumbs however not raw batter.
It wants to chill utterly earlier than frosting.
Frosting
I used a double batch of the chocolate cream cheese frosting in my Gluten-free Chocolate Cupcakes.
It’s my favourite chocolate frosting recipe, however if you wish to make this cake vegan, you should use chia eggs, plant-based milk (I all the time use cashew milk), and one of many under frosting choices and modify the recipe as wanted so that you’ve 4 cups of frosting.
If you happen to assume that’s method an excessive amount of frosting and need to cut back the quantity, right here’s how a lot I wanted and the place:
- Center of cake – 3/4 cup
- Crumb coat – 1/2 cup (will in all probability simply want 1/3)
- Attaching rounded cut-offs to primary cake piece – 1/4 cup (you’ll probably use much less)
- Prime of cake – 3/4 cup
- Sides of cake – 1 cup
That = 3 1/4 cups (750 grams) complete. The recipe yields 4 cups (925 grams), so this leaves 3/4 cup (175 grams) for piping on some decorations.
So for those who don’t need to pipe something on prime or don’t need to frost the edges, now you know the way a lot frosting to make.
Easy methods to make the center
After I began slicing the center, I didn’t have a lot hope that I’d really achieve success. I simply assumed I’d screw it up as a result of once more – I’m not a cake decorator!
However this was simple peasy. The photographer was additionally just a little apprehensive and stunned by how simple it really was.
If I can do it, so are you able to!
Additionally, you get to eat that lower off bit in photograph 20 (under) straight away. It’s not used elsewhere on the cake. 😉
Crumb coat
A crumb coat includes making use of a skinny layer of frosting to a cake earlier than the ultimate frosting layer. This step ensures that crumbs gained’t combine into the frosting.
You simply want as much as 1/2 cup (115 grams) of frosting for the crumb coat. Although it might appear minimal, it’s sufficient.
Preserve the frosting chilled till use. If it seems too tender, return it to the fridge to keep away from messy outcomes from runny frosting.
Unfold a really skinny layer of frosting layer excessive and the edges. It’s advantageous if it’s so skinny that you would be able to see via it in some components, like in photograph 21 under.
For finest outcomes, place the cake within the freezer for 20-Half-hour or chill for 1-2 hours within the fridge after crumb coating.
Put together upfront
The unfrosted cake layers can sit at room temperature for two days, or you’ll be able to refrigerate them for as much as 3.
You might freeze them for as much as 3 months.
After baking, allow them to cool, wrap the layers individually in plastic wrap and place inside a Ziploc bag.
For ease of dealing with, use the cake layers straight from the freezer when assembling. Tfhere’s no have to defrost.
If you happen to discover that the layers are too exhausting to chop via by the point you’ve stacked them, allow them to sit for about quarter-hour.
After assembling and making use of the crumb coat, you’ll be able to freeze the cake for as much as every week. For added safety, wrap it in plastic wrap, adopted by putting it in a bigger freezer-safe bag.
Freeze the frosting, too! You’ll want it to complete the cake.
Retailer it in a freezer-safe, hermetic container. Whereas plain cream cheese might alter in texture when frozen, the high-fat nature of cream cheese frosting permits for freezing with out problem.
If desired, full the whole cake – minus the sprinkles, and retailer it within the freezer. As soon as solidly frozen, wrap it with plastic after which place in a big freezer-safe bag for storage.
Benefits of getting ready upfront
- Dealing with a relaxing cake layer is easier than a room temp one.
- A frozen cake layer could be very sturdy, eliminating issues about breakage.
- It additionally makes this chocolate coronary heart cake a lot simpler to organize. You may, in fact, begin from step 1 and serve the cake on the identical day.
Nevertheless, my desire leans in the direction of making the cake layers and cream cheese frosting in the future and assembling the following. Or a minimum of taking a pleasant lengthy break between baking and adorning.
Whereas this cake is easy to embellish, I discover it extra pleasurable when approached calmly and free from kitchen chaos. 😉
Easy methods to adorn
I made a shell border with Wilton tip 32. Right here’s an excellent video displaying you learn how to do it.
She additionally reveals you what the shell border seems like with 3 different suggestions.
If you happen to’re new to piping shell borders, it might take some observe to realize uniformity and consistency. Begin with a number of observe shells on parchment paper or a plate earlier than shifting on to your cake.
Ornamental touches
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Raspberries, strawberries, or ornamental sprinkles can be excellent for Valentine’s Day.
I wished one thing colourful and cheery, so I went with nonpareils. The photographer didn’t use pure ones, however for those who occur to dwell in Germany, like me, I used these pure ones from RUF.
If you happen to’re within the US, this scorching pink sanding sugar from Supernatural would look nice for the center on this cake!
Easy methods to retailer the cake
Due to the frosting, it ought to be saved refrigerated.
If you wish to make it and serve a number of hours later, that’s advantageous – no have to refrigerate. However ideally, you’d hold it refrigerated so long as attainable.
Freezing additionally works nice as I discussed above.
Questions on this chocolate coronary heart cake?
Fats
If I exploit olive oil, will I be capable to style it? You may style it within the batter and proper after the cake comes out of the oven. However as soon as it cools down, that taste disappears. If involved, go for mild olive oil. The sunshine refers to style, not energy.
What different oils might I exploit? Canola oil, vegetable oil, grapeseed oil, and even melted refined coconut oil. Primarily, any oil with a gentle style will do. Utilizing unrefined coconut oil would add some coconut taste to the cake.
What about utilizing butter? Whereas butter can be utilized, anticipate it to be much less moist. Butter accommodates 80-82% fats, whereas oil is 100% fats. For the most effective, moistest cake, it’s best to actually use oil.
Gluten-free choices
May a unique gluten-free flour mix be used? I all the time make this cake with Bob’s Pink Mill 1:1 Gluten-free Baking Flour. The style and texture are equivalent to the model made with all-purpose or entire wheat.
King Arthur Flour Gluten-free Measure for Measure Flour additionally works with the identical outcomes, however I believe the cake is a little more delicate with it.
Switching to a different model of gluten-free flour would possibly yield different outcomes. For finest outcomes, use one of many flours I’ve examined this with.
However you probably have one other gluten-free flour that’s a direct sub for all-purpose flour, you’ll be able to actually attempt it. I’d love to listen to the way it works out for those who do!
What about almond, coconut, oat or different flours? No, these aren’t even near direct subs for all-purpose flour.
You might use a heart-shaped cookie cutter on these Almond Flour Brownies for a Valentine’s Day dessert with almond flour! Identical with these Vegan Date Brownies, that are a fairly wholesome selection.
Sweeteners
Can I lower the sugar quantity? The much less sugar you employ, the much less moist the cake will probably be. If you’ll want to cut back it, I wouldn’t go any decrease than 1 3/4 cups.
I hope you’ll take pleasure in this chocolate coronary heart cake! If you happen to attempt it out, please let me know your ideas under. Thanks. 🙂
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- Prep Time:
- Prepare dinner Time:
- Prepared in:
- Yield: 12 slices
Elements
- 2 cups (400 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 3/4 cups (219 grams) all-purpose or entire wheat flour or for gluten-free, use 1 3/4 cups (242 grams) Bob’s Pink Mill 1:1 Gluten-free Baking Flour
- 3/4 cup (85 grams) Dutch-process cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 massive eggs (50 grams every, out of shell), room temp
- 1 cup (236 ml) milk of selection
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) impartial oil of selection
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup (177 ml) boiling water
- 16 ounces (450 grams) cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, room temp
- 2 1/2 cups (300 grams) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
- 2/3 cup (74 grams) Dutch-process cocoa powder
For the cake:
For the frosting:
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Line two spherical 8″ cake pans with parchment paper on the underside and grease the edges of the pans.
- In a big bowl, stir collectively the dry elements (sugar via salt).
- Add the eggs, milk, oil and vanilla.
- Combine till mixed, after which stir within the boiling water. The batter will probably be very skinny. Don’t add extra flour!
- Divide the batter between the 2 ready pans. That’s 692 grams per pan when utilizing Bob’s GF flour or 680 grams if utilizing the opposite listed choices.
- Bake for 26-28 minutes or till a toothpick comes out with some moist crumbs, however no raw liquid.
- Let cool for 10 minutes within the pans, after which prove onto a rack to chill. Let cool utterly earlier than frosting.
- You may make these a number of days upfront. Wrap them in plastic wrap, place in a bag, and refrigerate or freeze till prepared to make use of. Freezing them will make them simpler to deal with when assembling the cake.
- In a big mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter along with an electrical hand mixer at medium pace till properly mixed. It is okay if it seems just a little crumbly.
- Regularly beat within the powdered sugar till completely mixed, after which beat within the vanilla and salt.
- Beat within the cocoa powder till properly mixed.
- Get out a cake plate that’s sufficiently big for the center.
- Switch a cake layer to the cake plate – you need the primary layer of cake to be in the direction of the underside of the serving dish (and never proper within the center) as a result of the cut-off bits will probably be added in the direction of the highest of the cake to kind the rounded prime of the center. If you happen to put the cake plate on prime of a cake layer (which is on the cooling rack) and flip all the pieces over, the rounded half will probably be on prime. In case you have a unique most popular method of transferring cake layers, do no matter you want. It doesn’t actually matter if the rounded a part of the cake layer finally ends up on prime in the long run, because it’s not very domed.
- Unfold 3/4 cup (173 grams) of frosting on prime.
- Add the opposite layer on prime, flat facet up.
- Use a ruler and measure out two 5” (12.7 cm) traces, forming a proper angle. This would be the backside of the center.
- Minimize away these curved bits, however watch out with them as they’re going to assist kind the highest of the center.
- Use about 2 tablespoons of frosting to assist connect the rounded cut-offs to the principle cake piece to kind a coronary heart form. You’ll need to bend them just a little.
- My coronary heart form appeared fairly unhealthy at this level, so I lower away just a little bit on the very prime, within the center, after which the center appeared very good.
- Use about 1/3 to 1/2 cup (76-115 grams – you’ll in all probability want nearer to 1/3 cup) as a crumb coat. Unfold the frosting over the edges and prime of the cake.
- Place within the freezer for about 30-60 minutes or the fridge for 1-2 hours or till the frosting could be very agency.
- Frost the remainder of the cake. I used about one other 3/4 cup (175 grams) on prime after which a couple of cup on the edges.
- If wanted (it in all probability will not be), chill or freeze the cake once more to permit the frosting to agency up earlier than piping on the ornament.
- Pipe on the LOVE and the center with a spherical tip, after which pipe on the small shell border. To do this, match a adorning bag with Wilton tip 32. Fill the bag with the remaining frosting. Ensure that to push the frosting right down to eradicate any air bubbles and twist the highest of the bag to safe it.
- Place your cake on a rotating cake stand or turntable you probably have one. This may make it simpler to pipe constant and even shells across the border.
- Place the tip barely above the floor of the cake on the level the place you need to start your shell border. Maintain the piping bag at a 45-degree angle to the floor of the cake.
- Apply regular stress to the piping bag whereas shifting your hand in a half-circle movement. As you squeeze, the frosting will come out in a wave-like sample, making a shell form. Proceed squeezing as you progress the piping bag to the proper (or left, relying in your desire) to kind the primary shell.
- Barely overlap the following shell with the tail finish of the earlier one. This may create a seamless border across the perimeter of your cake. Attempt to keep constant stress on the piping bag and keep a constant pace as you pipe every shell. This may be certain that all of the shells are uniform in dimension and form.
- Proceed this movement, barely overlapping every shell as you progress alongside the sting of your cake. Preserve constant stress on the bag to make sure uniform shell configurations and dimensions.
- As soon as you’ve got piped shells across the whole perimeter of the cake, gently launch stress on the pastry bag and carry it away to complete the border.
- Some sprinkles can bleed. Because of this, I all the time suggest placing on sprinkles as quickly to serving as you’ll be able to. I had my cake within the fridge a number of days, and there was no bleeding, however I can not assure each model will work the identical.
- Cowl and refrigerate the completed cake for as much as 4 days. It additionally freezes nice for as much as 3 months.
Put together the cake:
Make the frosting:
Assemble the cake:
Embellish:
Retailer:
Notes
- If you happen to reside outdoors the US, you probably have a unique cream cheese in comparison with what’s frequent within the US. American cream cheese is denser and designed primarily for baking, versus the softer selection sometimes used for spreading on toast in Europe. For every 8 ounce of cream cheese you want, buy a 300-gram package deal of cream cheese, equivalent to these obtainable at Aldi or Lidl, and place it in the course of a clear tea towel or cheesecloth. Extract the surplus liquid till you are left with 225 grams of cream cheese. So for this specific recipe, purchase 600 grams of cream cheese and take away the liquid till you obtain a remaining weight of 450 grams. Additionally, within the EU, medium-sized eggs are equal to massive eggs within the US. Consequently, for those who’re in Europe, go for medium-sized eggs for this recipe.
