This chocolate coronary heart cake with chocolate cream cheese frosting is a decadent deal with good 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, complete wheat, or gluten-free flour, this cake is sure to impress!
Earlier than anybody runs off pondering that is too troublesome, I ought to say that I used to be a bit nervous that making a heart-shaped cake can be too onerous 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 strive earlier than anybody else as a reward on your onerous work. A pleasant bonus for the baker. 🙂
If you would like one thing even simpler, take a look at 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 as we speak’s recipe. I wasn’t going to submit this cake so quickly after the primary heart-shaped cake, however individuals have been asking for the chocolate model, so right here it’s. 🙂
Elements
Simply normal substances right here!
For the cake
- Granulated sugar – coconut sugar is another.
- Flour – choices embody all-purpose, complete wheat, white complete wheat, or both of the gluten-free options talked about beneath.
- 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 beneath.
- Milk – any kind of milk works. I used unsweetened cashew milk.
- Oil – I often 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 could appear extreme and lead to a really skinny batter, the total amount is critical.
- Vanilla extract, baking powder, baking soda, and salt
For the frosting
- Cream cheese – important for the frosting. No subs are potential. The identical applies to different frosting substances listed beneath.
- Butter – guarantee it reaches room temperature for simple mixing with the cream cheese. I’m typically 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 a variety of 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 similar 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 stated that that is one of the best chocolate cake ever, and I agree. I’ve been making it for over 15 years.
I’ve stopped making an attempt different cake recipes and ordering cake from bakeries as a result of they’re at all times disappointing. That is actually the right chocolate cake!
In case you have questions concerning the cake recipe that I haven’t answered right here, take a look at my Wholesome Chocolate Cake submit as I consider I’ve answered all the pieces. 🙂
If not, be happy to ask beneath!
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 minimize to create the center form.
The batter of the unique is nearly as skinny as water, however for as we speak’s recipe, I diminished the water by 25%.
I additionally diminished the baking soda and baking powder. It’s not sticky, and you’ll simply maintain, stack, and minimize the layers for this coronary heart cake.
It’s a very easy one-bowl recipe. In the event you’ve made this cake earlier than, please be aware that the batter is thicker than the unique Hershey’s recipe with my variations.
Methods to bake the cake
First, combine collectively the dry substances.
Subsequent, add within the moist substances.
The batter will look actually skinny. Don’t be alarmed!
Divide the batter between the two pans and bake. A dry toothpick signifies 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 at all times use cashew milk), and one of many beneath frosting choices and modify the recipe as wanted so that you’ve got 4 cups of frosting.
In the event you suppose that’s manner an excessive amount of frosting and wish 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 most likely simply want 1/3)
- Attaching rounded cut-offs to important cake piece – 1/4 cup (you’ll probably use much less)
- High 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 in the event you don’t wish to pipe something on prime or don’t wish to frost the perimeters, now you understand how a lot frosting to make.
Methods to make the center
Once I began slicing the center, I didn’t have a lot hope that I’d truly 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 a bit apprehensive and shocked by how simple it truly was.
If I can do it, so are you able to!
Additionally, you get to eat that minimize off bit in photograph 20 (beneath) immediately. It’s not used elsewhere on the cake. 😉
Crumb coat
A crumb coat entails making use of a skinny layer of frosting to a cake earlier than the ultimate frosting layer. This step ensures that crumbs received’t combine into the frosting.
You simply want as much as 1/2 cup (115 grams) of frosting for the crumb coat. Although it could appear minimal, it’s sufficient.
Maintain the frosting chilled till use. If it seems too comfortable, 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 perimeters. It’s advantageous if it’s so skinny you can see by it in some components, like in photograph 21 beneath.
For greatest 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 may refrigerate them for as much as 3.
You may 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 must defrost.
In the event you discover that the layers are too onerous to chop by 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 may freeze the cake for as much as per 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 complete 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 calming cake layer is less complicated than a room temp one.
- A frozen cake layer could be very sturdy, eliminating considerations about breakage.
- It additionally makes this chocolate coronary heart cake a lot simpler to organize. You’ll be able to, in fact, begin from step 1 and serve the cake on the identical day.
Nevertheless, my choice leans in the direction of making the cake layers and cream cheese frosting in the future and assembling the following. Or at the very least taking a pleasant lengthy break between baking and adorning.
Whereas this cake is easy to embellish, I discover it extra gratifying when approached calmly and free from kitchen chaos. 😉
Methods to adorn
I made a shell border with Wilton tip 32. Right here’s an excellent video displaying you the best way to do it.
She additionally reveals you what the shell border seems to be like with 3 different suggestions.
In the event you’re new to piping shell borders, it could take some observe to realize uniformity and consistency. Begin with just a few observe shells on parchment paper or a plate earlier than transferring on to your cake.
Ornamental touches
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Raspberries, strawberries, or ornamental sprinkles can be good for Valentine’s Day.
I wished one thing colourful and cheery, so I went with nonpareils. The photographer didn’t use pure ones, however in the event you occur to reside in Germany, like me, I used these pure ones from RUF.
In the event you’re within the US, this scorching pink sanding sugar from Supernatural would look nice for the center on this cake!
Methods to retailer the cake
Due to the frosting, it needs to be saved refrigerated.
If you wish to make it and serve just a few hours later, that’s advantageous – no must refrigerate. However ideally, you’d maintain it refrigerated so long as potential.
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 of style it? You’ll be able to 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 may 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 one of the best, moistest cake, it’s best to actually use oil.
Gluten-free choices
Might a special gluten-free flour mix be used? I at all times make this cake with Bob’s Pink Mill 1:1 Gluten-free Baking Flour. The style and texture are an identical to the model made with all-purpose or complete 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 may yield assorted outcomes. For greatest outcomes, use one of many flours I’ve examined this with.
However in case you have one other gluten-free flour that’s a direct sub for all-purpose flour, you may definitely strive it. I’d love to listen to the way it works out in the event you do!
What about almond, coconut, oat or different flours? No, these aren’t even near direct subs for all-purpose flour.
You may use a heart-shaped cookie cutter on these Almond Flour Brownies for a Valentine’s Day dessert with almond flour! Similar with these Vegan Date Brownies, that are a reasonably wholesome selection.
Sweeteners
Can I lower the sugar quantity? The much less sugar you utilize, the much less moist the cake might be. If it’s essential cut back it, I wouldn’t go any decrease than 1 3/4 cups.
I hope you’ll get pleasure from this chocolate coronary heart cake! In the event you strive it out, please let me know your ideas beneath. Thanks. 🙂
❀
- 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 complete 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 perimeters of the pans.
- In a big bowl, stir collectively the dry substances (sugar by salt).
- Add the eggs, milk, oil and vanilla.
- Combine till mixed, after which stir within the boiling water. The batter might 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 end up onto a rack to chill. Let cool utterly earlier than frosting.
- You may make these just a few 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 velocity till properly mixed. It is okay if it seems to be a bit crumbly.
- Step by step 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 might be added in the direction of the highest of the cake to kind the rounded prime of the center. In the event you 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 might be on prime. In case you have a special most popular manner 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 aspect up.
- Use a ruler and measure out two 5” (12.7 cm) strains, forming a proper angle. This would be the backside of the center.
- Reduce 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 must bend them a bit.
- My coronary heart form seemed fairly unhealthy at this level, so I minimize away a bit bit on the very prime, within the center, after which the center seemed very good.
- Use about 1/3 to 1/2 cup (76-115 grams – you’ll most likely want nearer to 1/3 cup) as a crumb coat. Unfold the frosting over the perimeters 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 perimeters.
- If wanted (it most likely 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 try this, match a adorning bag with Wilton tip 32. Fill the bag with the remaining frosting. Be sure that to push the frosting right down to get rid of any air bubbles and twist the highest of the bag to safe it.
- Place your cake on a rotating cake stand or turntable in case you have one. This can 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 wish to start your shell border. Maintain the piping bag at a 45-degree angle to the floor of the cake.
- Apply regular strain to the piping bag whereas transferring 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 best (or left, relying in your choice) to kind the primary shell.
- Barely overlap the following shell with the tail finish of the earlier one. This can create a seamless border across the perimeter of your cake. Attempt to preserve constant strain on the piping bag and preserve a constant velocity as you pipe every shell. This can be certain that all of the shells are uniform in measurement and form.
- Proceed this movement, barely overlapping every shell as you progress alongside the sting of your cake. Preserve constant strain on the bag to make sure uniform shell shapes and sizes.
- As soon as you’ve got piped shells across the whole perimeter of the cake, gently launch strain on the pastry bag and raise it away to complete the border.
- Some sprinkles can bleed. Because of this, I at all times advocate placing on sprinkles as quickly to serving as you may. I had my cake within the fridge just a few days, and there was no bleeding, however I am unable to 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
- In the event you reside outdoors the US, you probably have a special 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 usually 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, comparable to these obtainable at Aldi or Lidl, and place it in the midst 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, in the event you’re in Europe, go for medium-sized eggs for this recipe.
