Chocolate Valentines Day Cake Recipe
Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users
Category
Valentine’s Day
Servings
16
Prep Time
45 minutes
Cook Time
30-90 minutes
Calories
400
Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to whip up something sweet, and what better way to show your love than with a decadent chocolate cake?
Layered with dreamy pink buttercream and topped with romantic decorations, this cake is guaranteed to make the day extra special.
Let’s get baking!
Ingredients
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2 cups (250g) plain flour
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2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
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3/4 cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder
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2 tsp baking powder
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1 1/2 tsp baking soda
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1/2 tsp salt
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2 large eggs
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1 cup (240ml) whole milk
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1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
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2 tsp vanilla extract
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1 cup (240ml) boiling water
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1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
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4 cups (500g) icing sugar, sifted
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2–4 tbsp milk or double cream (adjust for desired consistency)
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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Pink gel food colouring
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Chocolate hearts
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Edible glitter
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Fresh strawberries
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Heart-shaped sprinkles
For the Cake:
For the Pink Buttercream Icing:
For Decorations (Optional):
Directions
Prepare the Cake Batter:
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
Grease and line two or three 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until combined.
Add the boiling water last, mixing until smooth.
The batter will be thin – this ensures a moist cake.
Bake the Cake Layers
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
Bake for 28–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean.
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Buttercream:
Beat the softened butter in a large bowl until creamy.
Gradually add the icing sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Add the milk (one tablespoon at a time) and vanilla extract, beating until the icing is fluffy and spreadable.
Add pink gel food colouring drop by drop, mixing until you achieve your desired shade.
Assemble the Cake:
Place the first cake layer on your serving plate or cake stand.
Spread a generous layer of pink buttercream evenly over the top.
Add the second layer (and third if using), repeating the process.
Spread buttercream across the top and sides of the cake, smoothing it with an offset spatula for a clean finish.
Decorate:
Add heart-shaped chocolate decorations, fresh strawberries, sprinkles, or edible glitter for a festive Valentine’s Day touch.
Optional: Use a piping bag to write a message like “LOVE” or “Be Mine” on the cake.
Recipe Notes
More Delicious Recipes:
- Chocolate baking recipes for Valentine's.
- Recipe for heart-shaped vegan biscuits.
- Recipe for romantic chocolate brownies.
- Valentine's cookie recipe.
If you have any questions how how to make this Valentines Day themed cake using this recipe, please post a comment below and we will get back to you.
Servings: The recipe typically yields about 16 delicious portions of chocolate cake.
Calories per serving: 400 calories.
Toppings: Our Heart Shaped Chocolates are the PERFECT toppings for this cake!
Remember: Please tag #whitakerschocolates with photos of your tasty Valentine's Day cake creations.
Storage Advice for Your Homemade Valentines Day Themed Cake
To keep your Valentine’s Day chocolate cake fresh and delicious, proper storage is key!
Here’s how to do it:
Short-Term Storage: If you’re planning to enjoy the cake within a day or two, store it in an airtight container at room temperature.
Keep it in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight to prevent the buttercream from melting.
Refrigeration: For longer storage (up to 4-5 days), place the cake in an airtight container and refrigerate.
Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to allow the buttercream to soften for the best texture and flavour.
Freezing: If you’d like to make the cake ahead of time or save leftovers, it can be frozen.
Wrap individual slices or entire cake layers tightly in cling film and then a layer of foil to prevent freezer burn.
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
When ready to enjoy, thaw the cake in the fridge overnight and bring it to room temperature before serving.
Proper storage ensures every bite stays as delightful as the first!
Pairing Suggestions:
Take your Valentine’s Day chocolate cake to the next level by pairing it with these delightful treats and drinks
Beverages:
Champagne or Prosecco: The light, bubbly sweetness perfectly complements the rich chocolate and creamy buttercream.
Red Wine: Opt for a fruity Merlot or a bold Malbec to enhance the chocolate’s depth of flavour.
Hot Chocolate: Double the chocolate indulgence with a velvety mug of hot cocoa topped with whipped cream.
Coffee: A freshly brewed latte, cappuccino, or espresso balances the cake’s sweetness with a hint of bitterness.
Berry Infused Tea: A warm raspberry or strawberry tea adds a fruity touch to the chocolatey goodness.
Sides:
Fresh Berries: Serve the cake with a side of fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a burst of tartness.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Add a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream to create a decadent dessert duo.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream keeps the flavours light and airy.
Chocolate Dipped Fruit: Pair slices with chocolate-covered strawberries for an extra romantic twist.
Sweet Finishing Touches
Chocolate Truffles: A few Whitakers chocolate truffles served alongside make for an elegant addition.
Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the cake slice for a luscious finishing touch.
Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle some roasted almonds, hazelnuts, or pistachios on the side for added texture.
These pairings ensure your chocolate cake is the star of a Valentine’s celebration that’s as indulgent as it is memorable!
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 400 kcal |
| Total Fat | 20 g |
| Saturated Fat | 12 g |
| Total Carbohydrate | 50 g |
| Sugars | 35 g |
| Fibre | 2 g |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Salt | 0.3 g |
A Brief History of Chocolate Valentines Day Cake
Chocolate cake has origins in the 18th century. It started in America as a way to use chocolate in baking.
The first recipes used chocolate as an ingredient rather than a drink. By the 19th century, chocolate cakes became more common.
Valentines Day links to chocolate began in the Victorian era. In 1861, Richard Cadbury introduced heart-shaped chocolate boxes.
This made chocolate a symbol of love on Valentines Day. Combining chocolate cake with Valentines themes evolved later.
It became popular for romantic celebrations in the 20th century. Today, such cakes often feature pink icing and heart decorations.
