why make this recipe

Valentine’s Day Cake is a delightful treat that brings a touch of sweetness to any celebration of love. This vibrant and delicious cake is perfect for sharing with your special someone, friends, or family. The bright colors and delicious flavors make it an eye-catching centerpiece for your Valentine’s Day dessert table. Plus, baking together can be a fun and romantic activity, making this cake the ideal choice for the holiday.

how to make Valentine’s Day Cake

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup milk
3 large eggs
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
Red food coloring
Pink food coloring
For buttercream:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1-2 tbsp milk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
For pink ganache:
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- ½ cup heavy cream
Heart-shaped candies and sprinkles for decoration

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the creamed mixture alternately with the milk.
Divide the batter into two bowls. Color one bowl with red food coloring and the other with pink.
Pour the red batter into one cake pan and the pink into the second.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let cakes cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
To make the buttercream, beat the softened butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar and milk, beating until fluffy.
For the pink ganache, heat the heavy cream until just simmering, then pour it over white chocolate chips. Let it sit for a minute, then stir until smooth and pink.
Once cakes are cool, spread buttercream between the layers and on the outside of the cake. Pour pink ganache on top to create a drip effect.
Decorate with heart-shaped candies and sprinkles.

how to serve Valentine’s Day Cake

Serve this delightful cake on a beautiful platter to showcase its colors. Cut it into slices and enjoy with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee. It’s also great for parties, so don’t be afraid to share it with your guests!

how to store Valentine’s Day Cake

To keep your cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to keep it longer, consider refrigerating it for up to a week. Just remember to let it come back to room temperature before serving for the best taste!

tips to make Valentine’s Day Cake

Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for the best mixing results.
For a more vibrant color, feel free to adjust the amount of food coloring you use.
Use a cake leveler or knife to trim the tops of the cakes before stacking to ensure they are even.
You can use different shapes of decorative candies to personalize the cake even more.

variation

You can change the cake’s colors or add different flavors to suit your tastes. Consider adding almond extract instead of vanilla for a unique twist. You can also use chocolate ganache instead of pink for a richer flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cakes a few days in advance. Just store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to frost and serve.

2. Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake gluten-free.

3. What can I use instead of buttercream?
You can use whipped cream or cream cheese frosting if you prefer a lighter topping for your cake.