Valentine Heart Cake

Valentine Heart Cake Recipe with Maraschino Cherries and Coconut

| Servings: 8

Introduction

Valentine's Day is the perfect occasion to show your loved ones how much you care, and what better way to do that than with a delicious homemade heart-shaped cake? This Valentine Heart Cake recipe is not only easy to make, but it's also a beautiful and festive dessert that is sure to impress your sweetheart.

History

The tradition of baking heart-shaped cakes for Valentine's Day dates back centuries, with the heart shape symbolizing love and affection. This recipe puts a modern twist on this classic tradition, making it easy for anyone to create a special treat for their loved ones.

Ingredients

1 tbsp of shortening
1 tbsp of flour
0.33 cup of shortening
1.5 cups of flour
0.75 cup of sugar
2.5 tsp of baking powder
0.5 tsp of salt
0.75 cup of milk
1 egg
1.5 tsp of vanilla
13 maraschino cherries
1 package of white frosting mix
coconut flakes

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C).
Grease a 9 x 9 x 2 inches square pan [1] or use a heart-shaped cake pan and coat it with 1 tbsp of shortening.
Sprinkle 1 tbsp of flour evenly over the pan.
In a large bowl, beat together the shortening, flour, half of the milk, sugar, baking powder, egg, and vanilla.
Add the remaining milk and mix until well combined.
Continue beating the batter for 2 minutes.
Scrape the batter into the prepared pan.
Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove the cake from the oven and set it aside to cool.
Prepare the frosting according to the instructions on the package.
Remove the cake from the pan and cut it into a heart shape [2].
Spread the frosting evenly over the cake.
Sprinkle with coconut flakes and decorate with cherries.

Variations

Add a layer of raspberry or strawberry jam between the cake layers for a fruity twist.
Use different colored frostings and sprinkles to customize the cake for different occasions.
Top the cake with fresh berries or chocolate shavings for added flavor and decoration.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to properly grease and flour your cake pan to prevent the cake from sticking.

- Be sure to beat the batter well to ensure a light and fluffy texture.

- Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.

- Get creative with your decorations - you can use different colored frostings, sprinkles, or edible flowers to make your cake unique.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Valentine Heart Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special treat.

Cooking Techniques

Beating the batter well ensures a light and fluffy texture.

- Baking the cake at the right temperature for the right amount of time is crucial for a perfectly baked cake.

- Allowing the cake to cool completely before frosting helps the frosting set properly.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use butter instead of shortening for a richer flavor.

- Almond extract can be used in place of vanilla for a different flavor profile.

- If you don't have maraschino cherries, you can use fresh cherries or other fruits for decoration.

Make Ahead Tips

You can bake the cake in advance and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Frost the cake just before serving for the best results.

Presentation Ideas

Decorate the cake with heart-shaped sprinkles, edible flowers, or personalized messages written in frosting for a special touch.

Pairing Recommendations

This Valentine Heart Cake pairs well with a glass of champagne or a cup of hot tea for a romantic dessert experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave individual slices for 10-15 seconds or until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 230

Carbohydrates

Total Carbohydrates: 32g

Dietary Fiber: 1g

Sugar: 19g

Fats

Total Fat: 10g

Saturated Fat: 4g

Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

Protein: 2g

Vitamins and minerals

Calcium: 6%

Iron: 6%

Alergens

Contains: Egg, Milk, Wheat

Summary

This Valentine Heart Cake is a sweet treat that is relatively low in calories and provides a small amount of essential nutrients like calcium and iron. However, it is high in sugar and fat, so it should be enjoyed in moderation.

Summary

This Valentine Heart Cake is a delicious and festive dessert that is perfect for celebrating love and affection on Valentine's Day. With a light and fluffy texture, sweet frosting, and decorative cherries, this cake is sure to impress your loved ones and make the occasion extra special. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Valentine Heart Cake. It was a beautiful cake with layers of red velvet and cream cheese frosting, shaped like a heart to symbolize love and affection. The recipe was passed down to me by my dear friend Margaret, who learned it from her grandmother many years ago.

I met Margaret at a cooking class in our small town. We instantly hit it off, bonding over our love for baking and trying out new recipes. Margaret was a talented baker and always had a knack for creating delicious and visually stunning desserts. One day, as we were chatting over a cup of tea, she mentioned a special recipe for Valentine Heart Cake that had been in her family for generations.

Margaret's grandmother, Rose, was known for her incredible baking skills and her ability to create the most delectable treats. She had learned the recipe for Valentine Heart Cake from her own mother, who had passed it down through the family. Margaret had fond memories of helping her grandmother bake the cake for special occasions, such as birthdays, anniversaries, and of course, Valentine's Day.

As Margaret shared the recipe with me, I could see the passion and love she had for this cake. She described how the layers of red velvet were moist and flavorful, with a hint of cocoa and a rich, velvety texture. The cream cheese frosting was light and creamy, with a tangy sweetness that perfectly complemented the cake. And the finishing touch - a sprinkle of red and pink sugar hearts on top - added a festive and charming touch to the dessert.

I knew I had to try making this cake for myself, so Margaret graciously invited me over to her home to bake it together. As we gathered the ingredients and preheated the oven, Margaret shared stories of her grandmother and the special moments they had shared over the years. I could feel the love and tradition that was woven into every step of the recipe, making it more than just a cake - it was a symbol of family, friendship, and memories.

As we mixed the batter and poured it into heart-shaped pans, I felt a sense of excitement and anticipation. The cake baked to perfection, filling the kitchen with a warm, sweet aroma that made my mouth water. Once it had cooled, we carefully assembled the layers and spread the cream cheese frosting over the top, creating a smooth and elegant finish.

The final touch was the sprinkle of sugar hearts, which added a whimsical and festive flair to the cake. Margaret and I stood back, admiring our handiwork and feeling proud of what we had created together. The Valentine Heart Cake was a masterpiece, a labor of love that represented the bond between friends and the joy of sharing delicious food with others.

As we sliced into the cake and savored each bite, I felt grateful for the recipe that had brought us together and the memories we had created. The Valentine Heart Cake was more than just a dessert - it was a symbol of love, friendship, and the joy of baking. And as I shared the recipe with my own family and friends, I knew that it would continue to bring people together for years to come.