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A rich and moist chocolate heart cake topped with glossy chocolate ganache and chocolate shavings.

Want to Make the Perfect Chocolate Heart Cake? Try This Recipe!

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Calories 380 kcal

Ingredients
  

Cake Batter

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or cake flour for a softer texture)
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processpreferred)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp backing soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • ⅓ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¾ cup buttermilk
  • ½ cup hot brewed coffee (enhances chocolate flavor)

Chocolate Buttercream Frosting:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 3 cups confectioners' sugar (powdered sugar)
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ¼ CUP heavy cream or milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch Of salt

Chocolate Ganache (Optional)

  • 1 cup dark chocolate (chopped)
  • ½ cup heavy cream

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Prepare the Heart-Shaped CakePan
    Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
    Grease and line a heart-shaped cake pan with parchment paper.
  • Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
    3️ In a bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  • Step 3: Make the Batter
    In another bowl, cream butter,granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.5️ Beat in eggs one at a time,then add vanilla extract.6️ Mix in oil and buttermilk until combined.7️ Gradually add dry ingredients while mixing on low speed.8️ Stir in hot brewed coffee until the batter is smooth.
  • Step 4: Bake the Cake
    Pour the batter into the heart-shaped pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or untila toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely
  • Step 5: Make the Frosting
    Beat butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt untilfluffy.11 Add vanilla extract and heavy cream (one tablespoon at a time) untilsmooth.
  • Step 6: Frost & Decorate the Cake
    Once the cake is cool, spread a thin crumb coat of frostingand chill for 15 minutes.1️3 Frost the cake evenly with buttercream, using an offset spatula.1️4 If using ganache, melt chocolate and heavy cream together, let it cool slightly, then drizzle over the cake.1️5 Decorate with chocolate shavings,fresh berries, or edible flowers.
  • Notes & Variations:
    Substitutions: Swap buttermilk for plain . Egg-Free Version: Use ½ cup unsweetened applesauce instead of eggs. Low-Sugar Option: Replace sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute. Make It Ahead: Bake the cake a day before and store in an airtight container.