Valentine
Celebrate love and indulgence with the “Valentine” cake, a decadent dessert that’s perfect for romantic occasions or any time you want to wow your guests. This chocolate-strawberry masterpiece features two layers of rich, moist chocolate cake made with the finest cocoa and a touch of boiling water for an ultra-tender crumb. A luscious strawberry filling, made with fresh diced strawberries and sweet jam, provides a burst of fruity freshness between the layers. Topping it all is a silky, homemade chocolate ganache that cascades down the sides for a showstopping finish. Garnished with vibrant fresh strawberries, this easy yet elegant dessert is a celebration of flavor and beauty. Perfect for Valentine's Day, anniversaries, or special gatherings, this cake is as stunning as it is delicious.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1.75 cups all-purpose flour
- 1.75 cups granulated sugar
- 0.75 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
- 1.5 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoons salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cups whole milk
- 0.5 cups vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cups boiling water
- 2 cups fresh strawberries
- 0.5 cups strawberry jam
- 1 cups heavy cream
- 1 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoons butter
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour two 9-inch round cake pans. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed until the batter is smooth and well combined.
Gradually mix in the boiling water. The batter will be thin; this is normal.
Pour the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
While the cakes cool, prepare the strawberry filling. Hull and dice 1.5 cups of strawberries. In a small bowl, combine the diced strawberries with the strawberry jam. Stir until well mixed and set aside.
To make the chocolate ganache, heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until it begins to steam but does not boil. Remove from heat and pour over the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let sit for 2-3 minutes, then add the butter and stir until smooth and glossy. Allow the ganache to cool slightly until it thickens.
Once the cakes are completely cool, level the tops if needed using a serrated knife. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread the strawberry filling evenly over the top.
Place the second cake layer on top of the filling. Pour the chocolate ganache over the top of the cake, letting it drip down the sides for a dramatic effect.
Garnish the top with the remaining fresh strawberries, halved or whole, as desired.
Let the cake sit for about 15 minutes to allow the ganache to set before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
5901 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 286.7 g | 368% | |
| Saturated Fat | 120.0 g | 600% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 67.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 674 mg | 225% | |
| Sodium | 5317 mg | 231% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 857.9 g | 312% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 87.3 g | 312% | |
| Total Sugars | 544.7 g | ||
| Protein | 91.4 g | 183% | |
| Vitamin D | 4.8 mcg | 24% | |
| Calcium | 649 mg | 50% | |
| Iron | 45.4 mg | 252% | |
| Potassium | 3905 mg | 83% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
