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Decadent Red Velvet Heart-Shaped Layer Cake Easy Homemade Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting

red velvet heart-shaped layer cake - featured image
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A rich and moist red velvet cake baked in heart-shaped pans, layered and frosted with tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for special occasions like Valentine’s Day or anniversaries.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil, neutral flavor
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons red food coloring (liquid or gel)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch heart-shaped cake pans, or line them with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, sift together 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 ½ cups sugar, 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon salt. Set aside.
  3. In another bowl, whisk 1 cup buttermilk, 1 cup vegetable oil, 2 large eggs, 2 tablespoons red food coloring, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon white vinegar until smooth and vibrant red.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently with a spatula or using a mixer on low speed. Mix just until combined.
  5. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
  8. Beat together 8 ounces softened cream cheese and ½ cup softened butter until smooth and creamy.
  9. Gradually add 4 cups powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed.
  10. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Beat until fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
  11. Place one cake layer on your serving plate. Spread about 1 cup of frosting on top.
  12. Add the second layer and coat the entire cake with the remaining frosting. Use an offset spatula for smooth edges.
  13. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to set the frosting before slicing.

Notes

Use almond or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free baking. Substitute buttermilk with milk plus 1 tablespoon lemon juice if needed. Coconut-based cream cheese works well for dairy-free versions. Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cake tender. Room temperature ingredients are essential for smooth frosting. Chill frosting if too soft and add more powdered sugar if needed. Use serrated knife to level cake layers for even frosting.

Nutrition

Keywords: red velvet cake, heart-shaped cake, cream cheese frosting, Valentine's Day dessert, layer cake, easy cake recipe, homemade cake

Find it online: https://juliamadeit.com/decadent-red-velvet-heart-shaped-layer-cake-easy-homemade-recipe-with-cream-cheese-frosting/