Heart Shaped Red Velvet Cake

Why This Recipe Works:

Heart Shaped Red Velvet Cake is a delightful combination of a tender, moist cake with a hint of cocoa and a tangy, creamy frosting. The heart shape adds a special touch, making it perfect for any romantic occasion.

Ingredients:

Cake:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 tablespoons red food coloring
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar

Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Garnish (optional):

• Red velvet crumbs
• Fresh berries
• Decorative sprinkles

Directions:

Preheat the Oven:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and flour two 9-inch heart-shaped cake pans or line them with parchment paper.

Mix Dry Ingredients:

1. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.

Mix Wet Ingredients:

1. In another large bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar until well combined.

Combine Ingredients:

1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until smooth and well combined.

Bake the Cakes:

1. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
4. Keep the frosting refrigerated until ready to use.

Assemble the Cake:

1. Once the cakes are completely cool, place one heart-shaped layer on a serving plate.
2. Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top.
3. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.

Garnish (optional):

1. Garnish the cake with red velvet crumbs, fresh berries, and decorative sprinkles if desired.

Notes:

• Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
• You can adjust the amount of food coloring to achieve the desired shade of red.