Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Cake
Ingredients :
For the Cake:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk
1–2 teaspoons red gel food coloring
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
16 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Mirror Glaze (Optional):
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
1 tablespoon gelatin powder
1/2 cup white chocolate, finely chopped
Red gel food coloring
Instructions :
Prepare Cake Batter:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a heart-shaped cake pan.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs, vinegar, and vanilla. Mix in the red food coloring.
Alternately add dry ingredients and buttermilk, mixing until smooth.
Bake:
Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cool the cake completely before frosting.
Make Frosting:
Beat cream cheese and butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until fluffy.
Assemble the Cake:
Slice the cake horizontally into two layers. Spread frosting between layers and all over the cake.
Prepare Mirror Glaze: (Optional)
Sprinkle gelatin over 1/4 cup of water and let it bloom for 5 minutes.
In a saucepan, heat sugar, condensed milk, and remaining water until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat, stir in gelatin, and pour over white chocolate. Add red coloring and blend until smooth.
Cool glaze to 90°F (32°C) and pour over the frosted cake.
Decorate:
Pipe red frosting swirls around the edges and add edible flowers or sugar pearls for a romantic touch.
Decoration Tips:
Elegant Flowers: Use small sugar flowers with gold accents to highlight romantic themes.
Edible Pearls: Add a pearl border around the heart for extra elegance.
Personal Touch: Write a sweet message on the cake using white chocolate or royal icing.
Recipe Tips
Storage: Refrigerate the cake for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Mirror Glaze Tips: Ensure your cake is cold and smooth for the best glaze finish.
Make-Ahead: Bake the cake a day early and frost before glazing or decorating.
This cake is not just a treat but a heartfelt expression, bound to make any celebration unforgettable!