Get ready to fall head over heels for the most romantic dessert that will steal your heart - literally! These adorable Red Velvet Cake Hearts are not just a treat for your taste buds, but a stunning centerpiece that will make your Valentine's Day, anniversary, or any special occasion absolutely unforgettable. With their vibrant crimson color, velvety texture, and melt-in-your-mouth goodness, these heart-shaped delights are guaranteed to make everyone swoon and ask for seconds.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 hearts
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a rectangular baking pan (9x13 inches) or prepare with parchment paper to ensure easy cake removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps remove any lumps and ensures even distribution of dry ingredients.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk together sugar, vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined. The red food coloring will give the cake its signature vibrant red color.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing with an electric mixer on medium speed. Mix until the batter is smooth and no flour streaks remain, being careful not to overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula to ensure uniform baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. To check doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake - it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out individual cake hearts. For best results, refrigerate the cake for 30 minutes before cutting to make it firmer.
- Optional: Frost the cake hearts with cream cheese frosting and decorate with sprinkles or additional chocolate shavings if desired.
- Store the cake hearts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Tips
- Room Temperature Matters: Ensure all ingredients like eggs, buttermilk, and butter are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
- Don't Overmix: Mix the batter just until ingredients are combined to keep the cake tender and light.
- Use Fresh Food Coloring: Make sure your red food coloring is fresh to achieve that vibrant, classic red velvet color.
- Chilling is Key: Refrigerate the cake for 30 minutes before cutting hearts to get clean, precise shapes.
- For Extra Moisture: Brush the cake layers with simple syrup before cutting hearts to keep them incredibly moist.
- Cream Cheese Frosting Tip: Ensure cream cheese and butter are softened but not melted for the perfect frosting consistency.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 35mg
