Description
This Mini Heart-Shaped Chocolate Cake is the perfect dessert to share with someone special. With its rich, moist chocolate flavor and adorable heart shape, it’s an ideal treat for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or just because. Top with whipped cream, berries, or a drizzle of chocolate ganache for an extra indulgent touch!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup boiling water
For the Frosting (Optional):
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Optional Toppings:
- Whipped cream
- Fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, etc.)
- Chocolate shavings
- Sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 4-inch heart-shaped cake pans (or use any other mini heart-shaped molds you have).
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, brown sugar, milk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Combine the dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. The batter will be thick.
- Add the boiling water: Slowly pour in the boiling water, mixing until the batter is smooth (it will be thin, but this is normal).
- Bake the cakes: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cakes: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the frosting (optional): In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing until combined. Add the milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, and beat until smooth and creamy.
- Frost the cakes: Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread a layer of frosting on top of one cake. Place the second cake on top, and frost the top and sides. Decorate with whipped cream, fresh berries, chocolate shavings, or sprinkles, if desired.
- Serve and enjoy: Slice and serve immediately, or refrigerate until ready to enjoy
Notes
- ou can use any type of frosting you prefer, such as cream cheese frosting or chocolate ganache.
- For extra chocolate flavor, drizzle some melted chocolate or ganache over the top of the frosted cake.
- These mini cakes are perfect for a romantic dinner, a special occasion, or a fun baking project with kids.
- If you don’t have mini heart-shaped cake pans, you can use a standard round cake pan and cut the cake into heart shapes using a cookie cutter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Valentine’s Day Treats
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American, Bakery
Keywords: mini heart-shaped chocolate cake, chocolate cake, heart-shaped cake, Valentine’s Day cake, romantic dessert, small chocolate cake, easy chocolate cake recipe