Heart-Shaped Galentine's Cake

Name: Heart-Shaped Galentine's Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 ½ tsp baking powder; 1 ½ tsp baking soda; 1 tsp salt; 2 large eggs; 1 cup whole milk; ½ cup vegetable oil; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup boiling water; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 ½ cups powdered sugar; ½ cup cocoa powder; ¼ cup heavy cream; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries); Chocolate shavings; Mint leaves for garnish

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I love celebrating friendships, and what better way to do it than with a Heart-Shaped Galentine's Cake? Every bite of this moist cake brings a burst of flavors that perfectly represent the joy of companionship. The combination of rich chocolate and fresh berries is utterly delightful. We usually bake this cake to surprise our friends on Galentine's Day, and it never fails to impress. Plus, it’s a fun way to show appreciation and love, all while indulging in a deliciously sweet treat.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-05T19:58:30.330Z

When I first made this Heart-Shaped Galentine's Cake, I was aiming for something that not only looks stunning but also tastes fantastic. I was pleasantly surprised by how well the flavors blended, especially with the added touch of fresh berries. The method of layering the cake with a creamy frosting enhances the overall texture, making each slice a delight.

One of my favorite tips while baking this cake is to chill the frosting slightly before applying it. This simple step makes it easier to spread and helps achieve a beautiful finish. Sharing this cake with friends has become our little tradition, and it always brings smiles to our faces.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh berries
Beautiful heart shape makes it perfect for sharing
Easy to customize with your favorite toppings

      

Baking Tips for Success

When preparing your cake batter, make sure the boiling water is truly at a rolling boil before adding it to the mixture. This step is crucial as it helps to make the cake extra moist and ensures that the cocoa powder fully dissolves, enhancing the chocolate flavor. If the batter appears thin, don’t worry—this is the desired consistency that allows for a light, airy cake structure once baked.

Be mindful of your oven temperature. An oven thermometer can be a great tool to ensure accuracy; some ovens can be off by up to 25°F. Properly preheating to 350°F (175°C) before baking is essential for achieving the perfect rise and crumb. Additionally, rotating the cake pans halfway through baking helps ensure even cooking.

Frosting and Decoration Details

For a smooth and creamy frosting, ensure your unsalted butter is properly softened at room temperature, which usually takes about 30 minutes. Using a stand mixer can help achieve that fluffy texture you want in the frosting; mix on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. You can adjust the consistency by adding more heavy cream or powdered sugar, depending on your preference for thickness.

When garnishing your cake, consider the balance of flavors. Using berries not only enhances visual appeal but also adds a fresh tartness that cuts through the richness of the chocolate. Arrange the berries in clusters for an inviting look, and don’t hesitate to drizzle some melted chocolate over the top for an extra decadent touch.

Ingredients

For the Cake

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 ½ tsp baking powder
1 ½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
½ cup vegetable oil
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water

For the Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 ½ cups powdered sugar
½ cup cocoa powder
¼ cup heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Decoration

Fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries)
Chocolate shavings
Mint leaves for garnish

Instructions

Steps

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two heart-shaped cake pans.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

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

Add Wet Ingredients

Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture and beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.

Incorporate Boiling Water

Stir in the boiling water (the batter will be thin). Pour evenly into the prepared pans.

Bake the Cakes

Bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool for 10 minutes in the pans, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Prepare the Frosting

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with heavy cream, and mix until smooth.

Assemble the Cake

Place one layer of the cake on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top, then add the second cake layer. Frost the top and sides of the cake.

Decorate

Garnish with fresh berries, chocolate shavings, and mint leaves. Slice and enjoy with your friends!

Enjoy Your Cake!

Pro Tips

For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a splash of orange zest to the frosting. It pairs beautifully with the chocolate and berries.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This Galentine's Cake can be made ahead of time, making it a perfect option for busy schedules. You can bake the cake layers a day in advance. Once cooled, wrap each layer in plastic wrap to keep them moist and store them in the refrigerator. They can remain fresh for up to three days, so you can frost and decorate just before your gathering.

If you're planning to freeze the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before frosting and serving.

Customization Ideas

Feel free to customize your cake with your favorite flavors by swapping the cocoa powder for different extracts or flavored cake mixes. Incorporating orange or peppermint extract can give the frosting a unique taste that makes it stand out. You can also try adding a layer of fruit preserves between the cake layers for an added burst of flavor.

For a lighter alternative, consider using a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Similarly, substituting apple sauce for vegetable oil can reduce the fat content while still maintaining moisture. Just be mindful that these changes might alter the texture slightly, but they can be delicious in their own right.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Just frost before serving.

→ What can I substitute for eggs?

You can use unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed mixture as an egg substitute.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted layers. Wrap them tightly and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.