You’re looking for a way to make Valentine’s Day even sweeter. You’ll find inspiration in these 10 stunning cake recipes, featuring classic flavors like red velvet and strawberry shortcake.
From decadent chocolate to vanilla bean, these cakes are sure to impress, but that’s not all – there are even more unique recipes to discover, and they’re about to take your celebration to the next level.
1. Classic Red Velvet Cake
Classic Red Velvet Cake is a timeless dessert perfect for Valentine’s Day.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 2 large egg yolks
- 2 teaspoons red food coloring
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup cream cheese frosting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter until creamy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Beat in red food coloring and vanilla extract.
- With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
- Beat just until combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the cakes are cool, place one layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top.
- Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
2. Strawberry Shortcake Recipe
Delicious strawberry shortcake with sweet strawberries and whipped cream.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups sliced strawberries
- 1 cup whipped cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add softened butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream and eggs.
- Add the cream mixture to the flour mixture and stir until a dough forms.
- Roll out the dough and cut into rounds.
- Bake the rounds for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Split the shortcakes in half and top with sliced strawberries and whipped cream.
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
3. Chocolate Heart Cake
Rich, moist chocolate cake in the shape of a heart, perfect for Valentine’s Day.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a heart-shaped cake pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cocoa powder and milk, stirring until smooth.
- Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition.
- Whisk in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the chocolate mixture, whisking until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the cake is cool, frost and decorate as desired.
4. Vanilla Bean Cake
Delicate vanilla bean cake perfect for Valentine’s Day celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter until creamy, about 2 minutes.
- Gradually add the sugar to the bowl and beat until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, allowing each egg to fully incorporate before adding the next.
- Beat in the vanilla extract.
- With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk and yogurt, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
- Beat in the vanilla bean paste.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Raspberry Love Cake
Raspberry Love Cake is a romantic dessert perfect for Valentine’s Day.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease two 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, whisk together butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and whisk until just combined.
- Gently fold in the fresh raspberries.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the cakes are cool, place one layer on a serving plate and top with the second layer.
- Dust with powdered sugar and serve.
6. Creamy Cheesecake Recipe
Indulge in a rich and creamy cheesecake perfect for Valentine’s Day.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 2 pounds cream cheese
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F.
- Prepare the crust by mixing crumbs, sugar, and melted butter, then press into a springform pan.
- Beat the cream cheese until smooth, then add eggs one at a time.
- Mix in sour cream, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Pour the cheesecake batter into the prepared crust.
- Bake for 55-60 minutes or until the edges are set.
- Let the cheesecake cool completely before refrigerating for at least 4 hours.
- Release the springform pan sides and slice the cheesecake to serve.
7. Pink Ombre Cake
A beautiful and delicious Pink Ombre Cake perfect for Valentine’s Day.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- Food coloring
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease three 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy, then add eggs one at a time.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk.
- Divide the batter evenly among three bowls and add different amounts of food coloring to create ombre effect.
- Pour each batter into a prepared pan and smooth the tops.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting and assembling.
- Frost the cake with a creamy frosting and decorate as desired.
- Serve and enjoy!
8. Decadent Chocolate Cake
A rich, mocha-flavored chocolate cake perfect for Valentine’s Day.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cocoa powder and milk, stirring until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition, then whisk in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to chocolate mixture, whisking until just combined.
- Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Sweetheart Layer Cake
A classic moisture-rich layer cake perfect for Valentine’s Day.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups whole milk
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- Food coloring, pink or red
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease three 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the butter until creamy.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, allowing each egg to fully incorporate before adding the next.
- Beat in the vanilla extract and add a few drops of food coloring to tint the cake.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of each cake comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the cakes are completely cool, stack and frost them with your favorite frosting to create a beautiful layer cake.
10. Valentine Cake Ideas
Decadent chocolate cake perfect for Valentine’s Day.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cocoa powder and milk, stirring until smooth.
- Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition.
- Whisk in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the chocolate mixture, whisking until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the cakes are cool, you can frost and decorate them as desired.
11. Conclusion
You’ll love these cakes, with 64% of couples considering dessert a must-have on Valentine’s Day. Indulge in these sweet treats, from classic red velvet to decadent chocolate, and make the celebration unforgettable with rich frosting and decorative ideas that will leave you and your sweetheart craving for more.