Get ready to sweep your loved one off their feet with the most irresistible Valentine's Day dessert that's not just a cake, but a love letter baked to perfection! This simple yet stunning sheet cake is your ticket to creating a memorable moment that combines chocolatey decadence with romantic flair. Whether you're a baking novice or a kitchen pro, this recipe promises to deliver a showstopping dessert that screams "I love you" without saying a word.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 16 servings
Ingredients
- 1 box of chocolate cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- Buttercream frosting
- Red food coloring
- Heart-shaped sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan to ensure the cake does not stick.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, 3 large eggs, 1 cup of water, and 1 cup of vegetable oil. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to blend the ingredients until the batter is smooth and well combined, about 2 minutes.
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Keep an eye on it to avoid overbaking.
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cake is cooling, prepare the buttercream frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with a splash of milk, until you reach your desired consistency. Add a few drops of red food coloring and mix until the frosting is a lovely shade of pink.
- Once the cake is completely cool, spread a generous layer of the pink buttercream frosting evenly over the top of the cake using a spatula.
- Decorate the frosted cake with heart-shaped sprinkles, scattering them generously across the top to add a festive Valentine's touch.
- Slice the cake into 16 equal pieces and serve to your loved ones. Enjoy your Happy Valentine's Day Sheet Cake!
Tips
- Room Temperature Matters: Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for a smoother, more even cake batter.
- Don't Overmix: When combining cake ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated to keep the cake tender.
- Check for Doneness: Use the toothpick test - it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cooling is Crucial: Let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent the buttercream from melting.
- Frosting Hack: For a perfectly smooth frosting surface, dip your spatula in hot water and wipe dry before spreading.
- Sprinkle Strategy: Add heart-shaped sprinkles while the frosting is still slightly soft so they stick better.
- Make Ahead: This cake can be prepared a day in advance, making your Valentine's Day preparation stress-free.
- Personalization Tip: Consider adding a romantic message using piped frosting for an extra special touch!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 45mg
