Prepare to fall head over heels for the most romantic dessert you'll ever create! This Strawberry Red Velvet Heart Cake isn't just a recipe—it's a culinary love story that combines the rich, velvety texture of classic red velvet with the sweet, vibrant burst of fresh strawberries. Whether you're looking to impress your sweetheart, celebrate a special occasion, or simply treat yourself to a decadent slice of heaven, this show-stopping cake promises to be the star of any dessert table.
Prep Time: 45 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 heart cake
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated 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 cup fresh strawberries, pureed
- Cream cheese frosting for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a heart-shaped cake pan or line with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Ensure the dry ingredients are well combined and free of lumps.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, vegetable oil, buttermilk, and eggs until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
- Add the fresh strawberry puree to the wet ingredients, mixing thoroughly to distribute the strawberry flavor evenly.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
- Add the red food coloring and mix until the batter achieves a rich, vibrant red color.
- Pour the batter into the prepared heart-shaped cake pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the cake is completely cooled, prepare the cream cheese frosting and decorate the cake as desired.
- For best results, refrigerate the cake for 30 minutes before serving to allow the frosting to set.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing to create a smoother, more consistent batter.
- Don't Overmix: Gently fold ingredients together to keep the cake light and tender. Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough texture.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the puree to maximize flavor and natural sweetness.
- Food Coloring Tip: Add food coloring gradually to achieve the perfect vibrant red without affecting the cake's taste.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent the cream cheese frosting from melting.
- Refrigeration Hack: Chilling the cake for 30 minutes before serving helps the frosting set and makes cutting cleaner, more precise slices.
- Storage Advice: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain its freshness and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
