Galentine's Sweetheart Chocolate Cake

Name: Galentine's Sweetheart Chocolate Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; 1 cup whole milk; ½ cup vegetable oil; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup hot brewed coffee; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 ½ cups powdered sugar; ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons heavy cream; Fresh raspberries; Chocolate shavings; Sprinkles (optional)

Highlighted under: Heavenly Dessert Creations

I love celebrating Galentine's Day with my friends, and this Sweetheart Chocolate Cake is the perfect centerpiece for our gatherings. The rich, moist chocolate layers paired with a velvety frosting make it an indulgent treat that everyone enjoys. I always get excited to decorate it with fresh berries and vibrant sprinkles, which adds a delightful touch. This cake is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delicious way to show appreciation for my friends. Trust me, it will be a hit at your next Galentine's celebration!

Created by

Tom

Last updated on 2026-01-05T21:46:30.642Z

Every time I bake the Galentine's Sweetheart Chocolate Cake, I am flooded with memories of previous celebrations. The combination of cocoa and coffee in the cake layers not only intensifies the chocolate flavor but also adds a subtle depth that separates it from your usual cake. My friends always rave about how the frosting melts in your mouth, and I love making it a little extra with just a hint of raspberry puree.

Smoothing the frosting can be a bit tricky, but I discovered that warming my spatula under hot water makes it glide easily over the cake. It's all about patience and practice, so don't rush the frosting stage! This cake has become our annual tradition, and I can't wait to see the smiles at our next gathering.

        Why You'll Love This Cake
        Decadent layers of chocolate that satisfy every sweet tooth
Beautifully decorated, making it perfect for sharing
An unforgettable flavor combination of rich chocolate and subtle coffee

      

Unlocking the Richness of Chocolate

The deep, intense flavor of this cake largely comes from the combination of unsweetened cocoa powder and brewed coffee. The coffee enhances the chocolate notes, making the cake taste richer. It's crucial to use high-quality cocoa powder for the best results; look for Dutch-processed variations to achieve a smoother texture and a more pronounced flavor. Remember, the added hot coffee should be incorporated gradually to prevent cooking the eggs in the batter.

When mixing the wet ingredients, it's important to beat the eggs well before adding other liquids. This incorporation of air will help create a lighter texture in your cake layers, allowing them to rise beautifully. If you prefer a lighter alternative to vegetable oil, you can substitute it with melted coconut oil or even unsweetened applesauce for a healthier twist.

Perfecting the Frosting

The frosting for this cake plays a vital role in flavor and texture, so ensure your butter is softened to room temperature before whipping. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer with a paddle attachment to achieve a light and fluffy consistency—aim for a buttercream that is glossy yet spreadable. If the frosting is too thick, add a teaspoon of heavy cream at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

If you're looking to infuse different flavors into the frosting, consider adding a teaspoon of espresso powder or a splash of amaretto for an elegant twist. This can elevate the chocolate flavor even further. Be cautious not to overwork the frosting, as it can become too fluffy and lose structural integrity, making it difficult to spread evenly over the cake.

Storing and Serving Tips

This cake can be made a day in advance, which actually enhances its flavors as they have more time to meld together. Store the layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature and frost just before serving. If you have leftovers, keep the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Bring it to room temperature before serving to ensure the flavors are at their peak.

Consider adding your own creative touches to the decoration. While fresh raspberries are a beautiful option, you could also experiment with strawberries or blueberries, depending on what's in season. For an extra touch, drizzle melted chocolate or a simple glaze over the top for added flair. Just remember to keep the decoration minimal until you’re ready to serve to maintain freshness.

Ingredients

Before you start, gather all your ingredients:

Cake Ingredients

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
½ cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup hot brewed coffee

Frosting Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 ½ cups powdered sugar
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons heavy cream

Decoration

Fresh raspberries
Chocolate shavings
Sprinkles (optional)

Make sure to measure accurately for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your cake:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.

Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture.

Add Hot Coffee

Carefully stir in the hot brewed coffee until the mixture is smooth; the batter will be thin.

Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool the Cakes

Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, then mix in the vanilla and heavy cream.

Frost the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate, spread a layer of frosting, then top with the second layer. Frost the top and sides of the cake.

Decorate

Finish your cake with fresh raspberries, chocolate shavings, and sprinkles if desired.

Serve and Enjoy

Slice and serve your Galentine's Sweetheart Chocolate Cake the next time your friends come over!

Don't forget to share this treat with your friends!

Pro Tips

Letting the cake layers cool completely before frosting is crucial for a smooth finish. Also, feel free to adjust the sweetness of the frosting by varying the amount of powdered sugar used.

Making Ahead

To save time on Galentine's Day, you can prepare the cake layers in advance and freeze them. Wrap each cooled layer tightly in plastic wrap, and then in aluminum foil, to prevent freezer burn. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to serve, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and proceed with frosting and decorating as usual.

If you're planning a large gathering, consider scaling up the recipe by using 12-inch cake pans. Just be sure to adjust baking time, as larger layers take longer to bake—check for doneness with a toothpick after 35–40 minutes. The same ingredients can be doubled for an impressive tiered cake that will truly wow your guests.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your cake layers don't rise properly, make sure that your baking soda and baking powder are fresh. Old leavening agents can lead to dense cakes. Also, avoid over-mixing the batter once you've added the wet ingredients; doing so can develop the gluten in the flour, yielding a tougher texture instead of a tender crumb.

Should you encounter a crumbly cake when slicing, allow it to cool completely before serving—still warm cakes can fall apart due to their moisture content. To rectify a dry cake, brush the layers with a simple syrup (equal parts water and sugar heated until dissolved) before frosting. This adds moisture and sweetness back into the cake layers.

Flavor Variations

For chocolate lovers looking to elevate this recipe, adding a peppermint extract to the frosting can result in a delightful chocolate mint cake. Just remember that peppermint is potent, so start with a small amount and taste as you go. Additionally, you can fold mini chocolate chips into the batter for a fun texture variation that will provide indulgent surprise bites.

If you're feeling adventurous, consider adapting the cake into a layered ice cream cake. Bake the layers as described, then freeze them for a few hours. Afterward, layer the chocolate cake with your favorite ice cream and refreeze until firm. This creates a deliciously cool treat that’s perfect for gatherings, especially during warmer months!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute hot coffee with something else?

Yes, you can use hot water or brewed espresso for a similar flavor.

→ How can I make this cake gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking.

→ Can I bake this cake in advance?

Absolutely! You can bake the cakes, let them cool, and store them in the fridge for up to three days before frosting.

→ What’s the best way to store leftover cake?

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate and consume within a week.