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 slices
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 buttermilk; ½ cup vegetable oil; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup boiling water; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; ¼ cup heavy cream; 1 tbsp vanilla extract; Zest of 1 orange; Food coloring (optional)

Highlighted under: Everyday Dessert Recipes

I absolutely love making this Heart-Shaped Galentine's Cake as a special treat for my friends. With its rich chocolate base and colorful frosting, it’s the perfect way to celebrate friendship. This cake not only looks cute but also tastes divine! I love how easy it is to make, and it's always a hit at my gatherings. When I bake it, I ensure that I add a touch of orange zest to enhance the chocolate flavor, making it a delightful twist that everyone enjoys.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-05T20:55:29.593Z

When I first decided to bake a Heart-Shaped Galentine's Cake, I knew I wanted something special that would represent friendship. I experimented with various recipes and settled on a rich chocolate base, complemented by a tangy orange frosting. The flavors work beautifully together, and everyone who tries it loves the balance.

One thing that stands out is the addition of buttermilk, which keeps the cake wonderfully moist. When mixing wet and dry ingredients, I always make sure not to over-mix; this ensures I get a fluffy texture that melts in your mouth. Trust me, your friends will adore this cake!

        Why You'll Love This Cake
        Decadent chocolate paired with a hint of orange zest
Perfectly moist and fluffy texture every time
Adorable heart shape makes it ideal for celebrations

      

Techniques for a Perfect Cake

To achieve a moist and fluffy Heart-Shaped Galentine's Cake, it's crucial to measure your ingredients accurately. For the flour, spoon it into the measuring cup rather than scooping directly, which can compact it and result in a denser cake. Similarly, ensure that your cocoa powder is not packed. This attention to detail lays the foundation for the ideal cake texture.

When mixing the batter, it's important not to over-beat once the flour is added. Just mix until no dry pockets remain. The combination of boiling water at the end not only helps dissolve the cocoa but also contributes to the cake's moisture. Avoid common pitfalls such as under-mixing, which can leave lumps, or over-mixing, which might develop the gluten and make the cake tough.

Frosting Tips and Tricks

For the frosting, make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming. If you forgot to take it out in advance, you can cut it into smaller pieces and let it sit for about 15-20 minutes. The goal is to achieve a fluffy texture that spreads easily without melting. If your frosting is too thick, adding a little more heavy cream will help achieve a spreadable consistency without compromising flavor.

Adding orange zest not only enhances the chocolate flavor but also provides a refreshing contrast that elevates the taste. If you're looking to adjust the sweetness, feel free to reduce the powdered sugar slightly. This cake can also be decorated with edible glitter or sprinkles to add a festive touch—perfect for celebrating friendship!

Make-Ahead and Storage

One great thing about this cake is its versatility in preparation. You can bake the cake layers a day in advance, allowing them to cool completely before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap. This helps to maintain their moisture and flavor. When you're ready to frost, just take them out and let them sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes.

Leftover cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for about 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, try freezing it. Slice it first, then wrap each piece in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can enjoy a slice of friendship anytime you wish!

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create a delightful Heart-Shaped Galentine's Cake!

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 buttermilk
½ cup vegetable oil
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water

For the Frosting:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
¼ cup heavy cream
1 tbsp vanilla extract
Zest of 1 orange
Food coloring (optional)

Once you have everything ready, you'll be all set to bake!

Instructions

Follow these steps carefully to create your Heart-Shaped Galentine's Cake:

Preheat the Oven

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

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Add Wet Ingredients

Add eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla to the dry ingredients. Beat with a mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes. Stir in boiling water until well combined.

Bake the Cakes

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Frost

Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and cool completely on wire racks. Prepare the frosting by beating butter, powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla, and orange zest until fluffy. Frost the cooled cake layers.

Once frosted, you can decorate your cake with sprinkles or additional chocolate shavings if desired!

Pro Tips

For best results, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before starting. This helps with the mixing and ensures a more even bake.

Ingredient Roles

Each ingredient plays a significant role in the success of your Heart-Shaped Galentine's Cake. The all-purpose flour provides structure, while the granulated sugar contributes to sweetness and moisture. Cocoa powder gives the cake its rich, chocolatey flavor. Buttermilk not only adds moisture but also reacts with baking soda to create a light and airy texture.

Eggs are essential for binding everything together and adding richness. Don't skip the boiling water—it ensures that cocoa powder dissolves thoroughly, enhancing the flavor and texture of the cake. The orange zest is not just a flavor boost but also adds an aromatic element that elevates the cake's overall profile.

Serving Suggestions

This Heart-Shaped Galentine's Cake is wonderfully versatile when it comes to serving. Consider pairing it with fresh berries for a tart contrast that balances the sweetness of the cake. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can further elevate the dessert experience, adding creaminess that complements the chocolate.

For an added twist, you could serve small slices with a cup of espresso or tea. This pairing not only enhances the earthy flavors of the chocolate but also creates a lovely, cozy atmosphere, perfect for a Galentine's gathering. Don't forget to garnish with some extra orange zest or chocolate shavings for a decorative touch!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different shape pan?

Absolutely! You can use round or square pans; just adjust the baking time as needed.

→ How can I make this cake gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

→ Can I freeze the cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake layers wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 months.

→ What other flavors can I add to the frosting?

You can experiment with different extracts or add pureed fruits for unique flavors!