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Heart Shaped Chocolate Cakes

5 from 2 votes

Heart Shaped Chocolate Cake - A deliciously moist chocolate cake that is dairy and egg-free. No mixer required and it's great eaten warm or cold.

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Heart Shaped Chocolate Cakes

 

Do you save cards and letters?  I always seem to have a drawer full of anniversary cards, birthday cards, Valentine’s Day cards and mother’s day cards.  I like to pull them out from time to time and see if there are any repeats – you know … when you buy and give the same card two years in a row.  I’ve been known to do that myself – but that just proves when you find the right card, you have to buy one, or two.  While my husband and I don’t make a big deal out of Hallmark holidays like Valentine’s Day, I do want him to know how much he means to me.  We usually exchange cards and enjoy a few stories about the early days, and sometimes I try to make him a special treat like these Heart Shaped Chocolate Cakes.

 

 

Heart Shaped Chocolate Cakes

Have you seen the cute little paper cake liners in your local Home Goods or grocery store?  I came across some Home Brands Heart Shaped Pans and just had to give them a try.  They’re about 4 1/2 inches wide and long, perfect for a little treat without  having too much leftover.

 

 

Heart Shaped Chocolate Cakes

Don’t let my less than stellar piping job dissuade you from trying this delicious moist and easy chocolate cake.  Double the recipe and make an 8×8 or 9×9 inch cake.  I used a simple chocolate ganache frosting and then attempted to decorate the hearts with a raspberry buttercream – they are supposed to look like mini-roses but the frosting got a little thin.  But … no worries, they tasted great!

 

 

Heart Shaped Chocolate Cakes

This recipe, which is adapted from King Arthur Flour, is egg and dairy-free.  Who knew such a deliciously moist and tender cake could be made with water and vinegar?  You don’t even need an electric mixer for this one.

 

 

Heart Shaped Chocolate Cakes

 

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Heart Shaped Chocolate Cake - A deliciously moist chocolate cake that is dairy and egg-free. No mixer required and it's great eaten warm or cold. A truly versatile recipe great baked as a cupcake or in a pan. www.savingdessert.com

Heart Shaped Chocolate Cakes

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 3 cakes
Course: Cake, Dessert
Author: Tricia
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5 from 2 votes
A deliciously moist chocolate cake that is dairy and egg-free. No mixer required and it's great eaten warm or cold. A truly versatile recipe great baked as a cupcake or in a pan.

Ingredients

  • ¾ cup unbleached all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons good quality all-natural cocoa
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon espresso powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ teaspoons white vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • ½ cup cold water

For the ganache:

  • ¾ cup chocolate chips
  • â…“ cup half-n-half

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350℉.
  • Place the paper pans on a baking sheet and set aside.
  • In a medium mixing bowl whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa, salt, espresso powder and soda.
  • In a separate small bowl, whisk together the vanilla, vinegar, oil and water. Pour the water mixture into the dry ingredients and blend with a spatula just until combined.
  • Divide the batter into three heart shaped pans and bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick test comes out mostly clean, with just a moist crumb or two.
  • Serve warm in the pan or cool and top with a simple chocolate ganache. To remove the cooled cakes from the pan, cut the paper liners with scissors, gently remove and discard.
  • For the chocolate ganache, combine ¾ cup chocolate chips and â…“ cup half-n-half in a microwave safe bowl. Heat on high for 1 minute and stir to melt. Repeat if needed 30-seconds at a time until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cake.
  • Refrigerate left-overs.

Recipe Notes

  • Double the recipe to bake in a lightly greased 8" square or 9" round pan.
  • Recipe adapted from King Arthur Flour
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. When multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.

Nutrition

Calories: 633kcal | Carbohydrates: 89g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 396mg | Potassium: 253mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 60g | Vitamin A: 96IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 72mg | Iron: 2mg

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Do you have big plans for Valentine’s Day?  I hope you enjoy whatever comes along.  Thanks so much for stopping by – have a fantastic week!

Tricia

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36 Comments

  2. Wendy

    I am not a big fan of Valentine’s Day, but I am a fan of any holiday that gives us an excuse for making and eating chocolaty treats. These little cakes are SO pretty! I think your piping is totally stellar, Tricia. I especially like the one with just the spray of flowers in different sizes!

    Reply

  6. Susan

    Love the cakes and I think your piping skills are wonderful – better than mine, that’s for sure 🙂 Chocolate and espresso – what a great combo.

    Reply

  7. John/Kitchen Riffs

    Mrs KR and I have saved all the cards we’ve given each other over the years — over 35 years worth! We’ve started to scan them so we can preserve the memory, but get rid of the paper. Plus we’re more likely to actually look at them that way! 🙂 Anyway, great cake — perfect job with this. Thanks.

    Reply

  10. Monique

    Happy Valentines day!
    So cute..I always make him promise..no cards..I have kept so many..but now I just find I would rather just Little the holiday:) For the Littles♥

    Reply

  13. Monica

    This goes straight to my heart, Tricia. : ) So pretty and look at that cake – so moist and tender. I would be thrilled to have something this special for Valentine’s Day. I’m sure your husband appreciates it. And I do have a large envelop stuffed with cards/letters from the past…I can’t bring myself to throw it out (and I am usually very good at throwing things out). : )

    Reply

    • Tricia Buice

      Hey Monica – my husband is a gracious man and does love that I cook and bake for him. He is a big fan of oatmeal cookies but I just couldn’t figure out how to make those look like a Valentine! Have a wonderful week and thanks for stopping by!

      Reply