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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.
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.
Don’t let my less than stellar piping job dissuade you from trying this delicious moist and easy chocolate cake. Â Double the recipe and make an 8×8 or 9×9 inch cake. Â 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. Â But … no worries, they tasted great!
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.
Don’t forget your PIN!
Heart Shaped Chocolate Cakes
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 ⅓ 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
Looking for more inspiration?
Raspberry & Chocolate Cookie Stack Cakes
Raspberry Macarons – The Italian Method
Do you have big plans for Valentine’s Day? Â I hope you enjoy whatever comes along. Â Thanks so much for stopping by – have a fantastic week!
Tricia
Barbara | Creative Culinary
These are adorable; I know it’s after Valentine’s but I have little girls on my street who would love a heart cake for any occasion so I’ll have to surprise them with one of these!
Tricia Buice
Thank so much Barb – I bet your neighborhood girls will love them!
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!
Tricia Buice
I could not have said it better myself Wendy! Any excuse for chocolate is a good one! Thanks so much – have a wonderful weekend!
Kokodynia
Cute and classy!
Tricia Buice
Thanks so much 🙂 Fun food is always a favorite! Thanks for stopping by and for commenting – have a lovely weekend.
2 sisters recipes
These are beautiful Tricia! and easy! thanks for the recipe!
xoxo Have a great weekend!
Tricia Buice
Thank you Anna and Liz!
Abbe @ This is How I Cook
I save all cards! I have no idea where they all are though! Must get to work on that! Love this cake recipe! It looks so moist-and no eggs or dairy. I suppose that means it is calorie free. Don’t I wish?
Tricia Buice
I wish it was too Abbe – but that’s why making small cakes is better – they are gone a lot faster!
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.
Tricia Buice
Thank you Susan – and I agree about the chocolate and espresso – the powder seems to enrich the chocolate flavor without making it taste like coffee 🙂 Yummy!
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.
Tricia Buice
That is so sweet John! Congratulations on 35 years. Thanks so much!
Angie@Angie's Recipes
You are quite a baker, Tricia. Those mini heart chocolate cakes look stunning!
Tricia Buice
Thank you Angie – they were fun to make 🙂
Gerlinde @Sunnycovechef
This little chocolate hearts are darling, you just have to adore them. A perfect Valentines ‘s treat .
Tricia Buice
Thank you Gerlinde – is Valentine’s Day a big deal in Germany?
Gerlinde
It never was when I lived there but now it’s becoming more popular. It’s the same with Halloween. The old traditional holidays are fading away.
Tricia Buice
That is very interesting Gerlinde. Thanks!
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♥
Tricia Buice
I agree Monique – I don’t need bunches of flowers or jewelry – just a sweet moment or two and fun with the grandson!
Diane (Created by Diane)
oh my goodness these look amazing! I love heart shaped treats and chocolate. Double WINNER!
Tricia Buice
Agreed! Chocolate is always a good idea 🙂
Summer
These are so cute and look so delicious ♥
summerdaisy.net
Tricia Buice
Thanks Summer! Love your pretty name and your lovely blog.
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). : )
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!
All That I'm Eating
These are so cute, they look great and would be great for valentine’s day!
Tricia Buice
Thanks – they are chocolate, sweet and heart shaped so in my book that works for Valentine’s Day for sure 🙂
Chris Scheuer
These are so pretty and the cake looks so moist. I love your little pink roses Tricia, these would be perfect for those two little girls that are coming up!
Tricia Buice
Thanks Chris – They do seem perfect for a little girl 🙂
sue|theviewfromgreatisland
These are so cute, and they would be great for a tea party, too!
Tricia Buice
I need to have more tea parties Sue 🙂 We will have one … one of these days!
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers
I want these for Valentine’s Day!! I just need to get my husband to bake them for me 🙂 So pretty and I think your piping job is perfect.
Tricia Buice
I hope he makes them for you. Tell him they are so easy – no mixer required 🙂 Very chocolatey – which is a good thing! Thanks Jennifer – have a wonderful week!