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Decadent Valentine’s Strawberry Layered Heart Cake

valentines strawberry layered heart cake - featured image
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A romantic and nostalgic layered vanilla cake with fresh strawberry compote and whipped cream frosting, perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 2 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
  • 3 cups (450g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
  • 2 cups (480ml) heavy whipping cream, chilled
  • ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Fresh strawberry halves (optional for decoration)
  • Edible rose petals or heart-shaped sprinkles (optional for decoration)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch heart-shaped cake pans with butter or non-stick spray and lightly dust with flour. Optionally, line with parchment paper circles.
  2. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
  5. Reduce mixer speed to low. Add dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with milk, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
  6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Avoid opening oven early.
  7. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
  8. Prepare strawberry filling by combining sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until berries soften and release juice, about 8-10 minutes. Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook 1-2 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and cool.
  9. In a chilled bowl, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
  10. Assemble cake by placing one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of strawberry filling, then a thick layer of whipped cream. Top with second cake layer and cover entire cake with whipped cream. Smooth with a spatula.
  11. Decorate with fresh strawberry halves and optional edible rose petals or heart-shaped sprinkles.
  12. Refrigerate cake for at least 1 hour before serving to let flavors meld and frosting set.

Notes

Use room temperature eggs and softened butter for best texture. Chill bowl and whisk before whipping cream. Let strawberry compote simmer slowly for best flavor. Chill cake before slicing for cleaner layers. For gluten-free, use gluten-free flour blend. For vegan, substitute ingredients as noted.

Nutrition

Keywords: Valentine's Day cake, strawberry cake, layered cake, heart-shaped cake, whipped cream frosting, romantic dessert, homemade cake

Find it online: https://twinkletaste.com/decadent-valentines-strawberry-layered-heart-cake-easy-recipe-for-romantic-desserts/