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This simple Valentine’s cake recipe brings a delightful homemade touch to your celebrations. Its rich chocolate flavor and moist texture make it a perfect treat to share with loved ones without fuss.
I remember baking this cake for a Valentine’s surprise once and the look on my partner’s face was priceless. It’s become a go to recipe for special moments because it never disappoints.
Ingredients
- Farine tout usage: one and three quarters cups Essential base for the cake providing structure and softness. Choose organic flour for better texture and taste
- Sucre en poudre: one cup Adds sweetness and caramelizes during baking for a nice crust
- Poudre de cacao non sucré: half a cup Gives a rich chocolate flavor. Opt for high quality Dutch processed cocoa powder if possible for smoother taste
- Levure chimique: une cuillère et demie à café Leavening agent ensuring the cake rises properly and stays light
- Bicarbonate de soude: une cuillère à café Works with baking powder to create lift and tenderness
- Sel: une demi cuillère à café Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavors
- Deux gros œufs: Provide moisture and help bind the ingredients for the cake’s structure
- Lait: un verre Adds moisture and richness. Whole milk is best for flavor but any milk will work
- Huile végétale: half a cup Keeps the cake moist and tender without altering the flavor much
- Extrait de vanille: two teaspoons Adds a warm aromatic note enhancing the chocolate
- Eau bouillante: un verre Helps dissolve the cocoa and creates a smooth batter producing a moist final texture
Instructions
- Sortez le four:
- Preheat your oven to 175 degrees Celsius. This is crucial to get the cake baking evenly from the start.
- Préparez les moules:
- Grease and lightly flour two nine inch round pans to prevent sticking and ensure easy cake removal.
- Mélange des ingrédients secs:
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Use a whisk to mix evenly which helps the cake rise uniformly.
- Ajoutez les ingrédients liquides:
- Add eggs, milk, oil and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix using a hand mixer or whisk until smooth and combined but avoid overmixing which can toughen the cake.
- Incorporez l'eau bouillante:
- Carefully stir in the boiling water a little at a time. The batter will be thin but this step is essential for moistness and helps bring out the chocolate flavor.
- Versez la pâte:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pans splitting it evenly. Gently tap the pans on the counter to remove air bubbles.
- Cuisson:
- Bake for thirty to thirty five minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Checking a few minutes before the end will help avoid overbaking and dryness.
- Refroidissement:
- Let the cakes cool in their pans for about ten minutes then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents sogginess from steam trapped in the pan.
My favorite part has always been stirring in the boiling water as I know that trick makes the crumb irresistibly tender. Baking this cake always reminds me of the first Valentine’s Day I made it for my family and how it instantly brightened the mood.
Storage Tips
Store the cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain moisture. For longer storage place it in the refrigerator but bring back to room temperature before serving.
Ingredient Substitutions
For a dairy free version replace milk with almond or oat milk and use a neutral oil like sunflower oil. You can swap granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a deeper caramel note. Vanilla extract can be replaced with almond extract for a different but lovely twist.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy plain or dust with powdered sugar for a simple elegant look. Serve slices with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream for a festive touch. Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of warm raspberry sauce to elevate the dessert.
This simple chocolate Valentine’s cake is quick to make and always a crowd pleaser. Enjoy sharing it warm or at room temperature for the best texture.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Quelle température pour la cuisson des gâteaux ?
Préchauffez le four à 175°C (350°F) pour une cuisson optimale.
- → Comment obtenir une texture moelleuse ?
L'ajout d'eau bouillante dans la pâte permet d'obtenir une consistance légère et aérée.
- → Peut-on remplacer le lait par une alternative végétale ?
Oui, du lait d'amande ou de soja fonctionne bien et respecte les saveurs.
- → Combien de temps faut-il cuire les gâteaux ?
Cuire entre 30 et 35 minutes jusqu'à ce qu'un cure-dent ressorte propre.
- → Comment préparer les moules avant la cuisson ?
Beurrez et farinez légèrement les moules pour éviter que les gâteaux n’attachent.