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Valentine cake assembled from square and round cakes with pink frosting

Valentine Cake

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5 from 14 reviews

Description

Learn how to transform simple square and round layers into a stunning heart-shaped masterpiece using basic geometry. This moist vanilla-almond cake features a sturdy yet tender crumb, making it the ideal canvas for festive buttercream designs.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to 68°F
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour (360g)
  • 1 1/3 cups whole milk
  • 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (for frosting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease, flour, and line one 8-inch square pan and one 8-inch round pan with parchment paper.
  2. Beat softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer for 3–5 minutes until pale and fluffy.
  3. Incorporate eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract, scraping down the sides of the bowl to ensure a smooth emulsion.
  4. Stir in the baking powder and baking soda until evenly distributed.
  5. Alternately add flour and milk in three parts, beginning and ending with flour, mixing just until the last streaks disappear.
  6. Divide the batter equally by weight between the two pans and bake for 30 to 40 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
  7. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely for at least 2 hours before assembly.
  8. Prepare the buttercream by whipping confectioners’ sugar, butter, and vanilla on high speed for 3 minutes until white and airy.
  9. To assemble, place the square cake on a board as a diamond; cut the round cake in half and attach each half to the top flat sides of the diamond using frosting as glue.
  10. Apply a thin crumb coat to the entire heart shape, chill for 20 minutes, then apply the final layer of smooth buttercream.

Notes

To ensure a perfectly flat surface for the heart assembly, use a serrated knife to level the tops of both cakes before joining them. If your kitchen is warm, chill the cake layers for 30 minutes before cutting the round cake to prevent excess crumbling during the geometric shaping process.

  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 40 mins
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

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Find it online: https://cakepeak.com/valentine-cake/