There's something magical about baking a cake from scratch, primarily when it's meant for someone special. This heart-shaped red velvet cake recipe isn't just another dessert—it's a love letter written in butter, flour, and cocoa, topped with silky cream cheese frosting. Perfect for Valentine's Day, this showstopper combines rich flavors with a romantic presentation that will make your loved one's heart skip a beat.

## Why You'll Fall in Love with This Recipe

Remember that first-date butterfly feeling? You'll get that when you present this stunning red velvet creation. The deep crimson color against snow-white frosting creates an unforgettable visual impact, while the tender crumb and subtle chocolate notes will have everyone asking for seconds.

But what makes my recipe even better is that it's made with the best in gourmet spices and seasonings- and that is Watkins Inc.

## Time & Servings

- Prep Time: 30 minutes

- Cook Time: 35 minutes

- Cooling Time: 1 hour

- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes

- Servings: 12 slices

## Ingredients

For the Cake:

- 2½ cups all-purpose flour

- 1½ cups granulated sugar

- 1 teaspoon baking soda

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder

- 1½ cups vegetable oil

- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature

- 2 large eggs, room temperature

- 2 tablespoons red food coloring

- 1 teaspoon white vinegar

- 1 teaspoon Watkins Pure Vanilla Extract

- ½ cup hot coffee

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

- 16 oz cream cheese, softened

- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

- 4 cups powdered sugar

- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

- Pinch of salt

## Special Equipment

- 2 9-inch heart-shaped cake pans

- Parchment paper

- Stand mixer or hand mixer

- Cake board or serving plate

- Offset spatula

## Instructions

1. **Prepare Your Workspace**

   - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)

   - Grease heart-shaped pans and line with parchment paper

   - Dust with flour and tap out excess

2. **Mix Dry Ingredients**

   - In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder

   - Ensure no cocoa lumps remain for that perfect velvet texture

3. **Combine Wet Ingredients**

   - In a separate bowl, mix oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla

   - Stir until well combined

   - Add hot coffee and mix carefully

4. **Create the Batter**

   - Gradually add wet ingredients to dry ingredients

   - Mix until just combined – don't overmix!

   - The batter should be smooth and vibrant red

5. **Bake with Love**

   - Divide batter evenly between prepared pans

   - Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean

   - Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks

6. **Prepare the Frosting**

   - Beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy

   - Gradually add powdered sugar

   - Mix in vanilla and salt

   - Beat until smooth and creamy

7. **Assemble and Decorate**

   - Level cake layers if needed

   - Place the first layer on the cake board

   - Add a generous layer of frosting

   - Top with a second layer

   - Cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting

   - Create decorative swirls or patterns as desired

## Pro Tips for Perfect Results

1. Room temperature ingredients are crucial for a smooth, even batter

2. Don't overmix the batter to ensure a tender crumb

3. For the deepest red color, use gel food coloring instead of liquid

4. Chill the cake layers briefly before frosting for cleaner edges

5. Create a crumb coat before final frosting for professional results

## Storage Instructions

Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Bring the food to room temperature before serving the best taste and texture.

## Make It Your Own

- Add chocolate-covered strawberries for decoration

- Sprinkle with edible rose petals

- Create a white chocolate drip effect

- Add heart-shaped sprinkles

- Incorporate chocolate-covered raspberry pieces between layers

## Perfect Pairings

Serve with:

- Fresh strawberries

- Champagne or prosecco

- Hot coffee or espresso

- Vanilla bean ice cream

- Fresh raspberry coulis

Whether for Valentine's Day, an anniversary, or just because this heart-shaped red velvet cake is more than just a dessert—it's an expression of love that creates lasting memories. This recipe is unforgettable with its rich flavor, stunning presentation, and unique homemade ingredients.

So ladies, yes, and this is for my ladies. Don't be shallow- Yes, I said that. Let your man show off his culinary skills. Or better yet, why don't you show your appreciation and bake this cake yourself. Either or just have some fun with each other 💖

Remember, the key to baking success is patience and attention to detail. Take your time with each step, and you'll be rewarded with a cake that's as beautiful as delicious. Happy baking, and may your Valentine's Day be filled with love, joy, and plenty of red velvet cake!

Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are our own. This post may contain affiliate links for which I may earn a small commission at no additional cost.

On a further note, the highlighted product(s) is from an Independent Watkins Associate, NOT Watkins Inc. Thank you😊