Valentine's Day Chocolate Cake with Strawberry Buttercream

Yes, people, it's that time of the year again- Valentine's Day! I am sharing another delicious Valentine's Day recipe which was inspired by 

Celebrate love this Valentine's Day with a stunning, decadent chocolate cake paired with luscious strawberry buttercream. This show-stopping dessert is perfect for sharing with someone special. Follow this detailed recipe to create your masterpiece.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• Butter, for greasing
• 1 3/4 cups (225 grams) all-purpose flour, plus more for pans
• 2 cups (400 grams) granulated sugar
• 3/4 cups (64 grams) unsweetened natural cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk at room temperature
• 1/2 cup fresh vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs, at cool room temperature
• 1 teaspoon WATKINS pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup freshly brewed hot coffee

For the Strawberry Buttercream:

• 6 cups (750 grams) powdered sugar, sifted or as an alternative Barbie Pink Medley Sprinkles
• 4 sticks (452 grams) of unsalted butter at room temperature
• 2/3 cup seedless strawberry preserves
• 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
• 2 teaspoonsWATKINS  pure vanilla extract
• Watkins Assorted Food Coloring food coloring Red(optional)
• Chocolate-covered strawberries (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with butter and lightly dust them with flour. Tap out any excess.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well blended.
4. Incorporate the Coffee: Gently whisk the hot coffee into the wet ingredients. The mixture will be thin.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

1. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
2. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes clean.
3. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Prepare the Strawberry Buttercream

1. Cream the Butter: In a large bowl, beat the butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated.
3. Mix in Flavorings: Beat in the strawberry preserves, salt, and vanilla extract. Add red gel food coloring, a little at a time, until the desired shade of pink is achieved.
4. Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and whip the buttercream for 2-3 minutes until smooth and fluffy.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Level the Layers: If needed, trim the tops of the cake layers to ensure they are flat.
2. Add Filling: Place one cake layer on a serving plate or stand. Spread a generous layer of strawberry buttercream on top.
3. Layer the Cake: Place the second cake layer on top and apply a thin crumb coat of buttercream. Chill the cake for 15-20 minutes.
4. Frost the Cake: Spread a smooth, even layer of buttercream over the entire cake. Use a spatula to create decorative swirls, if desired.
5. Garnish: Top the cake with chocolate-covered strawberries for a romantic finishing touch.

Tips for Success

• Room-Temperature Ingredients: The eggs, buttermilk, and butter should be at room temperature to ensure a smooth batter and frosting.
• Don't Skip Sifting: Sifting the powdered sugar and cocoa powder ensures a lump-free batter and frosting.
• Storage: The assembled cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Enjoy your Valentine's Day Chocolate Cake with Strawberry Buttercream—a dessert as sweet as your love!

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😊