Ingredients:

  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3-4 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk, as needed)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease the Cake Pans: Grease and flour two heart-shaped cake pans (or use parchment paper) to prevent sticking.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk together until well mixed.
  4. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  5. Combine Mixtures: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix on medium speed for about 2 minutes.
  6. Add Boiling Water: Carefully stir in the boiling water (the batter will be thin).
  7. Pour Batter: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared heart-shaped cake pans.
  8. Bake: Bake in preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Cool: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then carefully remove from pans and let cool completely on wire racks.
  10. Beat Butter: In a large bowl, beat softened butter with an electric mixer until creamy (about 1-2 minutes).
  11. Add Remaining Ingredients: Gradually add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Mix on a low speed until incorporated, then increase to medium speed and beat for 2 minutes.
  12. Adjust Consistency: Add vanilla extract and 3 tablespoons of heavy cream to the frosting. Beat until light and fluffy. If its too thick, add more cream as needed to reach desired consistency.
  13. Layer the Cakes: Place one heart-shaped cake layer on a cake platter. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top.
  14. Top the Cake: Place the second heart-shaped layer on top and frost the top and the sides of the cake as desired.
  15. Decorate: Decorate with sprinkles, fresh berries, or chocolate shavings if desired.