Chocolate Covered Strawberry Heart Cake

This Chocolate Covered Strawberry Heart Cake is the perfect dessert for Valentine’s Day or any romantic occasion. Featuring a rich chocolate loaf cake with a surprise heart-shaped strawberry center, it is frosted with a fluffy strawberry cream cheese buttercream and finished with festive sprinkles. Whether you’re baking for a loved one or celebrating self-love, this cake is a sweet and delightful treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Beautiful heart-shaped surprise inside for a romantic touch.
• Decadent chocolate cake paired with a sweet strawberry twist.
• Light and fluffy strawberry cream cheese frosting for a perfect finish.
• Gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly, so more people can enjoy it.
• A festive and fun dessert for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cake:

• 1 cup bittersweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup unsalted butter

For the Strawberry Heart Cake Center:

• 1 drop pink food coloring gel
• 2 teaspoons strawberry extract

For the Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar

For Decoration:

• 2 tablespoons sprinkles

Directions

Prepare the Strawberry Heart Cake:

1. Make the batter: Prepare a simple vanilla or strawberry cake batter, adding strawberry extract and pink food coloring.
2. Bake: Spread the batter evenly into a thin layer in a sheet pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) until set (about 15 minutes).
3. Cut out hearts: Once cooled, use a small heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out multiple hearts.

Make the Chocolate Loaf Cake:

1. Melt chocolate and butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the bittersweet chocolate chips and butter together, stirring until smooth. Let cool slightly.
2. Prepare the batter: Mix the cooled chocolate mixture with the remaining cake ingredients.
3. Assemble: Pour a small amount of the chocolate batter into the bottom of a greased loaf pan. Stand the heart-shaped cake pieces in a row down the center, then pour the remaining chocolate batter over them, ensuring they are fully covered.
4. Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the chocolate portion comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before frosting.

Make the Strawberry Cream Cheese Buttercream:

1. Beat cream cheese: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
2. Add powdered sugar and strawberry extract: Mix until light and fluffy.
3. Tint with food coloring: Stir in a drop of pink food coloring for a soft pink hue.

Frost and Decorate:

1. Frost the cake: Spread the strawberry cream cheese buttercream evenly over the cooled chocolate loaf cake.
2. Decorate: Sprinkle the top with festive Valentine’s sprinkles.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 slices
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Bake Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the frosting for extra indulgence.
• White Chocolate Version: Use white chocolate chips instead of bittersweet chocolate for a different flavor.
• Berry-Infused Frosting: Add mashed strawberries to the frosting for a fruitier taste.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use dairy-free butter and cream cheese for a lactose-free version.
• Cupcake Alternative: Bake as cupcakes with mini heart-shaped centers for individual treats.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Reheating: Let the cake sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before eating for the best texture.

FAQs

How do I get the heart shape inside the cake?

By baking a separate strawberry cake first, cutting out heart shapes, and embedding them in the chocolate batter before baking.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the cake a day in advance and frost it before serving.

What if I don’t have strawberry extract?

You can substitute pureed strawberries or strawberry jam for a natural flavor.

What’s the best way to cut this cake without ruining the heart shape?

Use a sharp knife and cut straight down without dragging to keep the heart design intact.

Can I make this into cupcakes?

Yes! Place a small heart-shaped cake piece inside each cupcake liner before adding the chocolate batter.

Can I use a boxed cake mix?

Yes! A strawberry and chocolate cake mix can be used for convenience.

What type of sprinkles work best?

Any festive Valentine’s Day sprinkles, such as heart shapes or pink sugar pearls, work well.

Can I make a heart shape without cutting out cake pieces?

You can pipe a heart shape on top using frosting or melted chocolate.

Is this cake overly sweet?

No, the bittersweet chocolate balances the sweetness of the frosting and strawberry cake.

Can I use milk chocolate instead of bittersweet chocolate?

Yes, but bittersweet chocolate provides a richer, less sweet contrast.

Conclusion

This Chocolate Covered Strawberry Heart Cake is the perfect Valentine’s Day dessert, featuring a surprise heart-shaped center and a luscious strawberry cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re baking for a special someone or treating yourself, this festive and delicious cake is a beautiful way to celebrate love. Try this recipe and create a heartfelt dessert that’s as stunning as it is delicious!