Red Velvet Heart Cake

This Red Velvet Heart Cake is a delightful twist on a classic dessert, featuring a rich, velvety texture and a subtle cocoa flavor. The cake is layered with a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting, and decorated with fresh berries for a burst of color and sweetness. Perfect for celebrations, this cake combines traditional elements with a creative presentation, making it not only delicious but visually stunning.

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
• 1 ½ cups vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 tablespoons red food coloring
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
• Fresh berries for decoration

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two heart-shaped cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
3. In another bowl, mix the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar until well combined.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
7. For the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract.
8. Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread a layer of frosting on top of one cake layer, then place the second layer on top. Frost the top and sides of the cake.
9. Decorate with fresh berries on top and serve.