Heart-Shaped Cake Recipe: A Sweet, Romantic Treat for Every Occasion
Category: Desserts
Serves: 10
Preparation Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
The Heart-Shaped Cake is the perfect dessert for a romantic dinner, a special celebration, or any occasion where you want to impress with a delicious and visually stunning treat. This cake combines the richness of dark chocolate, the sweetness of hazelnuts, and the indulgence of a smooth ganache, all wrapped in a delicate, airy cake. Whether you are preparing it for Valentine’s Day, an anniversary, or simply to show someone you care, this cake is sure to be a hit. Let’s dive into the step-by-step guide on how to create this gorgeous dessert!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour (00) | 200g |
| Dark chocolate (55%) | 100g |
| Granulated sugar | 200g |
| Butter (at room temperature) | 200g |
| Eggs | 275g |
| Unsweetened cocoa powder | 30g |
| Baking powder | 8g |
| Fine salt | 1 pinch |
For the Ganache:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Dark chocolate (55%) | 200g |
| Heavy cream (fresh) | 500g |
For the Caramelized Hazelnuts:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Hazelnuts (peeled) | 100g |
| Granulated sugar | 100g |
For the Filling:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Dark chocolate (55%) | 170g |
| Water | 120g |
| Granulated sugar | 80g |
| Acacia honey | 1 tsp |
For the Icing:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Powdered sugar | 100g |
| Water | As needed |
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Cake Batter
Begin by chopping the dark chocolate into small pieces for the cake. Take 100g of chocolate and melt it gently either in the microwave or using a double boiler, stirring occasionally until smooth. Let it cool slightly.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the room temperature butter and granulated sugar. Using the whisk attachment, beat them together until light and creamy. Add the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Continue to mix until the batter becomes fluffy and uniform.
Next, sift the cocoa powder into the bowl. Gradually add the sifted flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix gently, ensuring all the dry ingredients are fully incorporated into the wet mixture.
Once the batter is smooth, fold in the melted chocolate. This will give the cake its rich, decadent flavor.
Step 2: Baking the Cake
Grease and flour a 21×22 cm heart-shaped baking pan. Pour the prepared batter into the pan, leveling the surface with a spoon to ensure even baking.
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the cake for 40-45 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean when the cake is fully baked. Once done, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Making the Ganache
While the cake is cooling, prepare the ganache. Place 200g of chopped dark chocolate in a bowl. In a saucepan, bring 200g of heavy cream to a boil. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate in three stages, stirring gently each time until the chocolate has completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
Cover the ganache with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Let the ganache cool in the refrigerator for at least an hour.
Step 4: Preparing the Caramelized Hazelnuts
To make the caramelized hazelnuts, place the hazelnuts and 100g of sugar into a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sugar has melted and turned golden, and the hazelnuts are well-coated in the caramel. Be careful not to burn the sugar.
Once caramelized, transfer the hazelnuts to a piece of parchment paper to cool. After they have cooled completely, chop them finely in a food processor.
Step 5: Preparing the Filling
For the filling, combine 170g of chopped dark chocolate and 120g of water in a saucepan. Heat gently until the chocolate has melted completely. Add 80g of sugar and stir until dissolved. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of acacia honey for a touch of sweetness. Let the filling cool slightly before use.
Step 6: Assembling the Cake
Once the cake has completely cooled, use a serrated knife to trim the top, creating a flat surface. Slice the cake horizontally into three equal layers, each approximately 1cm thick.
Place the first layer of cake on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of ganache and finely chopped caramelized hazelnuts over it. Use a spatula to smooth the ganache evenly.
Place the second layer of cake on top and repeat the process, spreading the ganache and hazelnuts. Finally, top with the last layer of cake.
Step 7: Covering the Cake
Now, take the remaining ganache (300g) that was refrigerated and use it to cover the top and sides of the cake. Use a spatula to smooth the ganache evenly, ensuring a sleek, glossy finish.
Chill the cake in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to firm up the ganache before proceeding.
Step 8: Making the Chocolate Glaze
To make the chocolate glaze, combine 120g of water and 80g of sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and cook for about 3 minutes until the syrup has thickened slightly. Remove from heat and pour the syrup over 170g of chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Stir until smooth.
Step 9: Glazing the Cake
Remove the cake from the refrigerator and transfer it to a wire rack placed over a tray. Pour the warm chocolate glaze over the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. Let the cake rest for 30 minutes in the refrigerator to allow the glaze to set.
Step 10: Decorating the Cake
For the final touch, make a simple glaze for decoration by combining powdered sugar and a little water in a small bowl. Once the consistency is smooth and easy to pipe, transfer the glaze into a piping bag or a small cone made from parchment paper.
Decorate the top of the cake with a decorative message or design. You can also add edible flowers for a romantic touch.
Serving the Heart-Shaped Cake
Once your cake is fully decorated, it is ready to be served. The combination of the rich chocolate, smooth ganache, crunchy caramelized hazelnuts, and glossy glaze will surely wow your guests. This heart-shaped cake is the perfect expression of love and will undoubtedly be a memorable centerpiece at any celebration. Enjoy your delightful, romantic creation!
Tips for Success:
- Storage: Store the heart-shaped cake in the refrigerator to keep it fresh for up to 3 days. The ganache and glaze will stay creamy, and the cake will remain delicious.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the cake layers and ganache in advance. Assemble and decorate the cake just before serving.
- Customization: Feel free to add other toppings like berries, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of cocoa powder for an extra touch of elegance.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 550 kcal |
| Protein | 6g |
| Carbohydrates | 60g |
| Sugars | 45g |
| Fat | 32g |
| Saturated Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 100mg |
| Cholesterol | 95mg |
Enjoy making this indulgent Heart-Shaped Cake, and share the love with those who matter most to you!
