Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 cups white sugar
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 4 eggs, beaten
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk

For the Icing:

• 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake Pans

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, generously grease both an 8-inch square pan and an 8-inch round pan. This ensures that your cakes come out perfectly without any sticking.

2. Make the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the sugar and softened butter using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes creamy and smooth. Next, toss in the beaten eggs, vanilla extract, and the optional almond extract. Mix those in thoroughly.

Now, it’s time to add the dry ingredients. Stir in the baking powder and baking soda, mixing well. Then, gradually incorporate the flour and continue mixing until well combined. After that, add in about 2/3 cup of milk and mix until you achieve a smooth batter. Alternate adding the remaining flour and milk until everything is nicely blended.

3. Bake the Cakes

Now, it’s time to pour the delicious batter evenly into your prepared pans. Slide them into your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes. To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick into the center of each cake; it should come out clean. Once baked, allow the cakes to cool completely on a wire rack for about 2 hours before removing them from their pans.

4. Make the Icing

While your cakes cool, let’s whip up that luscious icing! In a separate bowl, beat the confectioners’ sugar, softened butter, and vanilla extract together using an electric mixer until the icing is fluffy and smooth. Your cake will thank you for this step!

5. Assemble the Cake

Once your cakes have cooled sufficiently, carefully remove them from their pans. To craft that perfect heart shape, place the square cake on a flat surface so it looks like a diamond. Now, take your round cake and slice it in half. Position one half on the upper left side of the square cake and the other half on the upper right side—voilà! You’ve fashioned a heart shape.

Generously spread the prepared icing over the entire cake, making sure to cover any edges and sides. This final touch will not only make it look inviting but also absolutely delicious!

Why You’ll Love This Valentine’s Day Cake

This Easy Valentine’s Day Cake not only tastes incredible but also makes a stunning centerpiece for any celebration of love! Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner for two or a fun-filled family gathering, this cake is sure to bring smiles all around.

If you’re on the lookout for more delightful treats to sweeten your festivities, why not check out our other popular dessert recipes, such as the Delicious Chocolate Mousse Recipe or the Irresistible Cheesecake Recipe? They’re just as easy to make and utterly enjoyable!

FAQs

1. Can I make this cake in advance?

Absolutely! You can bake the cakes a day in advance, store them in an airtight container, and assemble them on the day you plan to serve.

2. Can I use a different flavor extract instead of almond?

Yes, feel free to replace almond extract with a flavor of your choice, such as lemon, orange, or coconut extract for a refreshing twist.

3. Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Definitely! Simply swap the all-purpose flour with a quality gluten-free flour blend to create a gluten-free version of this cake.

4. How can I make the icing less sweet?

If you find the icing too sweet for your liking, you have a couple of options: you can reduce the amount of confectioners’ sugar or add a pinch of salt to help balance out the sweetness.

5. Can I decorate this cake with sprinkles or other toppings?

Of course! Get creative and decorate your Valentine’s Day cake with sprinkles, edible glitter, or fresh berries to add some extra flair and flavor.