Galentine's Sweetheart Chocolate Cake

Name: Galentine's Sweetheart Chocolate Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 2 cups granulated sugar; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; 1 cup buttermilk; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup boiling water; Zest of 1 orange; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt

Highlighted under: Indulgent Dessert Recipes

I love celebrating Galentine's Day with friends, and what better way to do that than with a decadent chocolate cake? This Galentine's Sweetheart Chocolate Cake is rich, fluffy, and adorned with a smooth frosting that's perfect for sharing. I find that the combination of high-quality cocoa and some orange zest adds a unique twist to the traditional chocolate flavor. Not only does it taste amazing, but it also makes for a beautiful centerpiece at our brunch table. Put on your aprons, and let's whip up something sweet together!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-05T20:38:30.100Z

When I first made this cake, I wanted to impress my friends with something special for Galentine's Day. I experimented with layers and fillings and stumbled upon the perfect combination of rich chocolate and creamy frosting. The result was a show-stopping dessert that disappeared in no time!

What really sets this cake apart is the addition of orange zest, which brightens up the chocolate flavor beautifully. I found that incorporating this little detail makes every bite a delightful experience. Trust me; your friends will be raving about this cake long after the celebration ends!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh orange zest
Creamy texture that melts in your mouth
Perfect for celebrations or as a sweet indulgence

      

Understanding Ingredients

The choice of ingredients is crucial for achieving the best flavor and texture in your Galentine's Sweetheart Chocolate Cake. High-quality cocoa powder is essential as it provides the rich chocolate base for the cake. I recommend using Dutch-processed cocoa for a deeper flavor profile and smoother texture. Additionally, incorporating fresh orange zest adds a delightful brightness that balances the sweetness, making each bite a little more interesting. Using room temperature eggs and buttermilk will also help the batter to blend more seamlessly, ensuring a fluffier cake.

When it comes to the frosting, unsalted butter is the best choice as it allows you to control the saltiness and enhances the creamy texture. Be sure to whip the butter until it is light and fluffy before adding the powdered sugar and cocoa. This will create a light and airy frosting that spreads beautifully and melts in your mouth. If you want a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of orange liqueur instead of vanilla extract for an extra twist.

Baking and Assembly Tips

Proper baking time is key to achieving that perfect cake consistency. Watch for the edges to pull away slightly from the pan and for a toothpick inserted into the center to come out clean. This indicates that the cake is done. Letting the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes will make them easier to remove and prevent breakage. If you want to ensure the cakes come out perfectly, consider lining the bottoms of your cake pans with parchment paper before greasing.

When frosting the cake, always make sure it's completely cool first. An easy tip is to place the cooled cakes in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before frosting. This way, the frosting won’t melt and will hold its form better. Start by applying a thin layer of frosting between the cake layers, which helps to keep everything together. Once the initial layer is set, use a spatula to generously cover the top and sides for a beautifully smooth finish.

Serving and Storage Ideas

This chocolate cake is not just for Galentine's Day; it makes a delightful dessert option for any celebration or gathering. You can elevate the serving by adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. If you want to add more brightness, serve it alongside fresh berries or citrus slices, which complement the orange zest beautifully and add a fresh contrast to the rich cake.

If you have leftovers (which I hope you don’t!), you can store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, slice and freeze individual pieces wrapped in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Simply thaw them at room temperature when you're ready for a sweet treat, and they’ll taste just as delectable as when first made.

Ingredients for Galentine's Sweetheart Chocolate Cake

For the Cake

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 cups granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water
Zest of 1 orange

For the Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Optional Toppings

Chocolate shavings, orange slices, or fresh berries.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat the eggs, then add buttermilk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Mix well.

Combine Mixtures

Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Pour in boiling water and carefully mix until smooth.

Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 25 minutes. Allow to cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Make the Frosting

In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with heavy cream. Mix until fluffy and smooth.

Frost the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate, spread a layer of frosting, and top with the second layer. Frost the top and sides of the cake.

Decorate

Decorate with chocolate shavings, orange slices, or fresh berries if desired.

Enjoy the cake with your friends and celebrate Galentine's Day!

Pro Tips

For an extra level of flavor, let the cake sit for a few hours before serving. This allows all the flavors to meld beautifully together.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

One common issue when baking cakes is overmixing the batter, which can lead to a dense texture rather than a light and fluffy one. Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until they are combined. A few lumps are perfectly acceptable; they will even out during baking. If your cake rises unevenly, it may be due to unevenly distributed batter or a hot spot in your oven. To prevent this, always use an oven thermometer to ensure that your oven is at the right temperature.

Another issue could be the cake sticking to the pan. If you’ve greased your pans and are still facing this problem, try using a flour coating after greasing. This creates a barrier that promotes easier release. If your cake does stick, gently run a knife around the edges to loosen it before inverting it onto a cooling rack.

Dietary Substitutions

For those who are gluten-sensitive, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour without compromising texture significantly. Be sure to check the blend's properties, as some may require additional adjustments to liquid ingredients. For a dairy-free version, substitute buttermilk with a mixture of almond milk and vinegar or lemon juice, allowing it to curdle for a similar effect.

If you're looking to cut down on sugar, consider using a sugar substitute that measures like sugar for baking. Just keep in mind that the taste may vary slightly. Additionally, if you're avoiding eggs, you can use unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup per egg) or a flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, left to sit for a few minutes).

Variations on the Classic

You can easily switch up the flavor profile of this cake by altering the citrus component. Instead of orange zest, try using lemon or lime zest for a more tangy flavor. You can also experiment with adding a splash of espresso or coffee to the batter, which enhances the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee.

For those who love texture, consider incorporating chocolate chips or nuts such as walnuts or pecans into the batter before baking. This adds an exciting crunch and richness. If you want to take it a step further, layer in a rich ganache between cake layers, or drizzle it on top for an extra decadent finish.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cakes ahead of time and freeze them. Just make sure they are wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.

→ Is there a substitute for buttermilk?

Yes! You can use regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to mimic buttermilk.

→ How should I store the cake?

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week.

→ Can I use other flavors instead of chocolate?

Yes, you can replace cocoa powder with an equal amount of flour and add vanilla or almond extract for a different flavor.