Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup 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
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2-3 tablespoons milk (if needed for consistency)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two heart-shaped cake pans (or any shape you prefer).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
  3. In another bowl, combine the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar. Whisk until smooth.
  4. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined.
  5. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
  6. Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until fully incorporated.
  9. Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top of one cake layer and place the second layer on top.
  10. Frost the top and sides of the entire cake. Optionally, garnish with fresh berries, chocolate shavings, or edible flowers.