Ingredients:

  • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • Red food coloring (optional)
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 4 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
  • 1/2 cup raspberries, thawed and pureed (for frosting)
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream (for frosting)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • Pinch of salt (for frosting)
  • Fresh raspberries or strawberries for decoration
  • Edible gold leaf (optional)
  • Sprinkles or heart-shaped candies (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch heart-shaped cake pans or use parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In another large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy (about 4-5 minutes).
  4. Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
  6. Optionally, add a few drops of red food coloring to the batter. Mix gently until the color is uniform.
  7. Pour the batter evenly into prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
  8. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy (about 2-3 minutes), then gradually add powdered sugar and mix until combined.
  9. Mix in raspberry puree, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until fluffy and smooth (about 3-4 minutes).
  10. Once cakes are cool, place one on a serving plate, spread frosting on top, add the second cake, and frost the top and sides.
  11. Decorate with fresh raspberries or strawberries, edible gold leaf, or heart-shaped candies. Optionally add sprinkles.