Hidden Heart Chocolate Loaf Cake

Looking for a creative way to express love through baking? The Hidden Heart Chocolate Loaf Cake is a delightful treat that features a surprise red velvet heart in every slice! Perfect for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or just because, this dessert combines rich chocolate flavors with a whimsical touch. It’s a show-stopping cake that’s surprisingly simple to make.

What Is a Hidden Heart Chocolate Loaf Cake?

This cake is a delicious loaf featuring a concealed red velvet heart at its center. It starts with a red velvet base that’s cut into heart shapes, which are then encased in a rich chocolate batter. The result? A moist, flavorful chocolate loaf with a hidden surprise that makes it perfect for special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Visually stunning: Each slice reveals a perfect red velvet heart.
  • Easy to make: Uses a simple red velvet box mix and a straightforward chocolate loaf recipe.
  • Customizable: Choose your favorite toppings, like powdered sugar or chocolate glaze.
  • Great for special occasions: Perfect for Valentine’s Day or any celebration of love.

Ingredients

For the Red Velvet Heart:

  • 1 box red velvet cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)

For the Chocolate Loaf:

  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (50g) cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup (120ml) milk

For the Topping (Optional):

  • Powdered sugar, chocolate glaze, or sprinkles

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Red Velvet Heart

  1. Preheat your oven and prepare the red velvet cake mix according to package instructions.
  2. Pour the batter into a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) pan and bake as directed.
  3. Let the cake cool completely before using a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out heart shapes. Set these aside.

Preparing the Chocolate Batter

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
  3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with milk, until smooth and well-combined.

Assembling the Cake

  1. Pour a thin layer of chocolate batter into the bottom of the prepared loaf pan.
  2. Stand the red velvet hearts upright in a straight row down the center of the pan.
  3. Carefully pour the remaining chocolate batter over the hearts, ensuring they are fully covered.

Baking

  1. Bake the loaf for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the chocolate portion (not the hearts) comes out clean.
  2. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before removing.

Adding the Final Touches (Optional)

  1. Dust the top with powdered sugar, drizzle with chocolate glaze, or decorate with sprinkles for a festive touch.

Serving Suggestions

This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a decadent treat, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Storing and Freezing

Storage Tips

  • Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • Refrigerate for extended freshness, up to 5 days.

Freezing Instructions

  • Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Recipe Variations

  • Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free red velvet cake mix and a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the chocolate batter.
  • Vegan: Substitute plant-based butter, flaxseed eggs, and non-dairy milk.
  • Different Shapes: Swap the heart cutter for stars, circles, or another fun shape.

FAQs

Can I use homemade red velvet cake instead of a box mix?
Yes, a homemade red velvet cake works perfectly as long as it’s baked in a 9×13-inch pan for easy cutting.

What if I don’t have a heart-shaped cookie cutter?
You can use any shape cutter or even freehand cut a design with a sharp knife.

How do I ensure the hearts stay upright during baking?
Align them tightly together and pour the batter carefully around them to hold them in place.

The Hidden Heart Chocolate Loaf Cake is a delicious and heartfelt way to show you care. With its rich chocolate flavor and playful red velvet surprise, this cake is sure to bring smiles to any occasion. Try it out and let us know how it turns out!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Hidden Heart Chocolate Loaf Cake


  • Author: Julia Childley
  • Total Time: 1 loaf (about 8-10 slices)
  • Yield: 1 loaf (about 8-10 slices)

Description

A charming chocolate loaf cake with a surprise red velvet heart in every slice, perfect for special occasions like Valentine’s Day or anniversaries. This recipe combines rich chocolate flavors with a whimsical presentation that’s sure to impress.


Ingredients

For the Red Velvet Heart

  • 1 box red velvet cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)

For the Chocolate Loaf

  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (50g) cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup (120ml) milk

Optional Toppings

  • Powdered sugar, chocolate glaze, or sprinkles

Instructions

1. Prepare the Red Velvet Heart

  1. Preheat your oven and prepare the red velvet cake mix according to package instructions.
  2. Bake the batter in a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) pan.
  3. Allow the cake to cool completely before using a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out heart shapes. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Chocolate Batter

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
  3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with milk, until smooth and well-combined.

3. Assemble the Cake

  1. Pour a thin layer of chocolate batter into the bottom of the loaf pan.
  2. Stand the red velvet hearts upright in a straight row down the center of the pan.
  3. Carefully pour the remaining chocolate batter over the hearts, ensuring they are fully covered.

4. Bake the Cake

  1. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the chocolate portion (not the hearts) comes out clean.
  2. Let the cake cool completely in the pan before removing.

5. Add Finishing Touches (Optional)

  1. Dust the top with powdered sugar, drizzle with chocolate glaze, or add sprinkles for decoration.

Notes

  • Heart Shape Options: You can swap the heart cutter for stars, circles, or other shapes to suit different occasions.
  • Prevent Sinking: Ensure the red velvet hearts are packed tightly and upright before pouring the batter.
  • Storage: Keep the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
  • Freezing: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
Share the recipe

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating