In the Kitchen with Ria
Red Velvet Cake and Chocolate-Covered Strawberries for Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and what better way to express love and affection than through homemade sweet treats! Red velvet cake and chocolate-covered strawberries are two classic, indulgent desserts that perfectly capture the holiday spirit. Both are delicious and sure to impress your special someone, friends, or family!
Red Velvet Cake Recipe:
A vibrant and velvety soft cake topped with cream cheese frosting—Red Velvet Cake is a
timeless Valentine’s Day dessert that combines beauty with flavor. The cream cheese frosting
pairs perfectly with the subtle chocolate flavor of the cake. Let’s get started!
Ingredients for Cake:
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup/8 tsp unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
4 large eggs, at room temperature and separated
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp white vinegar
½ tsp salt
1 cup buttermilk
2 tbsp red food coloring (liquid or gel)
Ingredients for Cream Cheese Frosting:
16 oz cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup unsalted butter softened
5 cups powdered sugar, sifted
1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
3. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
4. In a large bowl, combine the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar. Whisk until smooth.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
7. In a bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency. Add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Beat until light and fluffy.
8. Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of frosting on top of one cake layer. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake. For extra decoration, pipe some swirls or rosettes around the edge, or sprinkle with heart-shaped sprinkles for a Valentine’s Day touch.
Chocolate-Covered Strawberries Recipe:
Chocolate-covered strawberries are a simple yet indulgent treat that pairs perfectly with the
richness of Red Velvet Cake. They are sweet and easy to make, making them the perfect
addition to any Valentine’s Day celebration.
Ingredients:
1 lb. fresh strawberries (with stems)
16 oz chocolate (milk, semi-sweet, or dark, depending on your preference)
8 oz white chocolate (optional, for drizzling or decorating)
1 tsp coconut oil (optional, helps make the chocolate smoother)
Instructions:
1. Wash the strawberries and gently pat them dry with paper towels. Make sure the strawberries are completely dry before dipping them in chocolate
2. Place the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. You can melt it using a double boiler or microwave. If using the microwave, heat the chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until fully melted.
3. Add 1 tsp of coconut oil to make the chocolate smoother and easier to coat the strawberries.
4. Hold each strawberry by the stem and dip it into the melted chocolate, swirling it. Let any excess chocolate drip off, then place the dipped strawberry on a parchment-lined tray.
5. Optional: Melt the white chocolate the same way as the dark chocolate. Once the strawberries are fully coated and set on the tray, drizzle the white chocolate over the chocolate-covered berries for a beautiful contrast and extra decoration. You can also dip the bottom of the strawberries in the white chocolate for a two-tone effect.
6. Place the strawberries in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to let the chocolate harden. Once set, they are ready to enjoy!
Whether you’re baking for someone special or enjoying a quiet evening at home, these two desserts are sure to make your Valentine’s Day unforgettable. So, get baking, dip those strawberries, and share the love.
Happy Valentine’s Day and enjoy your sweet treats!
Have a recipe of your own to share, or have any questions for Ria? Ria can be reached at riajbansal24@gmail.com.