Must-Try Rich Chocolate Cake with Red Velvet Heart
By: Leah Rodrigues
Published: February 13, 2012

This Valentine's Day, bake this rich chocolate cake with a red velvet heart from Willow Bird Baking.  Chocolate on Valentine's Day is like Turkey on Thanksgiving, they just go together.  Chocolate is combined with red velvet to make one awesome cake.  To make it even more decadent, it is covered in Amaretto  cream cheese and chocolate frosting. You will fall in love with each scrumptious bite.  This is a showstopping dessert guaranteed to impress that special someone.
Chocolate Cake with Red Velvet Heart
Recipe from Willow Bird Baking
Ingredients:
Chocolate Cake Ingredients:
	2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for pans
	2 1/4 cups granulated sugar
	1 1/8 cups unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
	2 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
	1 1/8 teaspoons baking powder
	1 1/8 teaspoons coarse salt
	3 large eggs, room temperature
	1 1/8 cups low-fat buttermilk
	1/4 cup plus 3 1/2 tablespoons safflower oil
	1 1/8 cups warm water
	1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
 Red Velvet Cake Filling Ingredients:
	1/4 cup vegetable shortening
	1 egg
	1 tablespoon cocoa
	1/4 teaspoon salt
	3/4 cups sugar
	1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
	1/2 cup buttermilk
	1 1/4 cups flour
	1/2 teaspoon baking soda
	1 1/2 teaspoons white vinegar
	1 ounce (about 2 tablespoons) red food coloring
 Amaretto Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients:
	2 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
	2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
	1 3/4 cups powdered sugar
	1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
	1 tablespoon amaretto or almond liqueur (optional)
 Chocolate Frosting Ingredients:
	1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons Dutch-process cocoa powder
	1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons warm water
	2 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature
	1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
	Coarse salt
	1 pound semisweet chocolate chips, melted and cooled
	sprinkles
For full recipe instructions, click here.