Chocolate Covered Strawberry Heart Cake Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that turns heads and wins hearts, Chocolate Covered Strawberry Heart Cake is it! This delight not only looks stunning with its surprise strawberry heart center hiding inside rich chocolate cake, but it also delivers on flavor with luscious strawberry cream cheese frosting and a scattering of cheerful sprinkles. Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day, a birthday, or just yourself, this gluten-free showstopper is the sweetest way to spell love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of pantry staples and a dash of creative flair, you can whip up a Chocolate Covered Strawberry Heart Cake that tastes every bit as dreamy as it looks. Each ingredient here plays a vital role, from creating the rich cocoa base to infusing every bite with fruity charm and colorful joy.

• Bittersweet chocolate chips: Deliver that deep, irresistible chocolate flavor and luscious texture for the loaf cake.
• Unsalted butter, softened: Blends smoothly into the batter, keeping your cake moist and rich.
• Cream cheese, softened (8 oz): The essential base for the dreamy, tangy strawberry frosting.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths the frosting while keeping it light and fluffy.
• Strawberry extract: Infuses the frosting with that sweet, summery berry aroma you can’t resist.
• Pink food coloring gel: Just a drop turns the frosting a playful, romantic hue—totally optional but adorable!
• Sprinkles: Adds sparkle and fun—perfect for finishing your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Heart Cake with a festive flair.
• Your favorite gluten-free chocolate cake batter (or mix): Use a trusted recipe or store-bought mix to keep things easy for the chocolate loaf.
• Strawberry cake batter: Bake a thin layer for cutting out those cute heart shapes hiding inside.

How to Make Chocolate Covered Strawberry Heart Cake

Step 1: Bake and Cut Out the Strawberry Heart Centers

Start by preparing a strawberry cake batter (homemade or from a gluten-free mix both work great!). Bake it in a thin sheet pan so it’s easy to cut. Once cooled, use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to stamp out several hearts—these will be the adorable secret at your cake’s center. If you have extras, nibble on them while you bake; you deserve it.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate and Butter

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the bittersweet chocolate chips with softened unsalted butter. Stir gently until velvety smooth. This combo gives your chocolate loaf a gorgeous glossy richness and helps each slice practically melt in your mouth.

Step 3: Mix the Chocolate Loaf Cake Batter

Prepare your favorite gluten-free chocolate cake batter—either from scratch or using a good quality mix. Once mixed, fold in the melted chocolate and butter for a silky, indulgent batter. This is where your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Heart Cake starts to get its signature flavor and texture.

Step 4: Assemble With Strawberry Hearts

Pour a thin layer of the chocolate batter into your prepared loaf pan (lined with parchment or greased). Carefully arrange your strawberry cake hearts in a straight row, standing upright, right down the center. Gently cover the hearts with the remaining chocolate batter, making sure they’re fully hidden—then you’ve got a heart surprise in every slice!

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake your cake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 to 45 minutes. To test for doneness, a toothpick inserted (avoiding the hearts) should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let the cake cool completely in the pan before moving on to the fun part: frosting and decorating.

Step 6: Make the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

Using a mixer, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, strawberry extract, and a drop of pink food coloring until whipped and super fluffy. This frosting is sweet, tangy, and has that classic strawberry milkshake vibe—absolutely dreamy atop your cake.

Step 7: Frost and Decorate

Once the cake is completely cool, slather on that gorgeous pink frosting. For the finishing touch, scatter your favorite sprinkles over the top—let your inner artist play! Now your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Heart Cake is ready for a jaw-dropping reveal.

How to Serve Chocolate Covered Strawberry Heart Cake

Garnishes

Finish each slice with a little extra dazzle: try a few fresh strawberry slices, edible rose petals, or a pretty drizzle of dark chocolate to lean into that chocolate-covered strawberry theme. A dollop of whipped cream perfectly complements the tender cake and creamy frosting.

Side Dishes

Pair your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Heart Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a handful of fresh berries, or a cozy cup of coffee or tea. The cake itself is sweet and rich, so keep sides light and fruity for the best balance.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re baking for a party or special someone, serve the cake on a pretty platter and surround it with chocolate-dipped strawberries. You could also slice ahead and line up the hearts for an eye-catching display. For an extra-adorable touch, wrap slices individually as sweet take-home gifts!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Chocolate Covered Strawberry Heart Cake in an airtight container in the fridge. Because of the cream cheese frosting, refrigeration keeps everything fresh and delicious for up to four days—just bring slices to room temp before serving to enjoy the cake’s best texture.

Freezing

If you want to prepare ahead or save some for later, this cake freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices (or the whole frosted loaf) tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.

Reheating

If you like your cake a little warm, microwave a slice for 10–15 seconds after bringing it up to room temperature. This softens the chocolate cake and frosting just enough for gooey, dreamy bites—just don’t overheat or the frosting could melt.

FAQs

Can I use regular flour instead of gluten-free?

Absolutely! If you don’t need to keep things gluten-free, substitute your favorite standard cake flour for the same delicious results—the rest of the Chocolate Covered Strawberry Heart Cake recipe stays exactly the same.

Do I have to make a homemade strawberry cake for the hearts?

Nope! A boxed strawberry cake mix works wonderfully and saves time. Just bake it in a thin layer and cut out your hearts once cooled.

What size cookie cutter works best for the heart centers?

A small to medium heart-shaped cookie cutter (about 2 inches across) fits perfectly inside a standard loaf pan, creating those iconic hidden hearts in every slice without peeking out the edges.

How do I keep the hearts from tilting or moving during baking?

Pour a thin layer of chocolate batter in first to anchor the hearts, and gently press them into the batter upright. Cover completely with batter and tap the loaf pan gently to settle everything before baking.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?

Yes! Use dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives, plus plant-based chocolate chips to keep your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Heart Cake deliciously dairy-free for everyone to enjoy.

Final Thoughts

Every slice of Chocolate Covered Strawberry Heart Cake is like a sweet secret waiting to be shared. Whether you bake it for a loved one or just because, this cake turns any day into something extra-special. Give it a try and let those hidden hearts, bold flavors, and joyful colors make your next celebration (or cozy night in) unforgettable!

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