Chocolate Chiffon Valentine Cake Recipe

"I first made this lovely lightly textured cake for my husband for Valentine's day more than 25 years ago," recalls Pat Eastman of Provo, Utah. "It's perfect for any special occasion. As an alternative, I've decorated the top with chocolate kisses."

Chocolate Chiffon Valentine Cake Recipe
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TOTAL TIME: Prep: 30 min. Bake: 20 min. + cooling

MAKES: 12 servings


Ingredients

    4 eggs, separated
    1/2 cup baking cocoa
    1/2 cup hot water
    3/4 cup all-purpose flour
    1-1/4 cups sugar, divided
    3/4 teaspoon baking soda
    1/2 teaspoon salt
    1/4 cup canola oil
    1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

    FROSTING:
    1-1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
    1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
    15 small fresh strawberries, halved
    Fresh mint, optional


Directions
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1. Let egg whites stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Line two greased 9-in. heart-shaped pans with waxed paper and grease the paper; set aside. In a small bowl, combine cocoa and water until smooth; cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, 1 cup sugar, baking soda and salt. In another bowl, whisk the egg yolks, oil, vanilla and cocoa mixture. Add to dry ingredients; beat until well blended.
3. In a small bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating until stiff peaks form; fold into chocolate mixture.
4. Pour into prepared pans. Bake at 350° for 18-20 minutes or until top springs back when lightly touched. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely; carefully remove waxed paper.
5. In a large bowl, beat cream until it begins to thicken. Add confectioners' sugar until stiff peaks form; reserving 1-1/2 cups. Spread remaining frosting between layers and over top and sides of cake.
6. Spoon reserved frosting into a pastry bag with a star tip. Pipe a decorative lattice design on cake top and sides. Garnish with strawberries and mint if desired. Refrigerate until serving. Yield: 12 servings.

Nutritional Facts

1 slice: 302 calories, 18g fat (8g saturated fat), 112mg cholesterol, 210mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.


Courtesy: Taste of Home