Decadent Nutella Strawberry Valentine Cake Recipe

Indulge in the sweetest treat this Valentine’s Day with these decadent Dreamy Nutella Strawberry Valentine Cakes. This delightful dessert combines the rich flavors of hazelnut chocolate spread and tangy strawberries to create a heavenly experience for your taste buds.

Crafted with love and care, these mini cakes are the perfect way to show your special someone how much you care. The moist cake layers, infused with hazelnut chocolate spread and real vanilla extract, perfectly complement the luscious strawberry buttercream frosting. Each bite is a symphony of flavors that will leave you dreaming of more.

Whether you’re celebrating with your significant other or simply treating yourself, these Dreamy Nutella Strawberry Valentine Cakes are sure to make your day extra special. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of love-infused bliss.

Quick Benefits

• Indulgent combination of Nutella and strawberries for a rich and flavorful cake
• Decadent frosting made with hazelnut chocolate spread for a luscious texture
• Use of freeze-dried strawberries for intense fruit flavor and natural color
• Moist and tender cake texture achieved with sour cream or yogurt

Why You’ll Love This Decadent Nutella Strawberry Valentine Cake Recipe Recipe

• Decadent Flavor Combination: The combination of Nutella, strawberries, and vanilla in these cakes creates a rich and indulgent flavor profile that is sure to delight your taste buds.
• Perfect for Valentine’s Day: These cakes are perfect for celebrating Valentine’s Day with your loved ones due to their romantic and festive presentation.
• Moist and Tender Texture: The addition of sour cream or yogurt to the cake batter ensures a moist and tender crumb, making each bite a delightful experience.
• Impressive Presentation: These cakes are not only delicious but also visually stunning, making them a show-stopping dessert for any special occasion.
• Easy to Make: Despite its impressive appearance, this recipe is straightforward to follow, making it accessible for both beginner and experienced bakers.
• Customizable: You can easily customize these cakes by adding your favorite toppings or decorations, allowing you to put your own creative spin on the recipe.

Ingredients for Decadent Nutella Strawberry Valentine Cake Recipe

Cupcakes

• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 3/4 cups sifted cake flour (207g), lightly measured
• 1/2 cup room temp sour cream or plain yogurt (120g)
• 1/2 cup room temp whole milk (120ml)
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup white sugar (200g)
• 1/2 cup room temp unsalted butter (113g)
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 3 large egg whites, warmed to room temp
• 1 1/2 teaspoons real vanilla extract

Filling

• 1/3 cup hazelnut chocolate spread (100g)

Swirled Buttercream

• 1/3 cup hazelnut chocolate spread (100g)
• 1/3 cup milk or heavy cream (80ml)
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 6 cups powdered sugar (720g)
• 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries (25g)
• 1 teaspoon real vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups softened unsalted butter (340g)

Pro Tips for Decadent Nutella Strawberry Valentine Cake Recipe

Pro Tip 1: To ensure a light and fluffy texture in your cakes, make sure to properly sift the cake flour before measuring. This will help prevent any clumps and ensure an even distribution of the flour in the batter.

Pro Tip 2: For a smoother and creamier frosting, gradually add the powdered sugar to the softened butter while mixing on low speed. This will help avoid a gritty texture and create a silky consistency. If the frosting is too thick, you can gradually add a little more milk or cream until you reach your desired consistency.

Pro Tip 3: To enhance the hazelnut flavor in the cakes and frosting, consider adding a pinch of finely ground hazelnuts to the batter or frosting. This will elevate the nutty taste and add a delicious crunch to your Valentine cakes.

How to Make Decadent Nutella Strawberry Valentine Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare

Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners and fill 2-3 more liners in a separate pan for any extra batter.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Make Batter

Beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add egg whites, then incorporate sour cream and vanilla. Gently fold in dry ingredients and milk until combined.

Step 4: Bake

Fill each liner 2/3 full with batter. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow to cool completely.

Step 5: Fill Cupcakes

Hollow out the center of each cupcake. Fill with hazelnut spread and replace the cake piece on top.

Step 6: Make Frosting

Grind freeze-dried strawberries into a fine powder. Whip butter until fluffy, then mix in sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt. Divide the frosting in half and blend hazelnut spread into one portion and strawberry powder into the other.

Step 7: Decorate

Combine both types of frosting in a piping bag fitted with a 1M tip. Pipe decorative swirls onto each cupcake and optionally garnish with chocolate hearts or fresh strawberries.

Storage Tips

Once you have prepared the Dreamy Nutella Strawberry Valentine Cakes, they should be stored properly to maintain their freshness. If the cakes are not going to be served immediately, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Make sure the container is sealed well to prevent the cakes from drying out.

If you need to store the cakes for a longer period, it is best to refrigerate them. Place the cakes in an airtight container or cover them tightly with plastic wrap before refrigerating. The cakes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Before serving, allow the cakes to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes to enhance their texture and flavor. Proper storage will help preserve the quality of the Dreamy Nutella Strawberry Valentine Cakes and ensure they taste delicious when you are ready to enjoy them.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you need to make some ingredient substitutions for the Dreamy Nutella Strawberry Valentine Cakes, you can try using all-purpose flour instead of cake flour. Keep in mind that using all-purpose flour may result in a slightly denser cake, but it should still turn out delicious. Additionally, if you don’t have hazelnut chocolate spread on hand, you can substitute it with regular Nutella or any other chocolate spread you prefer.

For the frosting, if you prefer a lighter option, you can replace some of the butter in the frosting with cream cheese. This will give the frosting a slightly tangy flavor and a lighter texture. You can also use almond extract instead of vanilla extract for a different flavor profile. Feel free to customize the frosting to your liking by adjusting the sweetness level with the powdered sugar or using different flavored extracts.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun and romantic twist, serve these Dreamy Nutella Strawberry Valentine Cakes in heart-shaped molds for a charming presentation. Top each cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream and garnish with fresh strawberry slices and a drizzle of melted Nutella for an extra indulgent touch. Pair it with a glass of sparkling rosé or a cup of hot chocolate for a delightful Valentine’s Day dessert that will surely impress your loved one.

To take these Nutella Strawberry Cakes to the next level, create a dessert platter by arranging the cakes on a bed of crushed freeze-dried strawberries for added texture and flavor. Dust the cakes with powdered sugar and serve alongside a side of hazelnut chocolate spread for dipping. Add some edible flowers like rose petals or pansies for a touch of elegance and serve with a side of champagne for a sophisticated and decadent dessert experience perfect for a special occasion or a romantic date night.

FAQs for Decadent Nutella Strawberry Valentine Cake Recipe

Question?

Can I substitute sour cream with plain yogurt in this recipe?

Answer:

Yes, you can substitute sour cream with plain yogurt in this recipe. Both ingredients work well to add moisture and tanginess to the cake batter.

Question?

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried strawberries?

Answer:

Using fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried strawberries may alter the texture of the cake. Freeze-dried strawberries provide a concentrated flavor without adding extra moisture, which is important for the cake’s structure. If you prefer to use fresh strawberries, consider chopping them finely and adjusting the amount to avoid excess moisture.

Question?

Is it necessary to sift the cake flour before measuring?

Answer:

Yes, it is recommended to sift the cake flour before measuring it for this recipe. Sifting helps to aerate the flour and remove any lumps, ensuring a lighter texture in the cake. Be sure to lightly spoon the sifted flour into the measuring cup and level it off for accurate measurement.

Question?

Can I prepare the frosting ahead of time and store it in the fridge?

Answer:

Yes, you can prepare the frosting ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Make sure to cover the frosting tightly to prevent it from drying out. Before using, let the frosting come to room temperature and give it a good stir or re-whip to restore its creamy consistency.

Conclusion

As you prepare to create these delightful Dreamy Nutella Strawberry Valentine Cakes, remember that baking is not just about following a recipe; it’s about infusing your creations with love and care. The combination of rich Nutella, sweet strawberries, and decadent cake is sure to make your Valentine’s Day celebration truly special. So take your time, enjoy the process, and let the aroma of these delightful cakes fill your kitchen with warmth and love.

Whether you’re baking these Dreamy Nutella Strawberry Valentine Cakes for a romantic dinner or to share with loved ones, remember that the joy of baking comes from sharing your creations with others. So, savor each bite, cherish each moment, and let these delicious cakes be a sweet reminder of the love and warmth that surrounds you. Happy baking, and may your Valentine’s Day be filled with sweetness, joy, and lots of Dreamy Nutella Strawberry Valentine Cakes!