22 Unique Valentine Cake Ideas and Design Suggestions

It’s always a good idea to surprise your better half with dessert, and there’s no better time to do it than on Valentine’s Day. Bakeries usually make special, unique creations this time of year, but it’s not always easy snatching one up before they sell out. If you want to be even more romantic on this special day, why not bake something yourself? It’s easier than you think, and these Valentine cake ideas will surely inspire you.

13 simple Valentine cake ideas

Don’t know where to start and don’t have much baking experience? Then these straightforward recipes are worth looking into.

1. Classic coconut cake

This light, airy cake is surprisingly easy to make. Leave it as is or add a few drops of red food coloring to turn it a soft pink.

2. Chocolate red wine cake

We can’t think of a better pairing than chocolate and red wine. This cake combines both and looks great on any Valentine’s Day table.

3. Tiramisù cake

Take a quick trip to Italy with this no-frills tiramisù cake. It’s the perfect mix of espresso, cream, and cocoa powder.

4. Cranberry swirl coffee cake

Bake this sweet-yet-tart cranberry swirl coffee cake in a heart-shaped pan to make it even more romantic.

5. Glazed almond pound cake

Pound cakes are incredibly easy to make, and this one is no exception. 

6. Vegan chocolate cake

If your partner doesn’t eat animal products, they’ll love this cake. Serve with fresh berries to cut through the sweetness.

7. Steamed lemon cake

This slow-cooker cake is even better when covered in icing and decorated with edible flowers.

8. 1-bowl chocolate cake

Don’t worry if you’re short on time; this easy chocolate cake comes together in just 1 hour.

9. Flourless chocolate cake

Looking for a gluten-free Valentine’s cake? This is it. It’s rich, dense, and decadent—only made better when topped with a ball of ice cream.

10. Pretzel peanut butter truffle cake

These pretzel peanut butter truffles are the perfect topping for a run-of-the-mill box cake mix or even a store-bought cake.

11. Blueberry-lemon ricotta cake

The zesty lemon and tart blueberry notes make this pound cake unique. Work a few drops of red food coloring into the batter to make it special.

12. Chocolate peanut butter cake

Although this cake looks complex, it’s actually really easy to make, as it calls for 1 box of chocolate cake mix. It’s bound to impress your other half.

13. Upside-down strawberry cake

This upside-down strawberry cake is a juicy pink treat perfect for Valentine’s Day.

9 elaborate Valentine’s Day cake ideas

If you’re up for a challenge, you can whip up one of these elegant cake ideas. They’re not overly complicated but do involve some delicate techniques.

1. Chocolate ganache cake

This dense cake is a delight to any chocolate lover. The ganache makes it even more decadent.

2. Red velvet tiered cake

Red velvet cakes are a classic and perfect for romantic days. The cream cheese frosting takes it to the next level.

3. Molten chocolate lava cakes

These small cakes hide a surprise in the middle: warm raspberry jam filling.

4. Marbled pumpkin cheesecake

Although pumpkins aren’t in season in February, this beautiful marbled pumpkin cheesecake is still worth enjoying.

5. Pineapple upside-down cake

This pineapple upside-down cake is bound to take you on a flavorful trip to exotic white-sand beaches.

6. Chocolate angel food cake

Angel food cakes are light and delicate. This chocolate treat is even better with a drizzling of chocolate sauce on top.

7. Lemony semolina jam cake

This cake mixes sweetness and tartness masterfully. Serve with powdered sugar and fresh raspberries on top.

8. White chocolate raspberry cheesecake

Mixing white chocolate and raspberries is a brilliant idea. This restaurant-level cheesecake is just what you need to end your romantic dinner on a great note.

9. Fresh strawberry cake

Lastly, enjoy the flavors of summer with this fresh strawberry cake. It’s both refreshingly tasty and beautiful, perfect for this special day.

5 Valentine cake decorating ideas to impress

As you can see, there are loads of Valentine’s cake recipes for you to choose from. But why not take them to the next level with these romantic decoration ideas?

1. Shape the cake into a heart

With a heart-shaped pan, you can bake virtually any cake into this darling Valentine cake design. You shouldn’t have any trouble removing the cake from the pan, as long as you oil it before pouring in the batter.

2. Add heart fondant décor

Alternatively, you can add heart-shaped décor to the top of the cake. To make sure the decoration is edible (and delicious), use a cookie cutter on a rolled-out fondant sheet.

3. Pipe a loving message

What could be more romantic than a personalized message on a Valentine’s Day cake? Once your cake has cooled, use a piping bag filled with icing to write something sweet. You can also put your artistic side to the test by drawing hearts and flowers on the cake.

4. Go heavy on the pink

Red and pink are perfect colors for this special day. Fortunately, you can easily add them to your cake. With just a few drops of red food coloring, you can turn an otherwise bland yellow or white cake into a pink delight.

5. Top with chocolate treats

Top your cake with chocolate treats for an even more indulgent dessert. Go with heart-shaped chocolate goodies to add an extra touch of romance.

Whip up a romantic Valentine’s meal with a little help

Whether you’re baking a Valentine’s cake or whipping up a full romantic meal, you don’t have to do it all alone. Instead of wasting time getting all the ingredients you need from the store, order your groceries via Instacart. A professional shopper will take over and get it all delivered in as quickly as 2 hours. This way, you get more time to set the scene for an unforgettable meal.

Grab it now on Instacart:

Felbro Red Food Coloring (32 fl oz)

Stew Leonard's Mixed Berry Bowl (1 container)

Betty Crocker Super Moist Butter Recipe Chocolate Cake Mix (15.25 oz)

Stonewall Kitchen Jam, Red Raspberry (12.25 oz)

Hershey's Chocolate Flavored Syrup (48 oz)

Wilton Decorator Preferred White Fondant, 24 oz. Fondant Icing (24 oz)

Cake Mate Icing, Red (8.4 oz)

Instacart

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