Who doesn’t like chocolate……or cake……or an easy Valentine’s Day dessert. If you’re like me, you’re busy and just realized that Valentine’s Day is in a couple of days. You like creating special treats for your friends or family. But what can you do that won’t take a long time?
I’ve been there soooo many times. Let me help you this year. And I promise it’s easy and doesn’t cost too much. And, you can get all of the ingredients at Aldi! I promise, they’re not paying me to say that.
Let’s start baking!
Here’s what you’ll need:
- a chocolate cake mix
- eggs and oil for cake
- whipping cream
- semi-sweet or dark chocolate
- a sheet pan (my mom called it her jelly-roll pan)
- heart cookie cutter
- decorative sugar, optional
- powder sugar, optional
Grease the sheet pan. Mix the cake according to package directions. When the cake is cooled, use the cookie cutter and cut out hearts. Remove them from the pan and put on a cooling rack (if you have one) or on parchment paper, or waxed paper or foil (it doesn’t really matter what you use).
Next, let’s make the frosting OR if you want to sound fancy…..the ganache. I like to use the dark chocolate bars that I find at Aldi, but you can use any dark chocolate or even semi-sweet chocolate chips. I’ve read that milk chocolate or white chocolate doesn’t work as well, but I’ve never used them to know for sure.
The ganache is made by using equal parts of whipping cream and chocolate. For example, if you use 6 oz of chocolate, then use 6 oz of whipping cream Start by heating the cream to just a simmer. Pay attention to it so the cream doesn’t boil! If you use chocolate bars, chop or break the chocolate into little pieces. It will melt faster. You can thank me for that tip later. Put the chocolate into a bowl, glass bowl if you have one. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and stir until it is melted and smooth. Keep stirring, it will all come together. I promise.
Now, using a large spoon, pour some of the ganache over the little chocolate heart cakes. Spoon enough of the ganache over the cake to allow it to run over and down the sides of the cake. If you have the cakes on the cooking rack, don’t forget to put wax or parchment paper under it to catch the ganache that will run over and off the cake. If the ganache seems too thin (or runny) let it sit for a few minutes. It will thicken as it cools.
You can decorate the little cakes with either powder sugar or decorative sugars. You know……sprinkles! lol
That’s it! Aren’t they cute?
See y’all later…..I’ve got cake to eat!
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