Valentine’s Day Bakes
Delightful and customizable chocolate bakes perfect for celebrating love, ideal for romantic dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour Can be substituted with gluten-free flour.
- ½ cup cocoa powder Use high-quality cocoa for best results.
- 1 cup sugar Granulated sugar works best.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened Can be replaced with coconut oil for dairy-free.
- 2 large eggs Can be substituted with unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup per egg) for vegan.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Decorations
- to taste Heart-shaped sprinkles For decoration.
- to taste Chocolate ganache Optional for drizzling.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your baking dish.
- Gather all your ingredients and tools.
Mixing the Base
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.
Dry Ingredients
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
Combine Ingredients
- Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Baking
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick.
Cooling and Decorating
- Allow the bakes to cool in the dish for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Once cooled, cut into heart shapes and decorate with sprinkles or ganache.
Notes
Store in an airtight container for freshness. Can be frozen for up to three months.