Chocolate Chiffon Valentine Cake

By carvalhohm2

Everyone will be feeling the love this Valentine's Day with this rich and velvety chocolate chiffon cake!

Ingredients

• CAKE:
• 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

Preparation

Step 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.

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.

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.

Pour into prepared pans. Bake at 350°F for 18 to 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.

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.

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.