Chocolate Sweetheart Cake
A rich, chocolatey cake with creamy frosting and crunchy sliced almonds, perfect for special occasions or indulgent desserts that satisfy any chocolate lover.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. Philadelphia Brand cream cheese, softened ⓘ
- 1 c. butter or margarine, softened ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla ⓘ
- 2 lb. sifted powdered sugar ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. milk
- 3 eggs ⓘ
- 6 sq. (6 oz.) unsweetened chocolate, melted and cooled ⓘ
- 2 c. all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 1/4 tsp. baking soda ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- sliced almonds ⓘ
- sliced almonds ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, 3/4 cup butter, and vanilla until smooth.
- Alternately beat in the powdered sugar and 1/4 cup of milk until well combined.
- Stir in the melted and cooled unsweetened chocolate.
- Remove 3 1/2 cups of the mixture to a small pitcher for frosting; cover and chill.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using high-quality dark chocolate instead of unsweetened chocolate. If you prefer a lighter cake, you can substitute half the butter with unsweetened applesauce. Make sure to sift the powdered sugar thoroughly to avoid lumps in your frosting. For a fun twist, add a splash of almond extract to the frosting for extra depth.
Serving Suggestions
This Chocolate Sweetheart Cake is perfect for celebrations and pairs beautifully with fresh raspberries or strawberries for a pop of color and flavor. A dollop of whipped cream on the side adds a light touch. For a complete meal, consider serving it after a comforting dish like Supreme Rice Casserole to balance the richness of the cake.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To maintain moisture, you can wrap individual slices in plastic wrap. To reheat, place a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or enjoy it chilled for a refreshing dessert experience.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chocolate Sweetheart Cake contains roughly 1323 calories, with 29g protein, 207g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (57% of the Daily Value), iron (53% of the Daily Value), and calcium (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2146mg per serving (93% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake layers ahead of time. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can frost the cake just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
What can I use instead of cream cheese in the frosting?
If you're looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative. Silken tofu blended until smooth is another option for a lighter frosting that still offers creaminess.
How can I make the cake more chocolatey?
To enhance the chocolate flavor, you can add an extra ounce of melted chocolate or incorporate cocoa powder into the cake batter. Another option is to drizzle chocolate ganache over the top before adding the frosting for a decadent finish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).