Heart Shape Cake

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

1. All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups)
2. Baking powder (2 teaspoons)
3. Salt (1/2 teaspoon)
4. Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened)
5. Granulated sugar (2 cups)
6. Eggs (4, room temperature)
7. Whole milk (1 cup)
8. Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)

For the Raspberry Filling:

1. Fresh raspberries (1 cup)
2. Granulated sugar (1/4 cup)
3. Lemon juice (1 tablespoon)

For the Vanilla Frosting:

1. Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened)
2. Powdered sugar (4 cups, sifted)
3. Whole milk (2-3 tablespoons)
4. Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)

Preparation Steps:

Cake:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two heart-shaped cake pans.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the whole milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Raspberry Filling:

1. In a saucepan, combine fresh raspberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the raspberries break down and the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool.

Vanilla Frosting:

1. In a large bowl, beat softened butter until creamy.
2. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, beating until smooth and fluffy.

Assembly:

1. Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate.
2. Spread a layer of the raspberry filling over the first cake layer.
3. Place the second cake layer on top.
4. Frost the entire cake with the vanilla frosting, creating a smooth surface.
5. Optional: Decorate with additional fresh raspberries or edible flowers.
6. Chill the cake for a short time to set the frosting.
7. Slice and enjoy the sweet love in every bite!

This heart-shaped vanilla raspberry cake is a beautiful and delicious way to express your affection on special occasions. Share it with someone you love!