Sweetest Hobby

As Valentine’s Day approaches, a day dedicated to expressing our deepest affection and cherishing the bonds we hold dear, what better way to manifest our love than through the universal language of delicious food? Today, I’m delighted to share a recipe that’s not just a cake but a testament to love itself: the Raspberry White Chocolate Valentine’s Cake.

Love is an experience that encompasses all senses. And this cake isn’t just food; it’s a love letter written in flour, sugar, and berries, made to be an unforgettable, sweet memory.

Much like love, the baking process requires patience, dedication, and a touch of creativity. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, this recipe is designed to guide you through each step, ensuring that your cake is as beautiful in appearance as it is in taste. 

Baking for someone special is a profound expression of love, a gesture that says,

“I care about you enough to create something beautiful and delicious for you.”

Here are a few tips to make your baking experience even more memorable:

• Enjoy the process: Put on your favorite music, wear an apron you love, and maybe sip a glass of your favorite beverage as you mix and whisk.
• Personalize your cake: Consider adding a personal touch, like a sprinkle of edible flowers or a handwritten note, to make your gift even more special.
• Share the experience: If possible, bake the cake with a loved one. The memories you create together will be as sweet as the cake itself.

So, preheat your ovens, gather your ingredients, and bake a masterpiece that will make this Valentine’s Day memorable.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 3 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 4 eggs, at room temperature
• 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar
• 1 cup of unsalted butter, at room temperature (about 2 sticks)
• 1 cup of Greek or skier-style yogurt
• 1/3 cup of milk
• 1 cup of fresh raspberries
• 1 cup of white chocolate, chopped into small pieces

For the Simple Buttercream:

• 240g of unsalted butter, softened
• 720g of powdered sugar, sifted
• 90 ml of milk or cream
• 15 ml of vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set it aside.
2. Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, cream together the granulated sugar and butter until light and fluffy,p. This step should take approximately 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Beat in the milk and yogurt until well combined.
4. Gradually, add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients in the mixing bowl. Use a rubber spatula to gently fold the ingredients together, taking care not to over-mix and maintain the cake’s texture.
5. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the batter into a prepared cake pan and bake for about 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Allow the cake to cool on a wire rack for approximately 10 minutes before removing it from the pan.

Optional Filling:
If desired, mix 1 tablespoon of berry jam with 1 cup of buttercream frosting. Use a rubber spatula to combine them. For easier cutting, place the cake in the freezer for about 20 minutes. Then, cut and decorate it with the simple buttercream recipe provided below.

For the Simple Buttercream:

1. In the bowl of a mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter until light and fluffy.
2. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, beating on medium speed and scraping down the bowl often until the mixture is smooth.
3. Slowly add the milk or cream in three parts, beating on medium speed until well combined.
4. Add the vanilla extract and continue beating until the frosting is smooth and light.

Optional: For colored buttercream, add a few drops of gel or oil-based food coloring and use a rubber spatula to mix until well combined.

I hope you feel inspired to step into your kitchen and start baking this dessert that promises to be as joyous to make as it is to share. Let this cake symbolize your care and affection, a centerpiece to a Valentine’s Day filled with warmth, laughter, and sweet moments. Remember, whether you’re spending the day with a significant other, friends, or family or taking the time to treat yourself, love is the ingredient that binds us all. 

May your day be as sweet and fulfilling as the dessert you’re about to create. Happy Valentine’s Day, and happy baking!

From my kitchen to yours,

Ana Raquel