Perfect Valentines Cake

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I know you’re looking for the perfect dessert to go with your Valentines’ day plans tomorrow. This cake is sure to impress your Valentine, and the best part is even the least experienced of bakers can create this elegant dessert.This cake is delicious and super easy.  You start with a basic chocolate bundt cake, you then cover it with a wonderful vanilla cream cheese frosting, strawberries and to top it off you cover the entire cake with chocolate ganache.  It not only combines the best flavors of the season it looks fantastic too!If you don’t have the option of using a bundt pan you can use  a couple of round cake pans and alternate layers of frosting and strawberries.

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Chocolate, Strawberry and Cream Cheese Bundt CakeChocolate Cake:1 ¾ Cups Sugar2 Cups Flour¾ Cup Dutch Process Cocoa Powder1 ¼ Teaspoon Baking Powder1 ¼ Teaspoon Baking Soda¾ Teaspoon Salt2 Eggs1 Cup Milk½ Cup Oil2 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract1 Cup Boiling Water

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Preheat the oven to 350 and spray a bundt panMix the eggs, sugar, vanilla, milk and oil in a large bowl.When well combined add the baking powder, baking soda, salt and cocoa powder. Mix well.Add the flour and mix well.Slowly add the boiling water and mix well, being careful not to splash the liquid around.Bake for 45 minutes until a toothpick stuck into the center comes out clean.Let cool for 15 minutes then turn onto a cooling rack.Let cool completely before you ice, at least one hour.Cream Cheese Frosting:4oz Softened Unsalted Butter8oz Softened Cream Cheese2 Cups Powdered Sugar½ Teaspoon Vanilla Extract

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Cream the butter and cream cheese together until soft and creamy.With the mixer on low add the powdered sugar, making sure to scrape down the sides.Add the vanilla extract.Mix on medium speed until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.Spread evenly over the cooled cake.

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Chocolate Ganache:½ Cup Heavy Cream4oz Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips½ Teaspoon Vanilla Extract

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In a saucepan heat the heavy cream until just boiling.Remove from the heat and add the chocolate chips.Whisk vigorously until the chips have melted.Add the vanilla and whisk until combined.Pour over the iced cake.

Source:Cake and frosting recipes: Kiss my Bundt by Chrysta Wilson