Welcome to February! We're already one month into 2019, and we hope you're still going strong with your New Year's resolutions. If you need a little motivation, don't forget to check out our tips and tricks from last month's blog post to help you stay on track.
This month, we're focusing on LOVE. While you're planning romantic gestures for your significant other, let's also remember to spread love to everyone – including yourself! Share the love with those around you, not just on Valentine's Day, but throughout the entire month of February.
Childhood memories often shape our traditions. I fondly recall my mother baking a cake and giving me a card every Valentine's Day. It wasn't extravagant, but it created lasting memories. This year, my wife and I are starting this tradition with our own family, hoping it will continue through generations.
In honor of this cherished memory, we're sharing a simple yet delicious cake recipe perfect for Valentine's Day or any time of year. We'd love to hear about your experiences and memories – please share them with us on Facebook! We hope you'll adore this recipe as much as we do!
Strawberry Heart Cake Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 package white cake mix (regular size)
- 1 package (3 ounces) strawberry gelatin
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 package (10 ounces) frozen sweetened sliced strawberries, thawed
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 5 to 5-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
- Red-hot candies (optional, for decoration)
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine cake mix, gelatin, and flour.
- Beat in oil and eggs until well combined.
- Drain strawberries, reserving 1/2 cup syrup for frosting.
- Add berries and water to the batter; mix well.
- Divide batter between two waxed paper-lined 8-inch baking pans: one square and one round.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes (square pan) and 35-40 minutes (round pan) or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool for 10 minutes in pans, then remove to wire racks to cool completely.
- For the frosting, combine butter and reserved strawberry syrup in a small bowl.
- Gradually add confectioners' sugar; beat until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- Place the square cake diagonally on a 20x15-inch covered board.
- Cut the round cake in half.
- Frost the cut sides of the round halves and place them against the top two sides of the square cake, forming a heart shape.
- Frost the sides and top of the cake.
- Decorate with red-hot candies if desired.
Don't forget – February 20th is National Love Your Pet Day! Remember to show some extra affection to your furry friends as well.
We hope this blog post has inspired you to spread love and create lasting memories with your loved ones. Happy baking, and happy Valentine's Day from all of us at Joyful Sentiments!