Mary-Merry-Marry Heart-Shaped Chocolate Cake

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A moist chocolate cake baked in a heart-shaped pan, decorated with a heart-shaped icing that celebrates the harmony of Mary, Merry, and Marry. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 55 minutes layers all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 200 calories and feeds 8, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.4 (10 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 35 min Serves 8 American cuisine 200 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a heart-shaped baking pan (9x5 inches) with butter.
  2. Step 2: Whisk 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, and 1/2 tsp salt in a large bowl.
  3. Step 3: Add 1/2 cup milk, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 2 eggs, and 2 tsp vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup hot water until batter is uniform.
  5. Step 5: Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  6. Step 6: Cool cake in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  7. Step 7: Mix 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 2 tbsp milk, 1/4 tsp vanilla extract, and a few drops red food coloring in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust consistency with more powdered sugar or milk.
  8. Step 8: Spread icing over cooled cake, then pipe a heart shape on top with a piping bag for a decorative 'design' touch.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Mary-Merry-Marry Heart-Shaped Chocolate Cake take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (20 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Mary-Merry-Marry Heart-Shaped Chocolate Cake?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Mary-Merry-Marry Heart-Shaped Chocolate Cake?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Mary-Merry-Marry Heart-Shaped Chocolate Cake for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Mary-Merry-Marry Heart-Shaped Chocolate Cake?

American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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