Galentines Cake Ideas

Highlighted under: Holiday Recipes

Discover the best cake ideas to celebrate Galentine's Day with your friends! These delightful treats are perfect for sharing and indulging.

Greer Montgomery

Created by

Greer Montgomery

Last updated on 2026-01-03T04:17:34.363Z

Celebrate friendship with these delicious cakes that are sure to impress your Galentine crew! Each cake is a testament to love and friendship, perfect for sharing over a glass of wine.

Why You'll Love These Cakes

  • Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh orange zest
  • Creamy texture that melts in your mouth
  • Perfect for celebrations or as a sweet indulgence

Celebrate Friendship with Sweet Treats

Galentine's Day is all about celebrating the friendships that enrich our lives. What better way to honor your best friends than by baking and sharing a delicious cake? The rich chocolate flavor paired with vibrant orange zest in this cake screams indulgence and warmth. It's a perfect opportunity to gather your friends, create beautiful memories, and treat yourselves to something sweet.

This cake not only serves as a delicious centerpiece for your Galentine's celebration but also as a delightful conversation starter. As you slice through the moist chocolate layers, the creamy orange buttercream adds a zesty twist, elevating your dessert experience. Each bite is a reminder of the love and camaraderie shared among friends.

A Perfect Blend of Flavors

The combination of rich chocolate and fresh orange is a match made in dessert heaven. Chocolate brings a comforting depth, while the orange zest introduces a refreshing brightness, making this cake a standout treat. It's a flavor pairing that surprises and delights, ensuring your Galentine's Day gathering is anything but ordinary.

By incorporating a layer of creamy orange buttercream frosting, you're not just adding sweetness but also a delightful creaminess that complements the cake's texture. This frosting is light yet flavorful, making every slice even more irresistible. The contrast between the rich chocolate and the zesty orange creates a balance that will leave your guests wanting more.

Ingredients

Chocolate Cake

  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup boiling water

Orange Buttercream Frosting

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • Juice of 1 orange

Combine all ingredients carefully to ensure a smooth batter and frosting.

Instructions

Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. In a large bowl, mix together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Stir in boiling water (batter will be thin). Pour evenly into prepared pans.

Bake the Cakes

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes in the pans, then remove to wire racks to cool completely.

Make the Frosting

In a bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with heavy cream, until you reach desired consistency. Mix in vanilla, orange zest, and orange juice.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top, then place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake. Decorate as desired.

Enjoy your beautifully decorated Galentines cake with friends!

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Pro Tips

  • For a fun twist, add sprinkles or edible glitter to the frosting!

Tips for Baking Success

When baking this cake, ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature. This helps create a uniform batter and results in a more tender cake. Take the time to properly measure your flour and cocoa powder to avoid a dense texture. It's best to spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife for accuracy.

Don't skip the boiling water step; it may seem unusual, but it helps to bloom the cocoa powder, enhancing the chocolate flavor and creating a moist cake. Remember to check your cake for doneness a few minutes before the timer goes off. Ovens can vary, and even a couple of minutes can make a significant difference in texture.

Frosting Variations

While the orange buttercream frosting is a delightful choice, feel free to get creative! Try adding a splash of almond extract for an extra layer of flavor or incorporate a hint of espresso powder to intensify the chocolate. If you want a lighter frosting, consider whipping in some cream cheese for a tangy twist that pairs beautifully with the chocolate cake.

For an even more festive presentation, decorate your cake with edible flowers or fresh fruit slices. These additions not only enhance the visual appeal but also add a refreshing taste that complements the chocolate and orange. Your Galentine's Day cake will not only taste amazing but also look stunning on the dessert table.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cakes a day in advance and frost them on the day of serving.

→ What can I substitute for eggs?

You can use flax eggs or unsweetened applesauce as substitutes.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cake layers. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil.

Galentines Cake Ideas

Discover the best cake ideas to celebrate Galentine's Day with your friends! These delightful treats are perfect for sharing and indulging.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration30 minutes
Overall Time50 minutes

Created by: Greer Montgomery

Recipe Type: Holiday Recipes

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 8 servings

What You'll Need

Chocolate Cake

  1. 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  3. 2 cups sugar
  4. 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  5. 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  6. 1 teaspoon salt
  7. 2 large eggs
  8. 1 cup whole milk
  9. 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  10. 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  11. 1 cup boiling water

Orange Buttercream Frosting

  1. 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  2. 4 cups powdered sugar
  3. 1/4 cup heavy cream
  4. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  5. Zest of 1 orange
  6. Juice of 1 orange

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. In a large bowl, mix together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Stir in boiling water (batter will be thin). Pour evenly into prepared pans.

Step 02

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes in the pans, then remove to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 03

In a bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with heavy cream, until you reach desired consistency. Mix in vanilla, orange zest, and orange juice.

Step 04

Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top, then place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake. Decorate as desired.

Extra Tips

  1. For a fun twist, add sprinkles or edible glitter to the frosting!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Total Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 195mg
  • Sodium: 85mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 24g
  • Protein: 6g