Sweet Valentine

As we all know, singles' awareness day is fast approaching. Though amongst those of you with a significant other, you'll be more familiar with the day's more well-known name: Valentine's Day.  If you're looking to make a sweet little treat for your Valentine, this is perfect for you! And did we tell you it's easy? Yanno why? Because all you'll need is a box of cake mix, dark cooking chocolate (the good quality kind. No vomiting on Valentine's Day!), and a sliver of vegetable shortening and some pretty things for decoration!

Let's get started.


First, shamefully purchase a box of red velvet cake from your nearest grocery store. Try to ignore the sound of your pride dying whilst doing this.  

Red Velvet and Dark Chocolate cake balls

1 box of red velvet cake mix with frosting included

1 block of good quality dark cooking chocolate

15g of vegetable shortening (Copha)
Candies to decorate - we also made some red royal icing for cute little embellishments

Prepare the cake according to the instructions on the box. Once the cake is cooled, rest it for 10 minutes and then crumble it up using your clean hands until it is the consistency of fine breadcrumbs.  Once the crumbs have cooled entirely, prepare the frosting according to the instructions on the box and add it to the crumbs.  

Add the frosting to the crumbs and mix until well combined.  Test if the mixture is ready by rolling it into balls.  If it holds its shape, then you've achieved the right texture.  If too dry, add cream cheese or buttercream.

Take 1/2 a tablespoon of mixture and roll it into a ball.  Once all the mixture is rolled, place in the fridge for 15 minutes while you prepare the chocolate coating.

Melt the chocolate in the top of a double boiler, or in the microwave.  Once partially melted add the shortening and stir until completely melted.

Gently roll the cake balls in the chocolate, making sure the chocolate coats the entire surface of the cake ball.  Using a fork, gently scoop them out of the chocolate, allowing the excess chocolate to drip off the ball into the chocolate.  Set the coated ball down on baking paper and allow to set.

When the chocolate is half set decorate the cake balls with your favourite Valentine's candies.  This is so when it sets, the candy will be set to the cake ball.  If you let the chocolate set completely, a spot of royal icing will stick any candy firmly to the cake ball.

Place in miniature red or pink cupcake cases and enjoy!

Happy Valentine's Day!