Galentine's Red Wine Chocolate Cake

Name: Galentine's Red Wine Chocolate Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 tsp baking soda; ½ tsp salt; 1 cup red wine; ½ cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; ¼ cup cocoa powder; 2-4 tbsp red wine; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Cozy Desserts

I absolutely love making this Galentine's Red Wine Chocolate Cake for my friends every February! The combination of rich chocolate and a hint of red wine creates a luxurious dessert that's perfect for celebrating friendship. Each bite is decadent and moist, making it hard to resist going back for seconds. This cake not only looks stunning when served but also melts in your mouth, leaving everyone asking for the recipe. Join me in creating this delicious treat for a memorable gathering with your favorite pals!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-05T22:53:27.694Z

This Galentine's Red Wine Chocolate Cake is a labor of love that never fails to impress. I remember the first time I combined these flavors; it created a dessert that was both unique and incredibly satisfying. Using a good quality red wine adds depth to the chocolate, elevating the cake's flavor profile. I recommend using a wine that you enjoy drinking, as it influences the final taste.

While developing this recipe, I learned that the secret to a super moist cake lies in not overmixing the batter. Mixing it just until combined ensures the cake remains tender and soft. Trust me, you'll want to savor each bite of this delightful indulgence with your best friends!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with a hint of red wine
Elegant presentation perfect for sharing
Moist and tender texture that appeals to all

      

Combining Flavors for Maximum Impact

The incorporation of red wine in this cake not only elevates the flavor profile but also adds moisture, which is crucial in achieving that tender crumb. The tannins in red wine can help balance the sweetness of the chocolate, making each bite a complex yet harmonious experience. If you're using a particularly bold wine, consider adjusting the sugar slightly to maintain the balance.

When preparing the mixture, mix the wet ingredients thoroughly until smooth. This is essential because it helps to evenly distribute the fat from the vegetable oil, ensuring that the cake remains moist. I often recommend a full-bodied red wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, for a more luxurious flavor that can stand up to the richness of the chocolate.

Mastering the Frosting

The frosting is a key component of this dessert, providing a creamy contrast to the chocolate cake. Start with room-temperature butter, which helps achieve a light and fluffy texture. Be cautious to not over-add the red wine; too much can make the frosting overly thin. Aim for a spreadable consistency that clings nicely when layered between the cake tiers.

If you find your frosting too thick, simply add an extra tablespoon of red wine at a time until you reach the desired texture. Conversely, if the frosting is too thin, you can incorporate a bit more powdered sugar. Remember, the quality of cocoa used will greatly influence the frosting's richness; opt for a high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for the best results.

Serving and Storing Tips

This cake is best served slightly chilled, as the flavors intensify at lower temperatures. To store leftovers, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. You can keep the cake at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for up to a week. I often find that the flavors meld beautifully after a day in the fridge, making the cake even more delightful to enjoy later.

If you're planning a gathering, consider making the cake a day in advance. You can also freeze the unbaked batter in well-sealed containers and bake it fresh when needed. If frozen, use the batter within a month for the best flavor. Just allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking, and you’ll be ready to impress your friends with this decadent treat!

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make this delicious cake:

Cake Ingredients

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 cup red wine
½ cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract

Frosting Ingredients

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
¼ cup cocoa powder
2-4 tbsp red wine
1 tsp vanilla extract

Make sure to have everything on hand before you start baking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your cake:

Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix red wine, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing.

Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool the Cakes

Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Frosting

In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with red wine, until the desired consistency is achieved.

Frost the Cakes

Once the cakes are completely cool, spread frosting between the layers and on top of the cake. Decorate as desired.

Enjoy your slice of friendship!

Pro Tips

Try pairing this cake with a dollop of whipped cream or fresh berries for an extra special touch.

Ingredient Insights

Using all-purpose flour gives this cake stability, crucial for holding the moist layers together. If you're looking for a gluten-free alternative, consider using a blend of gluten-free all-purpose flour and a teaspoon of xanthan gum to help maintain the structure. This will ensure that your cake keeps its delightful texture while accommodating dietary preferences.

Granulated sugar is important not only for sweetness but also for the cake's overall structure. It helps create a good crumb when whipped with butter or oil and can influence the browning of the cake. If you prefer a less sweet option, you can substitute half of the sugar with coconut sugar, which adds a lightly caramel flavor to the cake.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your cake domes in the center, it could be a sign of overmixing the batter or baking at too high a temperature. To avoid this, mix the batter just until combined and ensure your oven is correctly calibrated. An oven thermometer can help you confirm that your baking temperature is accurate, which is crucial for achieving a perfectly flat cake.

Should the cake be slightly dry after baking, it could be due to over-baking. To determine doneness, use the toothpick test—insert a toothpick into the center of the cake, and it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not completely clean. A slight underbake can actually result in a perfectly moist cake once cooled, so keep a close eye on the baking time towards the end of the process.

Variations to Try

For an extra twist, consider adding a hint of espresso powder to the dry mixture for a mocha flavor that complements the chocolate and red wine. Just a teaspoon will enhance the depth without overpowering the other flavors. This is a great way to surprise your guests, as it can add an unexpected note to this already unique dessert.

Feel free to experiment with the type of red wine as well. A merlot brings a smooth character, while a Zinfandel can give a bit of a spicy finish—both will influence the cake's flavor. Additionally, you can customize the frosting by incorporating a splash of orange zest or almond extract to create a new flavor profile that's still wonderfully fitting for the occasion.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of wine?

Absolutely! A fruity red wine works best, but feel free to experiment with your favorites.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the cakes a day in advance and frost them just before serving.

→ Is the wine flavor very strong?

The flavor is subtle and enhances the chocolate, rather than overpowering it.