Cindy "TheSweetNerd" Rodriguez Gal Pals? Oh yeah…. You know the ones that are the real deal. There are a few in my life where the words flow and the wine keeps us joyous company. Sometimes I need a double-dose and so I crafted this delectable Chocolate Wine Cake for those whopper moments. With this cake, you really do taste the wine. SLURP. I even added some street love with urban heart, love and kiss stencils with powdered sugar topper – an easy DIY play to give it a personal touch. So speaking of gal pals…This Chocolate Wine Cake is joining a virtual Valentine’s party with a baker’s dozen bloggers, so make sure to check out the rest of the deliciousness we’ll all be offering! #Galentinesday
CHOCOLATE. WINE. CAKE BATTER.
For the wine, I picked up a bottle of Bogle Cabernet Sauvignon; a decent cab that’s packed with flavor that can be picked up at most grocery stores across the US.
After 45 minutes in the oven, let the cake cool completely on a rack.
So there are two options here: keeping the cake whole and stenciling on the powdered sugar, or slice and decorate individually. My Misen chef’s knife has such a clean cut; pretty-promise I’m not being paid to say that, it’s legitimately that perfect!
CONFECTIONERS SUGAR TOPPER
The best tip for you is to always sift the powdered sugar out of the bag. The reason being, the sugar can get clumpy while it sits on the grocery shelves, and you can’t do a thing with clumpy sugar. Need a sifter upgrade? My favorite is Bellemain by Epica.
My friend Juan made me this “dripping-heart” love stencil, but there are plenty you can find at Michael’s, Joann’s and, of course, online. One of my favorite shops is The Cookie Countess – there are oodles of stencils for cookies and cakes in their online store.
Wine and chocolate, you can’t get more romantic than that for Valentine’s Day, right? I can’t wait to share this with Steves. Once the cork pops, you really won’t be able to stop! <mwa!>
Check out my gal-pal blogger friends who have some rather insane desserts for your loved ones. Cheerio.
Pink Grapefruit and Thyme Shortbread Hearts– Mary Ann from The Beach House Kitchen
Blood Orange Margarita Sorbet– Tamara from Beyond Mere Sustenance
Vanilla Rose Shortbread Cookies– Jennifer from Seasons & Suppers
Chocolate Panna Cotta with Raspberry Compote– Annie from Ciao Chow Bambina
Horchata Latte Cheesecake– Megan from Meg is Well
Chocolate Coffee Layer Cake– Katherine from Katherine in Brooklyn
Chocolate Topped Seed and Nut Bars– Suruchi from This Brown Kitchen
Chocolate-Bottomed Strawberry Fool– Allison from Seek Satiation
Earl Grey Frosted Brownies– Madeline from Madeline Hall
Red Velvet Whoopie Pies– Cathy from What Should I Make For
Photos by: Maria Hedrick Photography
1Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Butter and flour a bundt pan. In a bowl, whisk the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt. 2In a large bowl, using a handheld electric mixer, beat the butter with the sugar at medium-high speed until fluffy, 4 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, and beat until incorporated. Add the vanilla and beat for 2 minutes longer. Working in two batches, alternately fold in the dry ingredients and the wine, until just incorporated. 3Scrape the batter into the prepared pan, and bake for 45 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes then turn it out onto a rack; let cool completely. Dust the cake with confectioner's sugar using the heart stencils.Directions
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I absolutely looove the way that you give us options! This way on days I’m feeling down I can eat the whole cake but on days I’m trying to be good I can eat one slice but I never have to compromise how damn cute they are. Yuuum!
thanks Kendall. I think you will love eating the WHOLE thing. i dare ya!
Absolutely perfect and so pretty! Love those stencilled hearts 🙂 A great cake to share with our Galentine’s 🙂 Thanks so much for all your work organizing this fabulous Galentine’s part, Cindy!
My pleasure Jennifer. Loved loved the vanilla pie with florals. Nothing short of perfection!
Can’t get any more romantic than this! Wine & chocolate….a favorite combination of mine! Thank you for organizing this awesome collaboration, my friend! PS) I love your process shots! I want to hang in your kitchen with you, pal!
Right? Thanks Annie. Maybe one day when you come out to the West Coast, you can come over and we can have a cook out. Your bring the Italian, I will bring the latin, and watch out!
You had me at wine! Beautiful details…and wine and chocolate? I’m in! Love the great photos. Makes my GALentine baking much more doable!
You have so many Rose. I can only imagine what an amazing friend you must be to your gal-pals. Coffee or wine? They will love ya either way.
LOVE the heart stencils for the cake!! Such a great and easy idea for Valentine’s, who doesn’t love chocolate and wine!?
Right? It pretty much is an amazing como. Thanks Eva.
The stenciling is absolutely stellar! WOW! Really adds an extra amazing dimension to a cake as luxurious as this. 🙂
Awww shucks. Thanks so much Allison. I am blushing.
I bet this cake is insanely delicious Cindy! And the confectioners’ sugar designs on top?! Adorable! LOVE this one! So perfect for Galentine’s Day!
Thanks MaryAnn. Anything with sugar on top is near perfection. XO
A wine cake, thats my husbands dream cake! May I order one, ha ha just kidding. This cake is amazing, it not only looks great but I am sure it is delicious and chocolate cake is my favorite. Your instructions are excellent, I may try to make this. Love the stencil idea too.
Thanks Alicia! So glad you love it and your hubby would absolutely be smiling from ear to ear with this cake for Vday.
This looks absolutely perfect for Vday night! Excited to try. Thanks for linking to all the other recipes as well 🙂
Of course! The more the better is my mantra. (that includes wine and choco too)
This is the most gorgeous recipe! I am in love with the lips decoration – does Juan sell his stencils online? Are there any plans to? Thanks for sharing!
No plans at the moment for selling stencils. It does seem like a fun idea! Juan would crush it of course. XO
Wow! Scrumptious. Adorable. Whimsical. What a perfect cake for V-Day!
Thanks Kim. You are the best and I promise you would love love love this. You really do taste the wine.
This cake is just perfection, Cindy!!! I mean a chocolate wine cake!? Brilliant!!! But, I especially adore that you can actually taste the red wine in this cake!!! I’m swooning over this, my dear!! Heavenly deliciousness up in here!! Pinning! Cheers! xoxo
You are the best Cheyanne. Thanks for your continued love. You will like this one I promise!
You’re a true authority both in baking and in making your friends feel extra special with all the love and thought you put into your creations.
Thanks Relees. I love being an authority and special friends deserve special love.
Chocolate + red wine=perfection! If I make it in the morning, can I still pour myself a glass? Lol. I am intrigued by the comment that you really can taste the wine in the cake, so I will have to make it for sure!
Happy Galentine’s and Valentine’s Day darling!
You absolutely can. This isn’t for the kiddos which makes it that much more divine. XO
Ahh! I might actually get off Paleo to try this!! looks delicious! I love the heart stencils ❤️❤️❤️
Awww love. This is perfect no diet pre wedding material.
I love the idea of galentines – these ladies you’re throwing this party with are so talented. You’re not too shabby yourself! I love the stencils, and I love your street art style. You go, girl.
Thanks Tessa. Love your support and would love to make this for you my love.
Perfect pair…wine and chocolate, yes please! LOVE all your gorgeous baked goods.
Right? I love wine and chocolate too. Thanks Alissa. Appreciate the love.
Wow! This looks incredible and I cannot wait to try this recipe! Also loving the gal appreciation day too – super cute and so needed. Stencil art = perfection!
Thanks momma. Love you K. Looking forward to seeing you soon.
This literally sounds like the most insanely perfect treat for VDay. Like Can i have a slice now please??
Totes! I love to share a glass with you and have some great convo.
I love those stenciled hearts so much!! You always add such cool flares to your delicious desserts!
Thanks Meg! I love street art and so I wanted to give it a little urban love. Appreciate that HUGE compliment.
Oooh! A slice of this decadent beauty & a glass of vino sound like the perfect evening to me. . .albeit a double trouble kind of night. ???? Juan did a great job on that stencil. It really takes this cake to the next level Cindy.
Awww, thanks Lynn. I loved the urban feel of these stencils.
One of my fave things to do with you is drink wine 😉 The cake looks so good and will definitely be trying my hand at it for Valentine’s Day…it’s actually the anniversary of George and my first date. You always make things look so easy, delicious and beautiful. Always an inspiration lady!
RIght? I promise it is easy. Happy Anniversary!
Ok, now I MUST have some of this cake! Chocolate and wine, two of my favorite things. My mouth is watering just reading this! Hmmm….
You need some is right! Maybe I will whip this up for our next gal pal night.
You are so creative Cindy! Chocolate and wine pairs so well together so I’m sure this will taste AMAZING 😉
xx
You would love it Tawny. And, i promise it is the easiest cake to make.
Mmmm! Making this recipe for sure. Wine chocolate cake! Loving all your recipes and great ideas that come with it. ????????
Thanks Mary. I appreciate the love. XO
Wow, this would be a hit in our house! Sounds like it would be super moist and delish! Plus, I love the hearts on top! Beautiful cake Cindy! Need to try this one!
Thanks Anna. I think you might only be able to have one slice, hee hee.
This is stunning! I love the design with the powdered sugar!
Awww, thanks so much. I promise it will taste better than it looks.
This is what I’m talking about! Looks amazing and the house looks great, too! 🙂
Ha ha! You would know. 😉
First of all, beautiful photos! This looks so yum. I don’t even drink wine and I want to eat this cake!
This is such a beautiful cake and I love the stencils. Perfect for V-day or…any day!
The stencils are really easy – and they really add a personal touch. Thanks Lorna!