<p>Life is too short to skip dessert! Especially with a go-to recipe or cooking magazines to help you prepare for a special occasion. Surprise your friends and family this Valentine’s Day with this easy chocolate cake and cupcakes recipe. Perfect for birthdays, picnics, or whenever you fancy a sweet treat, you are guaranteed to win their hearts!</p><h2>Valentine’s Chocolate Cake and Cupcakes Recipe</h2><h3>Ingredients</h3><ul><li>3 extra large eggs</li><li>1 cup (250ml) oil</li><li>1 cup (250 ml) of hot water plus 2 teaspoons of coffee granules (optional)</li></ul><h3>Pans and Equipment You Will Need</h3><ul><li>1 springform tube pan (23cm x 7cm) or 2 x 20-22 cm cake pans</li><li>Or 12 cup muffin pan(s) for cupcakes</li><li>Spatula</li></ul><h3>Baking Temperature and Time</h3><ul><li>Oven: 180°C (adjust oven rack to the middle)</li><li>Tube cake: Bake for 35-40 minutes</li><li>Cupcakes: Bake for 15-20 mins at 190°C</li></ul><h3>Chocolate Cake Instructions</h3><ol><li>Adjust oven rack to the middle.</li><li>Preheat oven to 180°C.</li><li>Butter pan(s) generously and line bases with baking paper, or spray using a non-stick cooking spray.</li><li>Beat eggs and oil for 30 seconds on high speed until well blended.</li><li>Add hot black coffee or hot water and beat until well blended.</li><li>Add the contents of the packet and gently mix in by hand with a spatula. Mix only until combined.</li><li>Scrape mixture into prepared pan(s).</li><li>Bake at 180°C. The cake is ready when a thin-bladed knife inserted into the center comes out clean or cake pulls away slightly from the sides of the pan.</li><li>Cool the cake in a pan for 10 minutes.</li><li>Turn out on a cooling rack. Do not ice it until the cake is completely cool.</li></ol><h3>Chocolate Cupcakes (Makes 18-24)</h3><ol><li>Line a muffin pan with paper cups and fill two-thirds with cake batter.</li></ol><h3>Microwave Instructions</h3><ol><li>Use a 22 cm x 8 cm funneled micro-dish lined with absorbent kitchen paper.</li><li>Cook on high for 5 minutes.</li><li>Leave to stand for 5 minutes in the microwave.</li><li>Finish cake with a final 4 minutes on high.</li></ol>
