Celebrate love, indulgence, and a touch of euphoria with this decadent Red Velvet Canna-Heart Cake. Perfect for Valentine's Day or any romantic occasion, this heart-shaped masterpiece combines the classic tangy, chocolatey richness of red velvet with a subtle cannabis infusion for a relaxing twist. The creamy cream cheese frosting ties it all together, creating a showstopping dessert that's as beautiful as it is blissful.
Important Notes Before Starting:
- This recipe incorporates cannabis, so potency varies based on your strain and dosage. Start with a low dose (e.g., 5-10mg THC per serving) and wait 1-2 hours to assess effects. Consult a professional for personalized dosing.
- Ensure cannabis use is legal in your area. Consume responsibly, and keep away from children and pets.
- Prep time: 45 minutes (plus infusion/decarb time). Cook time: 30-35 minutes. Yields: 12 servings. Total THC estimate: Adjust based on your infusion (e.g., 120mg for whole cake if using 1g flower at 10% THC).
Ingredients
For Cannabutter Infusion (makes ~1 cup; use 1/2 cup in cake)
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 7-10g decarboxylated cannabis flower (ground finely; adjust for desired potency)
For the Cake
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk (room temperature)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 tbsp red food coloring (gel preferred for vibrancy)
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup cannabutter (from infusion, softened; substitute regular butter if non-infused)
For Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2-3 tbsp heavy cream (for consistency)
- Optional: Sprinkles or chocolate hearts for decoration
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Decarboxylation (Activates THC/CBD – 45 minutes)
Decarboxylation converts THCA into THC, making it bioavailable for edibles.
1. Preheat oven to 240°F (115°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread 7-10g finely ground cannabis flower evenly in a thin layer.
3. Bake for 30-40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to prevent burning. It should turn light brown and fragrant (not burnt).
4. Remove from oven and let cool completely (10-15 minutes). This yields your decarbed flower – store extras in an airtight container.
Step 2: Cannabutter Infusion (Double Boiler Method – 2-3 hours)
1. In a double boiler (or heat-safe bowl over simmering water), melt 1 cup unsalted butter over low heat (do not exceed 200°F to preserve cannabinoids).
2. Add decarboxylated cannabis flower. Stir to combine.
3. Simmer on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. Maintain gentle heat – aim for 160-180°F.
4. Remove from heat and strain through cheesecloth or a fine mesh sieve into a jar, squeezing to extract all butter. Discard plant material.
5. Refrigerate overnight. Skim off any water on top. Your cannabutter is ready! (Potency tip: Test a small batch first.)
Step 3: Prepare the Cake Batter
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch heart-shaped pans (or round pans; cut into hearts post-bake).
2. In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
3. In another bowl, whisk oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vinegar, vanilla, and softened cannabutter until smooth.
4. Gradually add wet ingredients to dry, mixing until just combined (do not overmix).
5. Divide batter evenly between pans.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
1. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
2. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
1. Beat cream cheese and butter together until creamy (2 minutes).
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and heavy cream. Beat until fluffy (3-4 minutes). Adjust cream for spreadable consistency.
Step 6: Assemble and Decorate
1. Level cooled cakes if needed. Place one layer on a serving plate, frost top generously.
2. Add second layer and frost top and sides. Use a heart-shaped piping tip for borders.
3. Chill for 30 minutes to set. Decorate with sprinkles or melted chocolate drips.
Serving and Storage
Slice into 12 pieces for controlled dosing. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze slices for 1 month. Pair with fresh berries or coffee for the ultimate experience.
Pro Tips:
- For even infusion, use a magical butter machine if available.
- Non-canna version: Swap cannabutter for regular.
- Customize: Add white chocolate ganache drizzle or infused simple syrup soak.
Enjoy your Canna-Heart creation – love at first (delicious) bite!