Heart-Shaped Cake Without a Mold

Cooking method

1. Step 1:

   

   If you don't have ready-made layers, bake two sponge cakes the day before — one in a round 8.5-inch (22 cm) pan and one in a rectangular pan. If one layer comes out a little taller than the other, you can level it as you assemble the cake.

2. Step 2:

   

   Cut the round sponge crosswise into 2 equal halves. Measure one cut half edge to edge with a ruler — it should be about 8 inches (21 cm).

3. Step 3:

   

   From the rectangular sponge, make a square with 8-inch (21 cm) sides. Using a ruler, mark the right length at a few points along the cake and trim off the side edge. Then measure and trim the second side so you end up with a square with equal sides.

4. Step 4:

   

   Turn the square so the two trimmed sides face up; the uncut sides should be at the bottom. Then fit the two semicircular sponges against the trimmed sides of the square — and you've got a heart!

5. Step 5:

   

   Cut each piece into 2 layers and start assembling the cake.

6. Step 6:

   

   Lightly brush the layers with syrup.

7. Step 7:

   

   Spread two semicircular layers and one square layer with cream and cherries.

8. Step 8:

   

   Cut the leftover trimmed piece of rectangular sponge into strips about 1/2 inch (1 cm) thick.

9. Step 9:

   

   Lay the strips on the cream-coated square layer. Even everything out with cream.

10. Step 10:

    

    Cover with the remaining layers and press down gently. Arrange the heart-shaped cake the way it should ideally sit.

11. Step 11:

    

    To bind all the parts together, coat the cut sides with chocolate fudge glaze.

12. Step 12:

    

    Pour the chocolate fudge glaze over the whole cake. Enjoy!

13. Step 13:

    

    Happy Valentine's Day! Love and happiness to all!