The season of love has arrived, and it’s the perfect time to indulge in sweet treats that make hearts melt (literally!). Whether you’re planning a quiet night in or want to surprise your loved one with something extra special, desserts are always a winning choice.
After all, in India, they say the way to the heart is through the stomach, and TOPS Cake Mix is here to make that journey absolutely irresistible. With its rich, velvety goodness, you’re not just baking a dessert, you’re creating moments, and memories, and maybe even securing your spot as their favourite chef. Whether you’re a baking pro or someone who once mistook salt for sugar, these easy recipes will have you making some love-filled treats in no time. So, grab your apron, channel your inner baker, and let love do its magic.
1. Molten Lava Cakes
A decadent chocolate delight with a molten surprise, because love should always be this sweet!
Ingredients:
● 1 cup TOPS Chocolate Cake Mix
● 2 tbsp melted butter
● ½ cup warm milk
● Some couverture chocolate (for the lava center)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease ramekins with butter and dust them with cocoa powder to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter and warm milk. Add TOPS Chocolate Cake Mix and mix until smooth and lump-free.
3. Assemble the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared ramekins, filling them halfway. Place 2-3 cubes of couverture chocolate in the center and cover with more batter.
4. Bake: Place the ramekins in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, just until the edges and top are firm, but the center remains soft.
5. Serve: Let the cakes sit for a minute before unmolding. Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm.
💡 Pro Tip: Pair this indulgent dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and fresh berries for the perfect balance of richness and freshness!
2. Vanilla Mousse
Light, airy, and irresistibly smooth, because love should be as sweet as every spoonful of this dreamy vanilla delight!
Ingredients:
● 1 packet of TOPS Vanilla Cake Mix
● 1 ½ cups milk
● 2 tbsp sugar (adjust as per taste)
● 1 tbsp cornstarch
● ½ tsp vanilla extract
● ½ cup whipped cream
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Base: In a saucepan, whisk together TOPS Vanilla Cake Mix, cornstarch, and sugar. Gradually add milk while stirring to avoid lumps.
2. Cook Until Thickened: Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens into a smooth pudding-like consistency. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Cool and Fold: Let the mixture cool to room temperature. Once cooled, gently fold in the whipped cream until well combined, creating a light and airy texture.
4. Chill and Serve: Transfer the mousse into serving glasses and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.
💡 Pro Tip: Serve this delicate mousse with fresh berries and a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce for an extra touch of romance!
3. Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries
Ingredients:
● Fresh strawberries, washed and dried
● 1 packet of TOPS Chocolate Cake Mix
● 2 tbsp coconut oil (for a glossy finish)
Method:
1. Melt the TOPS Chocolate Cake Mix with a little coconut oil for a glossy, smooth finish.
2. Dip each strawberry halfway into the chocolate, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
3. Lay the dipped strawberries on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate until the chocolate hardens.
4. For an extra touch, drizzle a little white chocolate on top or sprinkle with crushed nuts.
💡 Pro Tip: For a fun twist, add a pinch of chopped nuts as a classic topping.
4. Chocolate Brownies
A rich, fudgy Valentine’s treat with a nutty crunch!
Ingredients:
● 1½ cups (180g) TOPS Chocolate Cake Mix
● ½ cup (113g) butter, melted
● ½ cup (120g) Greek yogurt
● ½ cup (120ml) warm milk
● 1 cup (175g) dark chocolate, melted
● ½ cup (63g) crushed walnuts
● 1 cup (200g) caster sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C and grease an 8-inch baking pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt and sugar until smooth.
3. Stir in the melted butter and warm milk, then fold in the TOPS Chocolate Cake Mix until combined.
4. Add the melted dark chocolate and mix well.
5. Gently fold in the walnuts, ensuring even distribution.
6. Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 30-35 minutes.
7. Let the brownies cool completely before slicing.
💡 Pro Tip: Serve warm with vanilla ice cream and fresh berries for the perfect indulgence.
5. Pineapple Parfait
Ingredients:
● 1 packet of TOPS Pineapple Cake Mix
● ½ cup (120ml) milk (to mix with cake mix)
● ¼ cup (30g) digestive biscuit crumbs
● ¼ cup (60g) pineapple, chopped & chilled
● ¼ cup (60g) kiwi, chopped & chilled
● 2 tbsp honey
● Whipped cream (for garnish)
● Cherry (for topping)
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk TOPS Pineapple Cake Mix with milk until smooth. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken.
2. Mix 1 tsp honey into the chopped pineapple and 1 tsp honey into the chopped kiwi.
3. To assemble, start with a layer of the cake mixture at the bottom of a serving glass.
4. Add a layer of digestive biscuit crumbs, followed by a layer of pineapple.
5. Repeat the layers: cake mixture, biscuit crumbs, kiwi, and then another layer of cake mixture.
6. Finish with a dollop of whipped cream and top with a cherry.
7. Chill for 10 minutes before serving.
💡 Pro Tip: Serve in heart-shaped glasses for the perfect Valentine’s treat!
Conclusion:
This Valentine’s Day, don’t just buy desserts, make them! With TOPS Cake Mix, you’ve got everything you need to create indulgent, delicious desserts that will impress anyone. Whether you’re making molten lava cakes, mousse, or simply dipping strawberries in smooth, velvety chocolate, these treats are bound to steal the show. And the best part? They’re quick, easy, and totally love-filled. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to make your Valentine’s Day even sweeter!