Mini Heart Cake with Strawberry Vanilla Cream

Name: Mini Heart Cake with Strawberry Vanilla Cream
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 cup milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons powdered sugar; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, pureed

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I love creating sweet surprises, and this Mini Heart Cake with Strawberry Vanilla Cream certainly ticks all the boxes. It's delicate yet decadent, perfect for expressing affection on special occasions or when I just want to treat myself. The fluffy vanilla cake combines beautifully with a creamy, tangy strawberry frosting that reminds me of sunny picnics. Each bite is a celebration of flavors and textures, sure to bring a smile to anyone's face. Plus, it’s so adorable, and I find it irresistible to make!

Created by

Megan Douglas

Last updated on 2026-01-14T01:19:19.352Z

When I first set out to create this Mini Heart Cake, I knew I wanted it to be a treat that captured the essence of love and joy. The combination of the soft vanilla cake with the light strawberry cream is nothing short of heavenly. I also experimented with incorporating fresh strawberries into the frosting, which added delightful texture and natural sweetness.

What truly makes this cake special is how quickly it comes together, yet it impresses with its presentation and flavor. I recommend using high-quality vanilla extract for the cake and letting the cream layer chill for a bit before frosting, as this step enhances the overall freshness and richness.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Delicate heart shape that's perfect for celebrations
Rich strawberry flavor that pops with freshness
Light and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth

      

Perfecting the Heart Shape

When it comes to shaping your Mini Heart Cake, using the right pan is crucial. A heart-shaped cake pan ensures a perfect silhouette that makes this cake special for any romantic or celebratory occasion. Make sure to grease the pan thoroughly to prevent sticking, and even consider using parchment paper on the bottom for extra assurance. If you don’t have a heart-shaped pan, you can use a round pan and trim the edges into a heart shape after baking.

The baking time can vary depending on the depth of the batter in your pan, so start checking for doneness at around 20 minutes. Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. If it’s too wet, continue baking, checking every 2 minutes until it’s done. This attention to detail ensures a beautifully baked cake that retains its shape and tenderness.

Crafting the Strawberry Vanilla Cream

For the strawberry vanilla cream, using fresh strawberries is essential for achieving a vibrant flavor. Select ripe strawberries for the best taste, as they will give your frosting that perfect balance of sweetness and tang. Puree the strawberries until smooth; this will allow their flavor to infuse beautifully into the whipped cream. If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute with high-quality strawberry preserves, but fresh strawberries give a fresher, lighter touch that aligns with the cake's delicate nature.

Whipping the cream to soft peaks is an important step; you want it to be fluffy yet stable enough to hold its shape when spread onto the cake. Be careful not to overwhip, as this can turn the cream grainy. If you do end up whipping too much, you can gently fold in a bit more cold heavy cream to rescue the texture. Once combined with the strawberries, the cream should maintain a lovely pink hue, making your cake even more visually appealing.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

If you find yourself with leftover Mini Heart Cake, storing it properly can help maintain its texture and flavor. Place any uneaten cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it can last for up to three days. Just keep in mind that the cream icing may start to lose its texture after a day, so it’s best enjoyed fresh. If you want to make the cake ahead, consider freezing the unfrosted cake for up to a month; simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.

Serving this cake is just as fun as making it! Consider adding a dollop of extra strawberry vanilla cream on the side or garnishing with whole strawberries for a pop of color. A sprinkle of powdered sugar on top right before serving also adds a lovely touch. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a light fruit salad for a delightful dessert spread. Each slice not only looks stunning but is sure to elevate any gathering.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create a delicious Mini Heart Cake:

For the Cake

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup milk

For the Strawberry Vanilla Cream

1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup fresh strawberries, pureed

Once you have all the ingredients, you're ready to start baking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to bake your Mini Heart Cake:

Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a heart-shaped cake pan.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, cream the softened butter until smooth, then gradually add the sugar until light and fluffy.

Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk until just combined.

Pour and Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Prepare Strawberry Cream

While the cake cools, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. Fold in the pureed strawberries.

Frost the Cake

Once the cake is completely cool, frost the top with the strawberry vanilla cream and enjoy your creation!

Let your heart cake chill in the fridge briefly before serving for the best texture.

Pro Tips

For a more intense strawberry flavor, consider adding a few diced strawberries to the frosting. Additionally, you can dust the finished cake with powdered sugar before serving for a lovely touch.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking for a healthier twist, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber. This will give the cake a nuttier flavor while still maintaining its successful rise and texture. If you want to cut down on sugar, consider using a sugar substitute that measures like sugar, or even mashed bananas in the batter, but be mindful that this may add moisture, so reduce milk slightly.

For those needing a dairy-free option, replace the butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil, and use almond or oat milk in place of regular milk. This will help retain the fluffiness in the cake while keeping it dairy-free. Be sure to check labels for the whipped cream; there are dairy-free whipping creams available that can replicate the texture and taste quite nicely.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your cake sinks in the middle, this could be due to a few factors, such as overmixing the batter or not allowing the oven to preheat adequately. Ensure that you mix just until combined and check that your oven has reached the right temperature before placing your cake inside. An oven thermometer is a handy tool to verify your oven's actual temperature.

Another common issue is the strawberry cream becoming too runny. To prevent this, be careful not to over-puree the strawberries to the point of being watery. If you do find it too runny, try adding a little more powdered sugar to thicken it up. You could also chill the whipped cream mixture in the fridge for about 30 minutes before frosting the cake, which can help firm it up.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries for the cream?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them before pureeing.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

→ What should I do if the cake sinks in the middle?

This can happen if the batter is overmixed or if it wasn’t baked long enough. Make sure to follow the baking time and method closely.