Description
A heart cake is more than just a dessert—it symbolizes love, celebration, and joy. Perfect for special occasions like Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, weddings, and birthdays, this heart-shaped cake is a delicious and meaningful way to express your feelings. This classic vanilla heart cake features a soft and moist crumb, paired with creamy buttercream frosting for a delightful treat that melts in your mouth.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a heart-shaped cake pan. If you don’t have one, prepare a round and square cake pan instead.
- Prepare the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs: Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Incorporate dry ingredients and milk: Gradually add the flour mixture and milk, alternating between the two, mixing until well combined.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared heart-shaped pan. If using round and square pans, distribute the batter evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the frosting: In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well. Add heavy cream and vanilla extract, then beat until light and fluffy.
- Assemble and frost the cake: If you created a heart shape from a round and square cake, trim edges if needed. Apply a crumb coat of frosting, chill for 15 minutes, then apply the final layer of frosting.
- Decorate as desired: Use piping tips to create decorative borders, add sprinkles, or top with fresh fruit.
Notes
- If you don’t have a heart-shaped pan, bake one round and one square cake, then cut the round cake in half and place the halves at the top of the square to form a heart.
- To add a chocolate twist, substitute ½ cup flour with cocoa powder and add 1 teaspoon espresso powder.
- Top with edible flowers, gold leaf accents, or chocolate ganache for a luxurious look.
- For a fruity variation, mix ½ cup strawberry puree into the frosting for a natural pink hue.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 10-12 servings
- Calories: 450 Cal
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Protein: 5g