Mini Heart Cake for Valentines

Name: Mini Heart Cake for Valentines
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 mini cakes
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp baking soda; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup milk; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 2 tbsp cocoa powder; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Red food coloring (optional)

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Celebrate love with these adorable Mini Heart Cakes, perfect for Valentine's Day or any romantic occasion.

Created by

Chelsea Payne

Last updated on 2026-01-04T11:40:18.868Z

These delightful Mini Heart Cakes are not only visually stunning but also a treat for the taste buds. Perfectly sized for sharing, they bring a touch of sweetness to any romantic celebration.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Cute heart shape that melts hearts
Moist cake paired with rich frosting
Perfectly portioned for sharing with loved ones

      

The Perfect Treat for Everyone

Mini Heart Cakes are not only delightful to look at, but they also cater to a variety of tastes. Each cake is perfectly portioned, making them ideal for sharing during a romantic dinner or a friendly gathering. Their small size means you can indulge without overdoing it, leaving room for other sweet treats or a nice cup of coffee to accompany your dessert.

The combination of moist cake and rich frosting creates a lovely balance that appeals to both chocolate lovers and those who prefer a classic vanilla flavor. With just a touch of creativity, these cakes can be personalized to suit any palate, whether by choosing a different frosting flavor or adding fruit toppings.

A Fun Baking Experience

Baking Mini Heart Cakes is not only simple but also a fun activity that can be shared with family or friends. Children can help with mixing the batter, pouring it into the pans, and, of course, decorating the finished cakes. This makes it a perfect opportunity to create lasting memories while teaching the next generation about baking.

The heart shape adds an extra layer of excitement, making it feel like a special occasion even on a casual day. Whether you're hosting a Valentine's Day party or simply looking to brighten someone's day, these mini cakes are sure to bring smiles all around.

Storing and Serving Tips

To ensure your Mini Heart Cakes stay fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them for a longer period, consider freezing the unfrosted cakes. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and seal them in a freezer bag. When you're ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature before frosting.

When serving, consider pairing these cakes with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. A sprinkle of fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce can elevate the presentation, making your dessert table as lovely as your heart-shaped creations.

Ingredients

For the Cake

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

For the Frosting

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
2 tbsp cocoa powder
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
Red food coloring (optional)

Mix the ingredients thoroughly to achieve a smooth batter.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your mini heart cake pans.

Prepare the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.

Bake the Cakes

Pour the batter into the prepared mini heart pans and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Make the Frosting

In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with heavy cream. Mix until smooth and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and food coloring if desired.

Frost the Cakes

Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread the frosting generously on top and decorate as desired.

Enjoy your beautiful Mini Heart Cakes!

Why They Make Great Gifts

Mini Heart Cakes are an excellent choice for thoughtful gifts. Their charming shape and delicious taste make them a perfect gesture of love for birthdays, anniversaries, or just because. You can package them in cute boxes or wrap them in cellophane with ribbons for an added touch of elegance.

Personalizing the cakes with different colors of frosting or decorative toppings can make each one unique, showing the recipient that you put in the effort to create something special just for them.

Creative Variations to Try

Once you're comfortable with the basic Mini Heart Cakes recipe, consider experimenting with flavors. Incorporating ingredients like lemon zest for a citrus twist or almond extract for a nutty flavor can take your cakes to the next level. You can also try different fillings, such as fruit preserves or chocolate ganache, to surprise your taste buds.

For a healthier version, substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or almond flour. This not only adds a nutty flavor but also boosts the nutritional value, making these cakes a guilt-free indulgence.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cakes a day ahead and frost them just before serving.

→ What can I substitute for eggs?

You can use unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed meal mixture as an egg substitute.

→ Can I use a different frosting?

Absolutely! Cream cheese frosting or whipped cream can also be great alternatives.

→ How do I store the cakes?

Store the cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.