A heart cake is a sweet treat shaped like a heart. It’s often used for special occasions like Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or anniversaries. The cake itself can be made in any flavor or combination and is usually decorated with frosting, cookies or other decorations to enhance the heart shape.
Key features of a heart cake
- Shape: Heart-shaped.
- Layers: Typically made with two round cake layers cut and assembled to form a heart.
- Frosting: Often decorated with buttercream frosting and piping.
- Flavors: Can be made with various flavors like vanilla, chocolate, lemon, or berry.
- Occasions: Perfect for romantic celebrations, birthdays, or any special event.
Creating a heart cake topper is easier than you might think. You don’t need a special heart-shaped cake pan. You can use round cake pans (no special cake pan needed) and cut them into a heart shape. The cake is then layered with filling, like jam or buttercream, and frosted. Popular frosting styles include vintage piping for a classic look.
For a sweet treat that goes beyond the classic heart cake, consider trying an Italian Hangover Cake, a playful Hello Kitty Cake, Donut Cake or a rich Chocolate Brick Cake. They are all really yummy and special cakes, and its perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients you’ll Need for Heart Cake
For the Cake
- All-purpose flour or gluten-free flour (King Arthur Flour Gluten-free Measure for Measure or Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-free 1-to-1 Baking Flour)
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Large eggs
- Granulated sugar
- Lemon or vanilla extract (or orange, almond, or coconut extract)
- Milk (any type, even coconut milk)
- Vegetable oil, canola oil, or light olive oil (or butter for a richer flavor)
- Lemon zest (optional, depending on extract choice)
For the Frosting
- Cream cheese (softened)
- Unsalted butter (softened)
- Powdered sugar
- Pink food coloring
Instructions for a Heart-Shaped Cake
Step 1: Preparing the Cake
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to the temperature specified in your cake recipe.
- Prepare pans: Grease and flour two identical round cake pans.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually whisk in extract, milk, and oil (or melted butter).
- Create batter: Carefully combine the wet and dry mixtures until blended. Avoid overmixing.
- Bake: Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake according to recipe instructions. Allow the cakes to cool completely in the pans before removing them.
Step 2: Creating the Heart Shape
- Level cakes: Trim tops of cakes to ensure even layers.
- Cut heart shapes: Cut each cake in half from the center to the edge. Then, cut a curved line from the end of the straight cut to create a half-heart shape.
- Assemble heart: Place one heart-shaped layer on a cake board or cardboard. Spread a layer of desired filling (jam, buttercream, etc.) if using. Top with the second heart-shaped layer.
Step 3: Frosting and Decorating
- Prepare frosting: Cream together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually incorporate the powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy.
- Crumb coat: Apply a thin layer of frosting to the entire cake to seal in crumbs. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
- Frost cake: Apply a thicker layer of frosting to the entire cake, smoothing it out with an offset spatula.
- Decorate: Get creative with your decorations! Pipe borders, add fresh flowers, sprinkle with edible glitter, or write messages on the cake.
Tips for the Perfect Heart Cake Recipe
- For a more intense flavor, scald milk before using.
- Use cake strips to prevent domed cakes.
- Practice piping on parchment paper before decorating the heart cake.
- For a cleaner cut, slightly freeze cake layers before cutting into heart shapes.
- To avoid soggy cake, let filled cake chill before adding final layer of frosting.
Making the Heart Cake in Advance
Baking the Cake Ahead
- Short-term: If you’re making the cake a day or two in advance, let the cooled cakes completely cool, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap. Store at room temperature in an airtight container.
- Long-term: For cakes made more than two days before, wrap cooled cakes in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Place in a freezer-safe bag and freeze. Allow the cake to thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight.
Frosting the Cake Ahead
- Buttercream frosting: Can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature before use and beat again to restore fluffiness.
- Cream cheese frosting: Best made the day of due to its delicate nature.
Assembling the Heart Cake Ahead
- For best taste and texture, assemble and frost the cake as close to serving as possible.
- If assembling ahead: Wrap the assembled, frosted cake tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Key points
- Properly wrapped cakes retain moisture and freshness.
- Avoid temperature fluctuations for optimal cake quality.
- Experiment to find the best timing for your specific recipe and preferences.
Some heart cake design ideas
Minimalist
A single layer of vanilla cake, frosted with smooth white buttercream and adorned with a delicate gold leaf. This design is simple yet elegant, perfect for a modern or contemporary celebration.
Playful
A layer of rainbow-colored sponge cake, frosted with white buttercream and decorated with colorful sprinkles and a playful, cartoon heart. This design is fun and whimsical, perfect for a child’s birthday or a casual gathering.
Modern
A single layer of chocolate cake, frosted with dark chocolate ganache and decorated with a geometric pattern of white chocolate shards. This design is sleek and sophisticated, perfect for a wedding or anniversary.
Romantic
A layer of red velvet cake, frosted with cream cheese icing and decorated with fresh raspberries and edible gold leaf. This design is classic and romantic, perfect for Valentine’s Day or a wedding.
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Best Heart Cake Recipe for Every Special in 2024
Ingredients
For the Cake
- All-purpose flour or gluten-free flour King Arthur Flour Gluten-free Measure for Measure or Bob's Red Mill Gluten-free 1-to-1 Baking Flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Large eggs
- Granulated sugar
- Lemon or vanilla extract or orange, almond, or coconut extract
- Milk any type, even coconut milk
- Vegetable oil canola oil, or light olive oil (or butter for a richer flavor)
- Lemon zest optional, depending on extract choice
For the Frosting
- Cream cheese softened
- Unsalted butter softened
- Powdered sugar
- Pink food coloring
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Cake
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to the temperature specified in your cake recipe.
- Prepare pans: Grease and flour two identical round cake pans.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually whisk in extract, milk, and oil (or melted butter).
- Create batter: Carefully combine the wet and dry mixtures until blended. Avoid overmixing.
- Bake: Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake according to recipe instructions. Allow the cakes to cool completely in the pans before removing them.
Step 2: Creating the Heart Shape
- Level cakes: Trim tops of cakes to ensure even layers.
- Cut heart shapes: Cut each cake in half from the center to the edge. Then, cut a curved line from the end of the straight cut to create a half-heart shape.
- Assemble heart: Place one heart-shaped layer on a cake board or cardboard. Spread a layer of desired filling (jam, buttercream, etc.) if using. Top with the second heart-shaped layer.
Step 3: Frosting and Decorating
- Prepare frosting: Cream together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually incorporate the powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy.
- Crumb coat: Apply a thin layer of frosting to the entire cake to seal in crumbs. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
- Frost cake: Apply a thicker layer of frosting to the entire cake, smoothing it out with an offset spatula.
- Decorate: Get creative with your decorations! Pipe borders, add fresh flowers, sprinkle with edible glitter, or write messages on the cake.
Notes
- Connect with us on “Crispy Cookies” by tagging us.
- Stay updated on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterestby following us.
- Spread the sweetness by sharing or pinning this recipe on Pinterest.
- Leave a comment down below!!
