Mini Heart Cake with Strawberry Buttercream

Name: Mini Heart Cake with Strawberry Buttercream
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1/4 cup pureed fresh strawberries; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I love creating sweet treats that not only taste amazing but also bring joy to any occasion. This Mini Heart Cake with Strawberry Buttercream is my go-to dessert for celebrating love and friendship. The moist vanilla cake paired with a light and tangy strawberry buttercream makes each bite a delightful experience. Plus, its adorable heart shape adds a personal touch, making it perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or just because. Let’s dive into this charming recipe that will surely impress your guests!

Created by

Summer Blake

Last updated on 2026-01-11T23:55:06.661Z

When I first made this Mini Heart Cake, I wanted something that would reflect the spirit of love without being overly complex. I experimented with different frosting techniques, and finally settled on a strawberry buttercream that adds a lovely touch of freshness. The key to perfecting the frosting is to use fresh strawberries pureed with just the right amount of sugar. It really enhances the cake's flavor!

During my last gathering, I surprised my friends with this cake, and it wasn't just the taste that impressed them—the presentation stole the show as well. I opted for a simple decoration of chocolate shavings and a few whole strawberries on top. This method makes it easy to achieve an elegant finish while still keeping the focus on the cake itself!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Adorably festive heart shape that’s perfect for any occasion.
Light and flavorful strawberry buttercream that contrasts beautifully with the cake.
Easy to make yet visually stunning, guaranteed to impress guests.

      

Key Techniques for a Perfect Mini Heart Cake

When making the Mini Heart Cake, one crucial technique is properly creaming the butter and sugar. This step incorporates air into the mixture, resulting in a light and fluffy cake. Beat the butter and sugar together for about 3-5 minutes until the mixture becomes pale and creamy, which indicates that enough air has been incorporated.

Another vital tip is to ensure that your eggs and milk are at room temperature before adding them to the batter. Room temperature ingredients blend more seamlessly into the batter, leading to a uniform texture. If you forget this step, simply place cold eggs in a bowl of warm water for about 10-15 minutes to bring them up to temperature.

Ingredient Insights

The role of flour in this Mini Heart Cake is to provide structure. Using all-purpose flour is ideal as it gives the cake a tender crumb while still offering enough strength to hold the heart shape. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, almond flour can work well, but expect a denser texture.

Strawberry puree in the buttercream not only imparts flavor but also contributes to the buttercream's texture. Using fresh strawberries yields a brighter taste compared to frozen. If strawberries are out of season, you can substitute with pureed raspberries or blueberries for similar results—just adjust for sweetness if using different fruits.

Serving and Storage Suggestions

Once the Mini Heart Cake is frosted, try to serve it within a day for the best texture and flavor. If you need to make it ahead, tightly wrap the unfrosted cake in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to three days. When ready to serve, make the buttercream fresh for a better taste and texture.

To store leftover cake, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, slice the cake and freeze it individually wrapped in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw slices in the refrigerator overnight and enjoy them whenever you crave a sweet treat!

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients:

For the Cake

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

For the Strawberry Buttercream

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup pureed fresh strawberries
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Make sure to have everything prepped before you start!

Instructions

Here’s how to make your Mini Heart Cake:

Preheat the Oven

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

Prepare the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in milk and vanilla. In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt, then combine with wet ingredients until just blended.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the heart-shaped pan and bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely.

Make the Strawberry Buttercream

In a bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix well. Add strawberry puree, vanilla, and salt, beating until smooth and spreadable.

Frost the Cake

Once the cake is cool, spread the strawberry buttercream evenly on top. Decorate with chocolate shavings and fresh strawberries if desired.

Serve and Enjoy

Slice your Mini Heart Cake and serve it to your loved ones. Enjoy the praise!

Enjoy your beautiful creation!

Pro Tips

For a more intense strawberry flavor, consider adding additional pureed strawberries into your buttercream. Also, chilling the bowl and beaters before whipping the buttercream can help achieve a fluffy texture.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

One common issue when baking this cake is overmixing the batter, which can lead to a dense end product. To avoid this, mix until the ingredients are just combined and no dry spots remain. A few small lumps are okay, as they will disappear during baking.

If your cake domes or rises unevenly, check your oven's calibration. An oven thermometer can be a useful tool to ensure your oven is at the correct temperature. Additionally, placing the cake pan in the center of the oven can promote even baking.

Creative Variations

For a twist on this classic Mini Heart Cake, you can experiment with different flavored whipped creams or ganaches as a topping instead of the strawberry buttercream. Consider using a lemon or chocolate ganache for a delightful change in flavor that complements the vanilla cake beautifully.

Incorporating fillings can add an extra layer of flavor—try adding a layer of strawberry jam in the middle of the cake before frosting. This not only enhances the taste but also adds a visually appealing element when sliced.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries for the buttercream?

Yes, you can, but make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture.

→ How do I store the leftover cake?

Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

→ Can this recipe be doubled?

Absolutely! Simply adjust baking time accordingly for larger cakes.

→ What can I substitute for eggs?

You can use unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed meal to replace eggs in this recipe.