Mini Heart Cake with Strawberry Buttercream

Name: Mini Heart Cake with Strawberry Buttercream
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 cup milk; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1/4 cup fresh strawberries, pureed; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt

Highlighted under: Modern Recipes

I absolutely adore baking, and this Mini Heart Cake with Strawberry Buttercream is one of my favorites! The rich vanilla cake pairs beautifully with the vibrant strawberry buttercream, and its heart shape adds a lovely touch for any occasion. Making mini cakes allows for a delicate balance of flavors, and I love that I can share them easily with loved ones. Plus, these cakes are perfect for celebrations or simply to indulge in something sweet at home!

Created by

Naomi Ashcroft

Last updated on 2026-01-05T21:54:34.318Z

When I first baked this Mini Heart Cake, I was surprised at how easy it was to achieve such stunning results. I decided to experiment with my favorite vanilla cake recipe, adjusting the portions to create adorable mini cakes. What makes this recipe sing is the addition of fresh strawberries in the buttercream; it elevates the sweetness and adds a bright, fruity twist that everyone loves.

One tip I can share from my experience is to ensure that the strawberries you use are perfectly ripe. This makes a world of difference in flavor! I always taste my buttercream before spreading it on the cake to adjust the sweetness as needed. Trust me, you'll want to savor each bite!

        Why You'll Love This Cake
        Heart-shaped design perfect for romantic occasions or celebrations
Fresh strawberry flavor that complements the rich vanilla cake
Easy-to-make mini cakes that are fun to share with friends and family

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The foundation of this Mini Heart Cake is built on simple yet essential ingredients. All-purpose flour provides the structure, while the granulated sugar sweetens the cake and helps create a light, airy texture. By using unsalted butter, we have better control over the salt content, which is crucial in achieving the perfect flavor balance. The fresh strawberries in the buttercream not only offer vibrant color but also infuse the frosting with a delightful natural sweetness, enhancing the overall enjoyment of this treat.

Eggs play a pivotal role in this recipe, acting as a binder and contributing to the cake's moistness and richness. When beating the ingredients together, aim for a smooth, lump-free batter that will rise evenly during baking. The addition of milk helps to hydrate the dry ingredients and produce a tender crumb. This harmony among the components is what makes the final cake juicy and flavorful, especially when paired with the strawberry buttercream.

Baking Tips for Success

When it comes to baking the mini cakes, it's essential to preheat your oven to ensure that it reaches a stable temperature before the batter goes in. This allows for an even rise, preventing dense patches. If you notice your cakes are slightly domed rather than flat, it's a sign you may be overmixing the batter or that they need less time in the oven. Aim to bake until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, which usually takes about 20-25 minutes.

Cooling the cakes properly before frosting is crucial. If you frost while still warm, the buttercream will melt and slide off, ruining the decorative look. I recommend allowing the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps maintain their structure while cooling and makes it easier to handle them without crumbling.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your Mini Heart Cake:

For the Cake

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

For the Strawberry Buttercream

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

Make sure to have all the ingredients ready before you start baking. Fresh strawberries are a must for the best flavor!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Mini Heart Cake:

Prepare the Cake Batter

In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the softened butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk. Beat on medium speed until smooth and well combined.

Bake the Cakes

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease mini heart-shaped cake pans and pour the batter evenly into them. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool.

Make the Strawberry Buttercream

In another bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, followed by the strawberry puree and vanilla. Mix until well blended and fluffy.

Assemble the Mini Cakes

Once the cakes are cool, spread a layer of strawberry buttercream between the cakes and on top. Decorate with additional strawberries if desired!

Enjoy your beautifully crafted Mini Heart Cakes!

Pro Tips

For an extra pop of flavor, add a splash of lemon juice to the strawberry puree. This brightens up the buttercream and balances the sweetness beautifully.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

To keep your Mini Heart Cakes fresh and delicious, storing them in an airtight container is key. They can last for up to three days at room temperature; however, if you need them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just ensure they're well covered to prevent them from drying out. If you want to prepare them in advance, I suggest baking the cakes a day ahead and storing them wrapped in plastic wrap until you’re ready to frost and serve.

For serving, these mini cakes are perfect as individual treats at gatherings or as a delightful surprise in a lunchbox. You might consider adding a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an elevated experience. They can also be embellished with fresh fruit or edible flowers to enhance their visual appeal, making them perfect for parties or romantic dinners.

Variations to Try

While this recipe is delicious as is, there are plenty of variations to explore. Consider swapping out the strawberry buttercream for a chocolate frosting or lemon buttercream to cater to different taste preferences. You could also incorporate crushed nuts or chocolate chips into the cake batter for added texture and flavor. If you're looking for a healthier option, try substituting half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce; this will maintain moisture while reducing fat content.

Another fun twist is to layer different flavored buttercreams. For instance, you could create a gradient of flavors – start with strawberry, then a layer of vanilla, and finish with chocolate on top. Not only does this look visually stunning, but it also provides a delightful mix of flavors with each bite. Don't hesitate to get creative and make it your own!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries for the buttercream?

Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain them first to avoid excess water.

→ How can I make the cakes ahead of time?

You can bake the cakes a day in advance. Just keep them stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

→ What other flavors can I use for the buttercream?

You can substitute strawberries with other fruits like raspberries or blueberries, or even use a chocolate buttercream.

→ Are there any egg substitutes for this recipe?

Yes, you can use applesauce or a flaxseed mixture as an egg substitute, but the texture may vary slightly.