Mini Heart Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Name: Mini Heart Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup milk; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ½ tsp almond extract; 2 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1-2 tbsp milk (as needed)

Highlighted under: Modern Food

I love celebrating special moments with a touch of sweetness, and this Mini Heart Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is my go-to dessert for such occasions. The delicate heart shape adds charm, making it perfect for anniversaries or Valentine's Day. With a rich flavor combination and a creamy frosting that balances perfectly with the cake, this treat never fails to impress. Plus, it's simple enough to make at home, allowing me to add a personal touch that shows I care.

Created by

Una Whitcombe

Last updated on 2026-01-12T07:21:35.062Z

When I baked this Mini Heart Cake for the first time, I was amazed at how easy it was to create such an elegant dessert. The combination of light vanilla sponge infused with hints of almond truly elevates the flavor profile. I discovered that using room temperature ingredients for the frosting made a remarkable difference, resulting in a smooth and velvety texture. This cake is not just about taste; it’s also a visual delight that never fails to make people smile.

After countless experiments with different frostings, I can say that cream cheese frosting is the perfect match for this cake. Its slight tang cuts through the sweetness of the vanilla cake, creating a harmonious balance. I also love adding a splash of vanilla extract to amplify the flavors. When friends taste it, they can't believe how delightful this mini cake is; it's become a beloved recipe in my household!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Adorable heart shape that’s perfect for any romantic occasion
Lush cream cheese frosting that adds a delightful tang
Light and fluffy cake with a hint of almond flavor
Easy to make and decorate, perfect for baking novices

      

The Importance of Ingredients

Choosing high-quality ingredients is vital for achieving the best flavor in this Mini Heart Cake. The all-purpose flour forms the cake's structure, while the butter adds richness and moisture. For an even fluffier result, make sure your butter is softened to room temperature, as this allows for better aeration when creamed with the sugar. For the perfect balance of sweetness and tang, opt for full-fat cream cheese in the frosting, which will yield a richer texture compared to reduced-fat alternatives.

Don't underestimate the power of flavor extracts in this recipe. The vanilla and almond extracts are essential for creating depth in the cake's taste. If you're looking to experiment, consider substituting the almond extract with coconut extract for a delightful tropical twist. This simple change could elevate the cake’s profile, making it unique and memorable, particularly for special occasions.

Tips for the Perfect Bake

Baking time can vary based on your oven and the specific cake pan used. A toothpick should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs when the cake is done. If you open the oven door too soon, you might risk collapsing the cake, so wait until about 20 minutes in before checking. This cake is dense yet light; if you find your cake rises unevenly, try tapping the pan lightly on the counter before baking, which can help settle the batter.

Allowing the cake to cool completely is crucial for easy frosting application. If you frost the cake while it's still warm, the cream cheese frosting may melt and slide off. I recommend letting the cake cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes after transferring it from the pan. If you're short on time, placing it in the fridge for about 15 minutes can help speed up the cooling process.

Ingredients

For the Cake

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup milk
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp almond extract
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1-2 tbsp milk (as needed)

Instructions

Steps

Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla and almond extracts. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture.

Bake the Cake

Grease and flour your heart-shaped cake pan. Pour the batter evenly into the pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well. Add the vanilla extract and enough milk to achieve a spreadable consistency.

Frost the Cake

Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top and sides. Decorate as desired, perhaps with sprinkles or fruits.

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding a zest of lemon or orange into the cake batter. Also, chilling the cream cheese frosting for 15 minutes before applying can make it easier to spread.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This Mini Heart Cake can be prepared a day in advance, making it an excellent option for celebrations where you want to minimize day-of tasks. Just store the unfrosted cake in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it fresh. For the best flavor, frost the cake on the day you plan to serve it. If you have leftover cake, slice and store it in the fridge for up to three days, ensuring each piece is wrapped tightly to prevent it from drying out.

Freezing is another option if you want to enjoy this cake later. Wrap the fully cooled, unfrosted cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. When ready to serve, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. For a freshly frosted taste, consider making extra frosting and freezing it separately as well. Just whip it back to life with a spoon or mixer for a creamy finish.

Decorating Ideas

When it comes to decorating your Mini Heart Cake, the sky's the limit! Aside from sprinkles, consider fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries atop the frosting for a refreshing touch. Edible flowers can lend an elegant flair, making the cake even more delightful for a romantic occasion. If you prefer a bit of whimsy, try adding small chocolate curls or colorful sugar hearts that complement the cake's sweetness.

For a more gourmet approach, after frosting, you can drizzle a simple homemade icing made from powdered sugar and milk over the top. This adds a beautiful glaze and an extra layer of sweetness. The decoration can be tailored to fit the event – for a Valentine's day theme, red and pink colors would resonate wonderfully, while for anniversaries, consider gold or silver sprinkles for a more sophisticated look.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the cake a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature. Frost it on the day you wish to serve.

→ How can I substitute the cream cheese frosting?

You can use a whipped cream frosting or buttercream if you prefer a sweeter taste or want to avoid cream cheese.

→ Can I add chocolate to the cake?

Absolutely! You can substitute part of the flour for cocoa powder to make a chocolate version of this cake.

→ What is the best way to store leftover cake?

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.