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There’s something magical about baking a Heart Shaped cake that’s more than just dessert—it’s a symbol of love and celebration. Whether you’re planning a romantic surprise, a thoughtful gesture for a special someone, or an eye-catching centerpiece for a heart shaped wedding cake, this recipe has you covered.
The beauty of a heart shaped cake lies in its simplicity and charm. Don’t worry if you don’t own heart shaped cake pans—this guide will show you a clever hack to achieve the perfect heart cake shape with basic bakeware you likely already have. If you love creative cake ideas, don’t miss our Gluten Free Yellow Cake with White Chocolate Recipe or Rice Paper Croissants Recipe for something unique and equally delightful.
Ready to bake a cake that looks as sweet as it tastes? Let’s dive into this step-by-step tutorial and bring your vision to life, complete with tips, variations, and all the details you need for a flawless finish.
How to Make Heart Shaped Cake
Ingredients
To make a heart shaped cake, gather the following ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 cups (500g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3-4 tbsp heavy cream or milk
- Food coloring (optional for a pink or red hue)
Optional Decorations:
- Heart shaped sprinkles
- Fresh fruits like strawberries or raspberries
- Edible glitter or writing gel
Instructions to Make Heart Shaped Cake
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch square pan and an 8-inch round pan. These will create the heart shape without a specialized heart shaped cake pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Step 2: Prepare the Batter
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Incorporate Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Alternate Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, alternating between them, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
Step 3: Bake the Cakes
- Pour Batter: Divide the batter equally between the square and round pans.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Completely: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Step 4: Assemble the Heart Shape
- Trim the Round Cake: Slice the round cake in half to create two semicircles.
- Shape the Heart: Place the square cake diagonally on a serving board or plate. Position the semicircles against two adjacent sides of the square to form a heart shape.
Step 5: Frost and Decorate
- Make the Frosting: Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and cream. Add food coloring if desired.
- Frost the Cake: Apply a crumb coat first, then a smooth layer of frosting.
- Decorate: Add sprinkles, fresh fruits, or piping designs as desired.
Tips
- Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: This ensures smoother mixing and a fluffier cake.
- Crumb Coat: Always apply a thin layer of frosting (crumb coat) before the final layer to lock in loose crumbs.
- Custom Piping: Use a piping bag with a small tip for intricate designs, like writing a message or adding borders.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the frosted cake for 15-30 minutes for cleaner slicing.
What to Serve With
A heart-shaped cake pairs beautifully with:
- Beverages: Serve with coffee, tea, or a sparkling rosé.
- Ice Cream: Vanilla or strawberry ice cream complements this cake.
- Fruit Salad: A mix of fresh berries adds a refreshing touch.
- Dessert Toppings: Whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate ganache elevates the presentation.
Pair this heart shaped cake with our Caffeinated Pizza Rolls for a unique party spread, or serve alongside Crab Creme Brulee for a luxurious finish to a romantic meal.
Variations
- Chocolate Heart Cake: Replace ½ cup of flour with cocoa powder for a rich chocolate flavor.
- Red Velvet Heart Cake: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder and red food coloring to the batter.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
- Mini Heart Cakes: Use heart shaped cookie cutters to create individual cakes from sheet cake layers.
FAQs
Can I make this cake without a heart shaped pan?
Yes! Use an 8-inch square pan and an 8-inch round pan to form the heart shape.
How do I prevent my cake from sticking to the pan?
Grease the pan thoroughly and dust it with flour. Alternatively, line it with parchment paper.
Can I use store-bought frosting?
Absolutely. While homemade frosting tastes better, store-bought frosting works in a pinch.
How long will the cake stay fresh?
The cake stays fresh for 2-3 days at room temperature if covered. Refrigerate for longer storage.
Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, wrap unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
Substitutes
- Butter: Swap with margarine or vegetable oil for a dairy-free option.
- Milk: Use almond milk or coconut milk for a non-dairy version.
- Sugar: Substitute granulated sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like stevia for a healthier option.
Nutrition
Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown for one slice of heart shaped cake (based on 12 servings):
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Sugar: 36g
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fiber: 1g
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on the specific ingredients and decorations you use. For a healthier version, consider reducing sugar or opting for low-fat alternatives.
Creating a heart shaped cake is not only a culinary delight but also a heartfelt gesture. Whether you’re making it for a loved one or simply indulging your creative side, this recipe guarantees a stunning and delicious result. Enjoy!
Ingredients
To make a heart shaped cake, gather the following ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 cups (500g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3-4 tbsp heavy cream or milk
- Food coloring (optional for a pink or red hue)
Optional Decorations:
- Heart shaped sprinkles
- Fresh fruits like strawberries or raspberries
- Edible glitter or writing gel
Instructions
Instructions to Make Heart Shaped Cake
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch square pan and an 8-inch round pan. These will create the heart shape without a specialized heart shaped cake pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Step 2: Prepare the Batter
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Incorporate Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Alternate Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, alternating between them, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
Step 3: Bake the Cakes
- Pour Batter: Divide the batter equally between the square and round pans.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Completely: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Step 4: Assemble the Heart Shape
- Trim the Round Cake: Slice the round cake in half to create two semicircles.
- Shape the Heart: Place the square cake diagonally on a serving board or plate. Position the semicircles against two adjacent sides of the square to form a heart shape.
Step 5: Frost and Decorate
- Make the Frosting: Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and cream. Add food coloring if desired.
- Frost the Cake: Apply a crumb coat first, then a smooth layer of frosting.
- Decorate: Add sprinkles, fresh fruits, or piping designs as desired.
Notes
Tips to make perfect Heart shaped cake:
- Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: This ensures smoother mixing and a fluffier cake.
- Crumb Coat: Always apply a thin layer of frosting (crumb coat) before the final layer to lock in loose crumbs.
- Custom Piping: Use a piping bag with a small tip for intricate designs, like writing a message or adding borders.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the frosted cake for 15-30 minutes for cleaner slicing.
