Mini Heart Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Name: Mini Heart Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup milk; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1-2 tbsp milk (to reach desired consistency)

Highlighted under: Baked Collection

I absolutely adore making this Mini Heart Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting for special occasions. It's the perfect way to show my love, especially with its adorable shape and delightful taste. Each slice is an explosion of sweetness, and I'm always excited to see the smiles it brings to my loved ones' faces. The cream cheese frosting adds a rich tanginess that perfectly complements the moist cake, making it a go-to dessert for celebrations or just a treat for myself. Trust me, this cake is bound to become a favorite!

Created by

Hester Lockwood

Last updated on 2026-01-12T08:02:35.222Z

When I first decided to create a heart-shaped cake, I was a little apprehensive about the shapes and sizes, but it turned out to be a delightful experience. The combination of vanilla and cream cheese in the frosting was inspired by my love for classic flavors, which really made this cake stand out for me. I experimented a lot with the proportions to find the perfect balance of sweetness.

The technique of letting the cake cool completely before frosting is key—it helps the frosting set beautifully without melting. I also found that using a spatula to create swirls in the frosting adds a charming touch, elevating the cake's appearance as well as taste.

Why You'll Love This Cake
Adorable mini heart shape perfect for expressing love
Rich cream cheese frosting that enhances flavor
Moist cake texture that keeps you coming back for more

Baking Tips for Success

When preparing the cake batter, creaming the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy is crucial for achieving a light texture in the final cake. This process incorporates air, resulting in a fluffier structure after baking. Make sure to scrape the sides of the bowl regularly, ensuring all ingredients are blended evenly. If you find the mixture isn’t achieving a pale color after a few minutes, continue beating for another minute or two.

Baking times can vary based on your oven's calibration and the type of pans used, so it's wise to check the cakes a few minutes before the suggested time. Insert a toothpick into the center of the cakes; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cakes are done. If not, they may need an extra 2-3 minutes in the oven. Remember, overbaking can lead to a dry texture, so keep a close eye as they approach the end of the baking time.

Cream Cheese Frosting Perfection

For a cream cheese frosting that’s perfectly smooth and spreadable, ensure both your cream cheese and butter are room temperature before starting. This will help them blend seamlessly without lumps. If you're in a hurry, you can soften them in the microwave but be cautious—only 10-15 second bursts to avoid melting. A stand mixer can be particularly helpful for achieving a silky texture, but a hand mixer will work as well if you prefer a more hands-on approach.

Achieving the right consistency for your frosting can make all the difference. If it's too thick, gradually add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired spreadability. For a thicker frosting, skip the milk, but be careful not to overpower the flavor with too much powdered sugar, as it can make the frosting overly sweet. If you want a hint of freshness, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice to the frosting for balance.

Presentation and Variations

When it comes time to decorate, don’t be afraid to let your creativity shine! You can use a piping bag to create elaborate decorations on the top and sides of the cake, or even add fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries atop the frosting for a pop of color and freshness. Edible flowers also make an elegant touch that enhances the mini heart shape, especially for celebrations such as Valentine's Day or anniversaries.

If you're looking to experiment with flavors, consider adding a teaspoon of almond extract to the cake batter for a slightly different profile. Alternatively, you can infuse the frosting with cocoa powder to create a rich chocolate cream cheese frosting. This variation can be particularly delightful if you want to create a darker counterpart to the classic flavor, or even layer flavors between heart cake layers.

Ingredients

For the Cake

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

For the Frosting

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1-2 tbsp milk (to reach desired consistency)

Instructions

Steps

Preheat the Oven

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

Prepare the Cake Batter

In a bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in milk and vanilla extract.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add to the wet ingredients until just combined.

Bake the Cakes

Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake for 20-25 minutes. Let cool completely before frosting.

Make the Frosting

Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, then add milk to reach desired consistency.

Decorate the Cake

Once the cakes are cool, spread frosting evenly on one heart layer, then stack the second layer on top. Frost the top and sides, creating decorative swirls if desired.

Serve and Enjoy

Slice the mini heart cake and serve it to your loved ones. Enjoy!

Tips

Pro Tips

For a fun twist, try adding a hint of lemon zest to the frosting for a refreshing flavor. Also, make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for a smoother frosting texture.

Make-Ahead Tips

This mini heart cake can be made a day ahead of time, giving you plenty of flexibility for celebrations. Once cooled, wrap the cake layers tightly with plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator. This not only preserves moisture but can also enhance the flavors as they mingle overnight. Just be sure to frost the cake on the day of serving to keep the frosting looking fresh and vibrant.

If you want to save time on the day of serving, you can prepare the cream cheese frosting ahead as well. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator after mixing. Just give it a quick stir before spreading it on the cake, as it might firm up in the fridge.

Storage and Enjoying Leftovers

Once frosted, store any leftover mini heart cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It's best consumed within 3-4 days; however, it can last up to a week. Allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to soften the frosting, helping restore its fluffy texture.

If you anticipate having a lot of leftovers or want to extend its life, consider freezing the cake. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-friendly bag or container. They can be enjoyed straight from the freezer, or thawed in the fridge overnight for a sweet treat whenever the craving strikes.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use gluten-free flour for the cake?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring it has a good texture.

→ How long can I store the cake?

The cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container.

→ Can I freeze the cake?

Yes, you can freeze the un-frosted cake layers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before frosting.

→ What other flavors can I use for the frosting?

You can experiment with flavors like chocolate, lemon, or even berry purees for a unique twist on the frosting.