Heart Shaped Cake

Name: Heart Shaped Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups (187 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled; 2 tbsp (10 g) Dutch process cocoa powder; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp baking soda; 1/4 tsp salt; 7 tbsp (98 g) unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup (200 g) granulated white sugar; 2 large eggs, at room temperature; 1 tsp pure vanilla extract; 2/3 cup (158 ml) buttermilk, at room temperature; 2 tsp red gel food coloring; 1 cup (224 g) unsalted butter, at room temperature (for frosting); 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, cold; 2 cups (260 g) powdered sugar; Red food coloring (for decorative pink icing); Valentine's Day sprinkles (for decorating)

By:

Alejandro

Published:

September 22, 2025

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This Heart Shaped Cake recipe is a true celebration of love and sweetness, perfect for any special occasion. Whether it’s for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or simply to brighten someone’s day, this cake can do it all. Imagine cutting into a moist red velvet layer, topped with rich and creamy cream cheese frosting. It’s not just about flavor though; the heart shape adds an extra layer of charm that makes serving this cake even more special. Plus, baking can be a wonderful way to express your feelings for those you care about. I promise this recipe is simple enough for anyone to follow, even if you’re a novice in the kitchen. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s create something delicious together!

Why This Recipe Works

This heart-shaped cake recipe combines a moist and flavorful red velvet base with rich cream cheese frosting, creating the perfect dessert for romantic occasions. The balance of flavors and textures ensures each bite is just as satisfying as the last. The unique heart shape not only makes it visually appealing but also symbolizes love, making it a thoughtful choice for celebrations.

Why You’ll Love This Heart Shaped Cake

Whether it’s for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or a special celebration, this heart-shaped cake is guaranteed to impress. Its moist red velvet flavor paired with creamy frosting can melt anyone’s heart. Plus, the recipe is simple enough for any home cook to master. You and your loved ones will cherish this delightful treat for years to come!

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups (187 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
2 tbsp (10 g) Dutch process cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
7 tbsp (98 g) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (200 g) granulated white sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
2/3 cup (158 ml) buttermilk, at room temperature
2 tsp red gel food coloring
1 cup (224 g) unsalted butter, at room temperature (for frosting)
4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, cold
2 cups (260 g) powdered sugar
Red food coloring (for decorative pink icing)
Valentine’s Day sprinkles (for decorating)

Making the Red Velvet Cake

Preparing the Oven and Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease both a 6-inch round cake pan and a 6-inch square cake pan with non-stick spray. Lining the bottoms with parchment paper helps ensure easy removal after baking.

Mixing Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Setting this mixture aside allows you to focus on preparing the wet ingredients.

Creaming Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, add the softened unsalted butter and the granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, cream them together on high speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes around 1-2 minutes.

Adding Eggs and Vanilla

Next, incorporate the eggs and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture. Mixing on medium speed helps create a batter that’s pale and smooth, taking about 1-2 minutes.

Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually alternate adding the prepared dry ingredients and the buttermilk to the butter mixture. Mixing on low speed until just combined is key, so scrape down the bowl as necessary. Finally, fold in the red gel food coloring until just combined.

Baking the Cake

Evenly divide the batter between the prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 26-29 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. After baking, allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 2 minutes before transferring them to cooling racks to cool completely.

Making the Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting

Preparing the Butter

In a medium bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with an electric mixer on high speed until light and fluffy, which typically takes about 5 minutes.

Combining Frosting Ingredients

Add the cold cream cheese to the creamed butter. Mixing on medium speed helps blend them well. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until it’s combined, and switch to high speed until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.

Assembling the Heart Shaped Cake

Leveling the Cakes

Using a sharp, serrated knife, level the domed tops off each cooled cake. For the round cake, simply slice it in half to create two half-circles.

Shaping the Heart

On your chosen serving plate, place the square cake upside down to create the base. Position the two half-circles on either side to complete the heart shape.

Frosting the Cake

Spread an even layer of cream cheese frosting over the top and sides of the cake using an offset spatula. Chilling the cake for 30 minutes to set the crumb coat allows you to apply a second, thicker layer of frosting smoothly.

Decorating the Cake

Dye a portion of the remaining frosting with a few drops of red food coloring to create a lovely pink hue. Transfer this frosting to a piping bag fitted with a decorative tip. Pipe a decorative border around the edges of the heart and finish by adding sprinkles as desired.

Serving Suggestions

This heart-shaped cake pairs perfectly with a side of fresh strawberries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A warm cup of coffee or tea enhances the indulgence, making it an ideal treat for celebrations or cozy gatherings.

Tips for Success

Ensure that all ingredients are at room temperature before starting for the best mixing and texture.
Be mindful not to overmix the batter to maintain the cake’s tenderness.
Chilling the cake thoroughly after the crumb coat helps achieve a smooth final layer of frosting.

Variations

Feel free to explore different cake bases, like chocolate or vanilla, and use flavored buttercreams or whipped cream as frosting alternatives. Customizing the decorative elements based on the occasion adds an extra personal touch.

Storage Tips

Any leftover cake can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you might freeze slices individually, wrapped tightly, for up to 3 months.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel food coloring?
Yes, but gel food coloring offers a richer hue without adding extra liquid to the batter.

2. What if I don’t have buttermilk?
You can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of milk and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes.

3. How can I make the frosting less sweet?
Reducing the amount of powdered sugar or adding more cream cheese helps balance the sweetness.

4. Can I make this cake in advance?
Absolutely! You can bake the cakes a day ahead and frost them the next day for best results.

5. What is the best way to serve this cake?
Serve it chilled or at room temperature, and consider pairing it with fresh fruit or a scoop of ice cream for extra flavor.

This heart-shaped cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a heartfelt expression of love that’s sure to create lasting memories. Perfect for all occasions, it brings together the delicious flavors of red velvet and cream cheese frosting into an adorable shape, making it an impressive centerpiece for any celebration. Enjoy baking, creating, and sharing this delightful treat with those you cherish!