Mini Heart Cake with Vanilla Bean Frosting

Name: Mini Heart Cake with Vanilla Bean Frosting
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup milk; 1 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 vanilla bean, scraped; 2-3 tbsp heavy cream; Pinch of salt

Highlighted under: Basic Kitchen

I absolutely adore making this Mini Heart Cake with Vanilla Bean Frosting for special occasions. The charming heart shape makes it perfect for celebrations, and the delicate sweetness of the vanilla bean frosting is simply irresistible. With just the right amount of cake and frosting in every bite, it’s both a visual treat and a delicious dessert. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to whip up, making it a go-to recipe whenever I want to impress family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen.

Created by

Gemma Hollis

Last updated on 2026-01-05T20:21:35.134Z

When I first baked this Mini Heart Cake, I was taken aback by how delightful it looked. My family was thrilled when I surprised them with such a cute, festive dessert. I discovered that using a heart-shaped cake pan allows for perfectly even baking, enhancing the cake's texture and flavor.

To elevate its taste, I opted for real vanilla beans in the frosting, which made a significant difference compared to vanilla extract. This subtle yet profound touch really makes the frosting luxurious, turning a simple cake into an elegant dessert that everyone loves.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Charming heart shape perfect for romantic occasions
Luxurious vanilla bean frosting adds a gourmet touch
Easy to make yet impressive enough for gatherings

      

Perfecting the Heart Shape

To ensure your cake maintains its charming heart shape, it's essential to properly grease and flour the heart-shaped pan. This prevents sticking and allows for easy removal after baking. I recommend using a baking spray for added assurance, especially in the crevices of the heart shape. When the cake cools, run a knife around the edge of the pan before inverting it. This careful technique will keep your cake intact, showcasing its delightful shape.

Bake the cake until it's golden brown and springs back when lightly pressed. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean, indicating that the cake is perfectly baked. Overbaking can lead to a dry texture, detracting from the overall enjoyment of this lovely dessert. Keep a close eye on the baking time, as ovens may vary; start checking at the 25-minute mark.

Vanilla Bean Frosting Secrets

The key to an impressive vanilla bean frosting lies in using high-quality vanilla beans. They provide a depth of flavor that extracts simply cannot replicate. When scraping the vanilla bean, ensure you gather all the tiny black seeds; they contribute not only to flavor but also to the beautiful speckled appearance of the frosting. If you're short on time, consider using a high-quality vanilla extract as a substitute, but the flavor won't be quite the same.

Achieving the right frosting consistency can be crucial for both application and taste. Start with less heavy cream and gradually add until you reach a fluffy texture that holds peaks. If your frosting is too thick, adding a tablespoon of cream at a time helps. Conversely, if it's too thin, incorporate a little more powdered sugar to thicken it. Patience is key here for frosting that perfectly complements the cake.

Ingredients

For the Cake

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

For the Frosting

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 vanilla bean, scraped
2-3 tbsp heavy cream
Pinch of salt

Instructions

Bake the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a heart-shaped cake pan. In a bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Prepare the Frosting

While the cake is cooling, make the frosting. Beat the softened butter in a bowl until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and salt, mixing thoroughly. Scrape the inside of the vanilla bean and add it to the frosting mixture. Add heavy cream until you reach the desired consistency. Beat until fluffy and smooth.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cake is completely cooled, carefully remove it from the pan. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top and around the sides of the cake. Decorate as desired, using any leftover frosting for piping designs or adding sprinkles.

Pro Tips

To prevent your cake from sticking to the pan, ensure it's well-greased and floured. Additionally, for a richer flavor, you can replace half of the granulated sugar with brown sugar in the cake batter.

Make-Ahead Tips

If you want to prepare the Mini Heart Cake in advance, you can bake the cake a day ahead. Once cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature. This helps to keep it moist without drying out. The frosting can be prepared up to two days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a good whip before spreading it on the cake to bring back its fluffy texture.

For a delightful twist, consider making mini versions of this recipe. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to create smaller cakes, perfect for individual servings. They would be a cute addition to a dessert table at any celebration or as individual gifts for loved ones.

Storage and Freezing

If you have leftover cake, which is rare with this delicious treat, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, the cake can be frozen. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and then a layer of aluminum foil. It will keep well for about three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before frosting and serving.

The frosting can also be frozen for future use. Just ensure it’s stored in an airtight container. When you're ready to frost another cake, allow it to thaw and whip it up to restore its creamy consistency. This can save time for future baking projects and allows for spontaneous celebrations!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different shape for the cake?

Yes, you can use a round or square cake pan; just adjust the baking time accordingly.

→ How should I store any leftover cake?

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

→ Can I make this cake in advance?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day ahead and frost it on the day of serving.

→ What can I substitute for the heavy cream in the frosting?

You can use milk or half-and-half, but the texture will be slightly thinner.