Mini Heart Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Name: Mini Heart Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6-8 servings
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ cup milk; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love creating delightful desserts, and this Mini Heart Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is one of my favorites! It's a perfect blend of moist cake and creamy frosting, making it an ideal treat for special occasions or simply to brighten your day. I enjoy the playful shape and vibrant decoration, and it really adds a personal touch to any celebration. This recipe is both fun and easy to make, ensuring that you can impress your friends and family without spending all day in the kitchen.

Created by

Violet Hart

Last updated on 2026-01-13T03:07:17.279Z

When I first attempted to make the Mini Heart Cake, I wanted something that was not only delicious but visually appealing. The heart shape adds a lovely touch that instantly makes the cake feel special. I learned that using a heart-shaped pan can really elevate the dessert and cut down on decorating time!

The cream cheese frosting is my ultimate favorite—it’s tangy, sweet, and perfectly complements the soft cake. I’ve found that letting the frosting sit for a few minutes before spreading helps it to set and become easier to work with. The result is always a hit!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Adorable heart shape makes it perfect for celebrations
Sweet and tangy cream cheese frosting enhances the flavor
Easy to create with simple ingredients

      

Baking the Perfect Mini Heart Cake

Baking the Mini Heart Cake requires precision to achieve that perfect texture. Ensure your butter is adequately softened; this is crucial for incorporating air into the batter, resulting in a light cake. Beat the butter and sugar until it's pale and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes at medium speed, which helps in achieving a wonderful rise during baking. If the mixture looks too grainy, it may need a minute or two more of mixing.

For better flavor, you can use vanilla bean paste instead of vanilla extract; this will add a more complex, rich vanilla flavor. If you enjoy a hint of citrus, adding the zest of a lemon or orange will enhance the brightness of the cake without overpowering its sweetness. When alternating the dry ingredients with milk, be mindful to mix until just combined to avoid overworking the batter, which can lead to a denser cake.

Cream Cheese Frosting Tips

The key to a smooth cream cheese frosting lies in the temperature of your ingredients. Both the cream cheese and butter should be at room temperature, around 68-72°F (20-22°C), which makes it easier to blend them to a creamy consistency without lumps. If your frosting is too thick, adding a tablespoon of milk at a time can help achieve the desired spreading consistency, ensuring it glides effortlessly over the cake.

For added depth, consider mixing in a teaspoon of lemon juice or a bit of white chocolate melted and cooled to just above room temperature. This not only enhances the flavor but also brings a subtle complexity that perfectly balances the sweetness of the frosting. Be sure to taste the frosting as you go, adjusting the amount of powdered sugar until it meets your preferred level of sweetness.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients before you start for a smoother baking experience.

For the Cake

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

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

8 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Make sure to measure ingredients accurately for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these steps carefully to ensure your cake turns out perfectly!

Prepare the Cake Batter

In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract. Gradually mix in the flour, baking powder, and salt, alternating with the milk until smooth.

Bake the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a heart-shaped cake pan. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 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.

Make the Frosting

In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until well combined and creamy.

Frost the Cake

Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top and sides. You can use a spatula or a knife for a smooth finish.

Allow the frosting to set for a few minutes before cutting and serving.

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, decorate with fresh berries or edible flowers!

Storage and Make-Ahead Options

The Mini Heart Cake can be made ahead of time, making it a great option for busy occasions. Once cooled, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, it can be frozen for up to a month. Just make sure it’s well wrapped to prevent freezer burn, and thaw it in the refrigerator before frosting.

The cream cheese frosting can also be prepared in advance. Store the frosting in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Before using, allow it to come to room temperature and rewhip it for a fluffy texture. This allows you to spread the frosting with ease, ensuring a beautiful finish.

Variations and Serving Ideas

To switch things up, feel free to incorporate your favorite flavors into the cake. Adding a half cup of cocoa powder will transform it into a delightful chocolate heart cake, perfect for those who crave chocolate with their cream cheese frosting. Alternatively, fold in fresh berries or chocolate chips into the batter for added flavor and texture, just make sure not to overload to keep the cake’s structure.

When it comes to serving, you can dress up the cake with fresh fruit, edible flowers, or a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce for an elegant presentation. This cake is perfect for special occasions and can also be cut into smaller servings for a delightful dessert buffet!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different frosting?

Absolutely! Chocolate ganache or buttercream would also be delicious.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes, you can bake the cake a day ahead and frost it just before serving.

→ What can I do to make the cake gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.