Mini Heart Cake with Strawberry Vanilla Cream

Name: Mini Heart Cake with Strawberry Vanilla Cream
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 mini cakes
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup milk; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love making these Mini Heart Cakes with Strawberry Vanilla Cream for special occasions. They're so charming and bring a smile to everyone’s face! The combination of soft, fluffy cake and the fresh, sweet strawberry cream is simply irresistible. Plus, they’re easier to make than you might think. Your loved ones will be impressed by the presentation and the delightful flavors. Whether for a romantic evening or a fun celebration, these cakes are sure to please!

Created by

Kayla Monroe

Last updated on 2026-01-14T01:31:11.292Z

When I first set out to make these Mini Heart Cakes, I wanted something that was not only delicious but visually delightful. The heart-shaped design elevates any occasion, making it perfect for anniversaries or Valentine's Day. I experimented with the ratio of strawberries to cream, and I found that using fresher strawberries really brings out the vibrant flavor!

Another tip I discovered is to let the cakes cool completely before adding the cream. This step ensures that the layers hold their shape and the cream doesn’t melt away. The result is a beautifully assembled cake that’s soft and bursting with flavors!

        Reasons You'll Love This Recipe
        Delicate heart shape for a charming presentation
Light and airy strawberry vanilla cream that enhances the flavor
Easily customizable with different fruits or flavors

      

The Importance of Ingredients

Using high-quality ingredients is essential for achieving the light and fluffy texture of these Mini Heart Cakes. The butter should be softened at room temperature; this allows it to properly incorporate with the sugar, creating a stable emulsion that contributes to the cake’s tenderness. I recommend using unsalted butter so you can control the salt level, emphasizing the sweetness of the cake and the strawberry cream.

Fresh strawberries are not just a decorative element; they are the star of the Strawberry Vanilla Cream. Choose ripe, sweet strawberries, as their natural sugars will enhance the cream's flavor. If fresh strawberries are out of season, you can substitute with frozen strawberries—just ensure they’re fully thawed and drained to prevent excess moisture, which could thin out the cream.

Perfecting Technique

When creaming the butter and sugar, aim for a fluffy, pale mixture. This process incorporates air, which is crucial for a light cake. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing. If your mixture looks too grainy, continue beating until it reaches a smoother consistency before adding the wet ingredients; the aim is to create a uniform batter without lumps.

During baking, keep an eye on your cakes. The edges should start to pull away from the sides of the pan, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If they appear too golden too quickly, lower the oven temperature by 25°F (about 14°C) to ensure they bake evenly without burning.

Ingredients

Gather all the ingredients before you start to make the process smoother and more enjoyable!

For the Cake

1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt

For the Strawberry Vanilla Cream

1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed

Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for optimal mixing and texture!

Instructions

Follow these steps carefully to create the perfect Mini Heart Cakes!

Preheat your oven

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

Mix the dry ingredients

In a bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Cream the butter and sugar

In another bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Combine wet ingredients

Add eggs, milk, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until well combined.

Incorporate dry ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.

Bake the cakes

Divide the batter into the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Prepare the strawberry vanilla cream

In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Fold in the strawberry puree.

Assemble the cakes

Once cooled, layer the cakes with the strawberry cream and garnish with fresh strawberries.

Enjoy your beautifully crafted Mini Heart Cakes with Strawberry Vanilla Cream!

Pro Tips

Make sure to use ripe strawberries for the best flavor in your cream. You can also try infusing the cream with a hint of lemon for added freshness.

Storage Tips

Mini Heart Cakes can be made in advance, making them perfect for a celebration. Once baked and cooled completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cakes—just ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn. When ready to serve, allow them to thaw in the fridge overnight.

The Strawberry Vanilla Cream can also be made ahead of time. Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. If it begins to liquefy, simply re-whip it briefly before using to restore its fluffiness. I often make the cream the day before an occasion to save time!

Decoration Ideas

Beyond fresh strawberries, consider adding a drizzle of chocolate ganache over the strawberry vanilla cream for an elegant touch. Melt dark chocolate with a bit of cream to create a glossy ganache; allow it to cool slightly before drizzling. This adds a contrasting flavor that elevates the overall taste of the cake.

For added texture, you can sprinkle crushed nuts like pistachios or walnuts on top of the cakes right before serving. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a delightful crunch that pairs beautifully with the soft cake and creamy filling.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them before pureeing.

→ How can I store leftover cake?

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

→ Can I make the cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cakes a day in advance and assemble them just before serving.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free option.