Mini Heart Cake with Strawberry Buttercream

Name: Mini Heart Cake with Strawberry Buttercream
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; ½ cup milk; 2 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ¼ tsp salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 cups powdered sugar; ½ cup fresh strawberries, pureed; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2-3 tbsp heavy cream

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely adore making this Mini Heart Cake with Strawberry Buttercream for special occasions or just to brighten up a day. The combination of moist, fluffy cake and the luscious strawberry buttercream is simply irresistible! We’ve perfected the recipe over time, ensuring every bite bursts with flavor and sweetness. It’s the ideal size for sharing or even for an intimate celebration. Plus, it’s easy enough for beginners but impressive enough to wow your friends and family. Let’s dive into making this delightful treat!

Created by

Paige Sullivan

Last updated on 2026-01-13T03:25:06.791Z

When I first attempted this Mini Heart Cake, I wanted something that truly represents love and sweetness in every bite. I experimented with various flavors, but the strawberry buttercream stole the show! By using fresh strawberries, I found that the frosting not only tasted amazing but also had a beautiful, vibrant color.

One of the best tips I learned was to let the buttercream sit at room temperature for a bit before spreading it. This helped achieve the perfect creamy texture, making it easy to work with and creating a beautiful finish. Trust me, your cake will be the star of any gathering!

        Reasons You'll Love This Cake
        Perfectly moist cake that melts in your mouth
Whipped strawberry buttercream with real fruit flavor
Adorable heart shape ideal for celebrations

      

The Importance of Proper Measurements

When baking, precision is key, and measuring your ingredients accurately can significantly affect the texture and flavor of your Mini Heart Cake. For instance, using too much flour can make the cake dense, whereas not enough can lead to collapse. Always use the spoon and level method for dry ingredients to ensure exactness. I recommend investing in a kitchen scale for even more precision, especially when following this recipe.

Additionally, when measuring sticky ingredients like butter, lightly greasing your measuring cup can make the process much smoother. It allows the butter to slide out easily, giving you the correct amount without any mess. This small tip can save you time and effort, allowing you to focus on creating a beautifully moist cake.

Buttercream Consistency Tips

The consistency of your strawberry buttercream is crucial for achieving a smooth and creamy finish on your cake. If you find your buttercream too thick, gradually incorporate heavy cream, mixing thoroughly until you achieve your desired texture—start with 2 tablespoons, and adjust as needed. A good buttercream should be thick enough to hold its shape but soft enough to spread easily.

Conversely, if you've added too much cream, you can salvage it by adding an additional cup of powdered sugar. This helps thicken it back up without compromising the flavor. Keep in mind that using fresh strawberry puree will also slightly alter the buttercream’s consistency due to its moisture content, so aim to find a balance that works well for you.

Decorating and Serving Ideas

Once your Mini Heart Cake is assembled, the fun of decorating begins! You can use fresh strawberries as a garnish for a pop of color and added flavor. Slicing strawberries and arranging them on top of the cake not only enhances its visual appeal but also elevates the berry flavor in the buttercream. Consider drizzling a bit of melted chocolate over the top for an elegant touch.

For an alternative serving suggestion, try pairing slices of this cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on the side. The contrast of temperatures and textures enhances the overall experience. Furthermore, if you're making this cake ahead of time, it stores well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just ensure it’s covered to maintain freshness.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Mini Heart Cake:

For the Cake

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
½ cup milk
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
¼ tsp salt

For the Strawberry Buttercream

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
½ cup fresh strawberries, pureed
1 tsp vanilla extract
2-3 tbsp heavy cream

Once you have everything, you’re ready to bake!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Mini Heart Cake:

Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, then stir in the milk and vanilla. In another bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined.

Bake the Cake

Grease your heart-shaped cake pans and pour the batter evenly into them. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Make the Strawberry Buttercream

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, strawberry puree, and vanilla. Mix until smooth. If the buttercream is too thick, add heavy cream a tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread a layer of strawberry buttercream on top of one cake layer before placing the second on top. Use the remaining buttercream to frost the top and sides of the cake. Decorate as desired.

Enjoy your gorgeous Mini Heart Cake with loved ones!

Pro Tips

For an added touch, consider topping your cake with fresh strawberries or edible flowers for a beautiful presentation.

Scaling the Recipe

If you wish to make a larger version of this Mini Heart Cake, simply double the ingredients and utilize the same baking technique. For example, a 9-inch round cake will require approximately 35-40 minutes of baking time. Keep an eye on it, and perform the toothpick test to ensure it’s baked through. Adjust your baking time accordingly, as larger cakes tend to take longer.

Alternatively, if you're looking to create smaller versions, you can use mini heart-shaped cake pans. These bite-sized delights are perfect for individual servings and can bake in about 15-20 minutes. Just be sure to monitor them closely to avoid overbaking.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your cake has domed edges or is uneven when baked, it often indicates that the oven temperature is too high. An oven thermometer can help you verify the accuracy of your oven heat. To salvage a domed cake, simply level it with a serrated knife once it’s completely cooled, ensuring a flat surface for frosting.

For those who might find the buttercream overly sweet, incorporating a pinch of salt can help balance the flavors. Also, consider reducing the powdered sugar by one cup for a less sweet, yet still creamy frosting. This can be particularly beneficial if you’re using very ripe strawberries for the puree, as they are naturally sweeter.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This Mini Heart Cake can be made ahead of time, making it a convenient option for busy occasions. You can bake the cake layers a day or two in advance and store them tightly wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature. Just ensure they are completely cool before wrapping to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to sogginess.

The buttercream can also be prepared ahead of time. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to a week. When ready to use, allow it to come to room temperature and give it a good stir to regain its creamy texture before frosting your cake. This little bit of planning will ensure you can have your beautiful cake ready with minimal stress on the day of your celebration.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries for the buttercream?

Yes, but ensure they are thawed and excess moisture is drained to avoid a runny buttercream.

→ How should I store the cake?

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.

→ Can I make this cake in advance?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers a day before and frost them when you're ready to serve.

→ What other flavors can I use for the buttercream?

You can swap strawberries for any fruit puree like raspberries or blueberries for a delicious twist!