Mini Heart Cake with Strawberry Buttercream
Highlighted under: Soft Meals
I absolutely adore making mini cakes, and this Mini Heart Cake with Strawberry Buttercream has become one of my favorites. The delicate heart shape captures the essence of love, making it perfect for any occasion. I love how the light strawberry flavor pairs beautifully with fluffy cake layers, creating a delightful treat that tastes as good as it looks. Each bite is a sweet celebration, and it’s a fun recipe to whip up for family or friends. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be baking hearts for everyone you love!
When I first created this Mini Heart Cake, I wanted something that captured the charm of a small celebration. Using fresh strawberries in the buttercream adds a vibrant color and a burst of flavor, making each forkful truly special. I even like to let the buttercream chill slightly before frosting, as it makes it easier to spread and gives the cake that perfect finish.
With its tender cake layers and rich frosting, this recipe has quickly become a staple at gatherings. I’ll often opt for a light glaze on the cake itself to enhance the strawberry buttercream, as it adds an extra layer of flavor. This cake is not just a treat; it’s an experience!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Adorable heart shape that's perfect for celebrations
- Fresh strawberry flavor that brightens up every bite
- Simple recipe that’s fun for all skill levels
Mastering the Heart Shape
Using a heart-shaped cake pan is key to creating the signature look of this mini cake. Before pouring in the batter, make sure to thoroughly grease and flour the pan to prevent sticking. This will ensure that the cake slides out smoothly after baking. If you don’t have a heart-shaped pan, you can use a round pan and carve a heart shape after baking, though this requires more precision.
To achieve uniform thickness in your cake, spread the batter evenly across the pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Keep a close eye on the baking time, especially since mini cakes can cook faster than larger ones. The cake should turn a light golden color at the edges, and a toothpick inserted should come out clean, indicating perfect doneness.
Creating the Perfect Strawberry Buttercream
When making the strawberry buttercream, using fresh strawberries will not only add natural flavor but also enhance the vibrant color of the frosting. If strawberries are out of season, frozen strawberries can be used, but ensure they are thawed and thoroughly drained to avoid excess moisture in your frosting. This will keep your buttercream thick and spreadable.
For optimal creaminess, soften the butter to room temperature before beating it. Achieving the right consistency is crucial; it should be thick yet easily spreadable. If your buttercream turns out too soft, a quick fix is to gradually add more powdered sugar, which will help stabilize it without compromising the flavor. Remember to taste your frosting; you may want to adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar or a hint of lemon juice for balance.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to create your lovely Mini Heart Cake with Strawberry Buttercream:
For the Cake:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk
For the Strawberry Buttercream:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh strawberries, pureed
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tbsp milk (as needed)
Make sure you have everything ready for a smooth baking experience!
Instructions
Follow these easy steps to make your Mini Heart Cake:
Prepare the Cake Batter
In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, until just combined.
Bake the Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour the heart-shaped cake pan. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Strawberry Buttercream
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well. Stir in the pureed strawberries and vanilla extract. If the frosting is too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is achieved.
Frost the Cake
Once the cake is completely cooled, spread a layer of strawberry buttercream on top. Decorate the sides and top with additional buttercream, using a spatula or piping bag. Optionally, garnish with fresh strawberry slices for a lovely presentation.
Enjoy your beautiful Mini Heart Cake with Strawberry Buttercream!
Pro Tips
- For the best flavor, use fresh, ripe strawberries in the buttercream. Experiment with the amount of strawberry puree to achieve your desired sweetness and flavor intensity.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
If you're planning to bake ahead of time, the mini heart cakes can be made a day in advance. After baking, allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to keep them fresh. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours. If you need to store them longer, consider freezing the un-frosted cakes; they freeze well for up to a month.
When ready to serve, simply thaw the cakes at room temperature for a few hours before frosting. This not only retains their moisture but also makes them easier to work with when decorating. The strawberry buttercream can also be made ahead of time—just keep it chilled in the refrigerator, and re-whip it briefly to restore its creamy texture before application.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
To elevate your mini heart cake's presentation, consider layering it with fresh strawberry slices or even a drizzle of chocolate ganache. You can customize the recipe by using other fruits like raspberries or blueberries in the buttercream for a colorful twist. Incorporating different fruit purees can result in a variety of flavors that could suit various occasions.
Another delightful variation could be to change the base cake flavor. A vanilla or chocolate cake can serve as a beautiful backdrop for the strawberry buttercream, giving you a new flavor profile while retaining that adorable heart shape. Don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors or even add a layer of jam in between the cake layers for an extra burst of fruitiness.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I substitute the strawberries in the buttercream?
Yes, you can use other fruits like raspberries or blueberries for a different flavor.
→ Is this cake suitable for a birthday celebration?
Absolutely! The heart shape adds a personal touch that's perfect for birthdays and anniversaries.
→ How should I store leftovers?
Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
→ Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in the freezer.
Mini Heart Cake with Strawberry Buttercream
I absolutely adore making mini cakes, and this Mini Heart Cake with Strawberry Buttercream has become one of my favorites. The delicate heart shape captures the essence of love, making it perfect for any occasion. I love how the light strawberry flavor pairs beautifully with fluffy cake layers, creating a delightful treat that tastes as good as it looks. Each bite is a sweet celebration, and it’s a fun recipe to whip up for family or friends. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be baking hearts for everyone you love!
Created by: Opal Kensington
Recipe Type: Soft Meals
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 6 servings
What You'll Need
For the Cake:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk
For the Strawberry Buttercream:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh strawberries, pureed
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tbsp milk (as needed)
How-To Steps
In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, until just combined.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour the heart-shaped cake pan. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well. Stir in the pureed strawberries and vanilla extract. If the frosting is too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is achieved.
Once the cake is completely cooled, spread a layer of strawberry buttercream on top. Decorate the sides and top with additional buttercream, using a spatula or piping bag. Optionally, garnish with fresh strawberry slices for a lovely presentation.
Extra Tips
- For the best flavor, use fresh, ripe strawberries in the buttercream. Experiment with the amount of strawberry puree to achieve your desired sweetness and flavor intensity.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
- Sodium: 120mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 36g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 20g
- Protein: 3g