Mini Heart Cake with Strawberry Buttercream

Name: Mini Heart Cake with Strawberry Buttercream
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 mini cakes
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1/4 cup fresh strawberries, pureed; 1 tbsp heavy cream; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Soft Meals

We absolutely adore baking mini treats, and this Mini Heart Cake with Strawberry Buttercream is a delightful addition to our collection! This charming recipe combines the sweetness of strawberries with a buttery, fluffy cake, making it perfect for celebrating special moments or simply indulging. The vibrant pink buttercream frosting brings everything together, inviting anyone to take a bite. Trust me, once you've tried it, these little cakes will become a favorite for all occasions, and you’ll love how fun it is to bake them!

Created by

Opal Kensington

Last updated on 2026-01-13T04:09:38.375Z

I remember the first time I baked these adorable Mini Heart Cakes. I wanted to make something special for a loved one, and these were a big hit! The strawberry buttercream came out so beautifully, with just the right balance of sweetness and fruitiness that made us all smile.

Throughout the process, I discovered that using fresh strawberries in the frosting makes a significant difference in flavor. I also recommend chilling the cakes before frosting them, which not only enhances the texture but also makes the decorating process a breeze. Trust me; you’ll be smiling all day after making these!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Charming mini size that’s perfect for sharing or individual servings
Lush strawberry buttercream that sings with fresh flavor
Ideal for Valentine's Day, anniversaries, or just because!

Understanding Your Ingredients

The success of the Mini Heart Cake hinges on quality ingredients, starting with your butter. Make sure to use unsalted butter that is softened to room temperature; this helps achieve that light, airy texture necessary for the cake. Room temperature butter blends more easily with sugar, creating tiny air pockets that contribute to a fluffy crumb. If you're in a hurry, you can soften butter quickly by cutting it into small pieces, allowing it to warm up faster, but avoid melting it, as that will change the texture.

Using fresh strawberries for the buttercream not only enhances the flavor but also lends a beautiful pink hue to the frosting. If fresh strawberries are out of season, you can substitute with unsweetened strawberry puree or freeze-dried strawberries for a concentrated flavor. Just remember to adjust your sugar levels accordingly, as freeze-dried varieties can be sweeter. This flexibility allows you to enjoy the essence of strawberries year-round.

Tips for Perfect Baking

When it comes to baking the Mini Heart Cakes, dividing the batter evenly is key to ensuring they bake uniformly. If you’re using different-sized heart pans, consult the manufacturer's recommendations for baking times, as smaller cakes will naturally require less time. Keep an eye on them during the final few minutes of baking; they are done when they spring back lightly when touched or a toothpick comes out clean. Overbaking can lead to a dry cake, so set a timer and start checking early!

Cooling the cakes properly is crucial for a beautiful finish. Allow them to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, which makes them easier to remove without sticking. After transferring them to a wire rack, let them cool completely before frosting. If you try to frost warm cakes, the buttercream will melt and slide off, ruining that lovely fluffy texture. A fully cooled cake forms a sturdy base for your luxurious buttercream.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create these delightful mini heart cakes:

For the Mini Heart Cake

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

For the Strawberry Buttercream

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup fresh strawberries, pureed
1 tbsp heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla extract

Make sure to have all the ingredients ready for a smooth baking experience!

Instructions

Follow these steps to bake and decorate your mini heart cakes:

Prepare the Cake Batter

In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, combining just until smooth.

Bake the Cakes

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour mini heart-shaped cake pans. Divide the batter evenly among the pans. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Make the Strawberry Buttercream

In a bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix on low speed until incorporated. Mix in the pureed strawberries and vanilla extract. If the frosting is too thick, add heavy cream until desired consistency is achieved.

Assemble and Decorate

Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the tops of each heart cakes with the strawberry buttercream. You can pipe the frosting or spread it artfully with a spatula. Optional: Garnish with fresh strawberry slices or sprinkles for a special touch.

Your mini heart cakes are now ready to be enjoyed!

Pro Tips

For an added burst of flavor, consider adding a touch of lemon zest to the cake batter or frosting. It enhances the freshness of the strawberries beautifully!

Storing Your Mini Heart Cakes

These delightful mini heart cakes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you anticipate not finishing them quickly, consider refrigerating, which extends their freshness for about a week. Just remember to let your cakes come back to room temperature before serving them; this helps restore some of the original cake texture, resulting in a softer bite.

You can also freeze the un-frosted cakes for up to three months. To do this, ensure they are completely cooled, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before frosting, ensuring they remain deliciously moist.

Serving Suggestions

Presentation can elevate your Mini Heart Cakes from simple to stunning. For a festive touch, try dusting them with powdered sugar right before serving or adding edible glitter to bring some sparkle to your celebration. Fresh mint leaves also make a lovely garnish, pairing beautifully with the light strawberry flavor while adding a vibrant green contrast.

These cakes are perfect for a variety of occasions, from intimate gatherings to grand celebrations. Consider serving them alongside champagne or a refreshing fruit-infused drink. If you're feeling creative, try layering the frosting with other flavors or toppings, such as a chocolate drizzle or crushed nuts, to create unique flavor combos that will impress your guests!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries for the buttercream?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and fully puree them before adding to the frosting.

→ How can I store the mini heart cakes?

Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

→ Can I make this recipe as a larger cake?

Absolutely! Just double the ingredients and use a standard 9-inch round cake pan instead.

→ What can I substitute for butter in the recipe?

You can use unsweetened applesauce or a dairy-free margarine for a lighter or dairy-free option.