Mini Heart Cake with Vanilla Bean Frosting

Name: Mini Heart Cake with Vanilla Bean Frosting
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; ½ cup milk; 3 large eggs; 2 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 2 vanilla beans, seeds scraped; 2-4 tbsp heavy cream

Highlighted under: Soft Meals

I absolutely adore creating desserts that not only taste wonderful but also look stunning. This Mini Heart Cake with Vanilla Bean Frosting is the perfect combination of charm and flavor! The delicate heart shape brings a playful touch, making it ideal for any special occasion. The frosting is creamy and infused with exquisite vanilla bean, elevating the simple cake to a delightful treat. It’s a quick recipe that promises to impress, and I can’t wait for you to try it!

Created by

Opal Kensington

Last updated on 2026-01-05T18:33:34.363Z

I remember the first time I made this Mini Heart Cake; it was for a dear friend’s birthday. I wanted something sweet that matched her vibrant personality. The idea of a heart-shaped cake was not only unique but also a great way to show my affection. Using high-quality vanilla beans in the frosting made a world of difference!

This recipe has become a go-to for all my celebrations. It’s incredibly versatile; you can easily adapt it with different flavors, such as lemon or almond. The texture of the cake stays moist, and the frosting is fluffy yet rich, making every bite heavenly. Don’t skip the vanilla bean; it truly elevates the experience!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Charming heart shape makes it perfect for any celebration
Delicious, creamy vanilla bean flavor that is irresistible
Quick to whip up, yet looks elegant and impressive

Mastering the Heart Shape

Using a heart-shaped cake pan requires a bit of technique to ensure the cake bakes evenly. Before pouring in the batter, make sure to grease and flour the pan thoroughly to prevent sticking. If you find that your cake edges are browning too quickly while baking, you can shield them with strips of aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes of baking. This will help keep the shape intact and allow for a perfectly soft, moist interior.

Consider using a small spatula to smooth out the batter to the edges of the pan. This not only aids in even baking but also helps to achieve those lovely clean lines on the heart's shape. After baking, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack. This step prevents breakage and ensures that the delicate heart shape remains flawless.

The Vanilla Bean Frosting

The secret to a truly decadent frosting lies in the quality of your vanilla beans. When scraping the seeds, scrape out the insides gently with the back of a knife to access the rich flavor hidden within. The tiny black specks from the seeds not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but pack a punch of vanilla flavor that complements the cake perfectly. If vanilla beans are hard to find, high-quality vanilla extract can serve as a substitute, but the flavor will vary slightly.

When mixing the frosting, start at a low speed to avoid powdered sugar clouds in your kitchen. Gradually increase the speed to medium-high until the frosting is airy and glossy. Adjust the consistency with heavy cream incrementally—one tablespoon at a time, until you achieve a spreadable yet firm texture. Ideally, the frosting should hold its shape without being too stiff or too runny; this balance is crucial for creating beautiful swirls when decorating.

Ingredients

Gather all the 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
½ cup milk
3 large eggs
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt

For the Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
2 vanilla beans, seeds scraped
2-4 tbsp heavy cream

Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results.

Instructions

Follow each step carefully to ensure your cake turns out perfectly!

Preheat the Oven

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

Mix Cake Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually incorporate the dry mixture into the wet mixture until just combined.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared heart-shaped pan and bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Prepare the Frosting

While the cake cools, beat the softened butter for a few minutes, then gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla bean seeds, and enough heavy cream to achieve the desired consistency.

Frost the Cake

Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the vanilla bean frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake.

Let the frosted cake set for a while before serving to allow the frosting to firm up slightly.

Pro Tips

Decorate with fresh berries or edible flowers for an extra touch of beauty!

Make-Ahead Tips

This Mini Heart Cake can be baked a day in advance, making it perfect for planning a special occasion. Once cooled, wrap the cake in plastic wrap to keep it fresh overnight. If you want to frost it later, it’s best to chill the cake in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before applying the frosting. This will help the frosting adhere better while eliminating crumbly bits in your frosting.

For the frosting, you can prepare it ahead of time as well. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Before using, bring it to room temperature and re-whip it briefly to restore its creamy texture. This is a great way to save time on busy days leading up to your celebration!

Serving Suggestions

This charming heart cake makes an excellent centerpiece for anniversaries, Valentine's Day, and even birthdays. To elevate the presentation, consider pairing it with fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries, which not only add a pop of color but also introduce a nice tartness that contrasts beautifully with the sweet frosting. Dusting the top with a touch of edible glitter can also add an extra flair.

For a more interactive dessert experience, slice the cake into smaller heart-shaped pieces using a cookie cutter. This technique not only makes for beautiful portions but also provides guests with an exciting twist on traditional cake servings. You could also serve each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to create a classic dessert pairing that complements the flavors of your cake.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different flavor of frosting?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with chocolate, lemon, or even cream cheese frosting.

→ How do I store leftovers?

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

→ Can I freeze the cake?

Yes, you can freeze the un-frosted cake for up to a month. Just make sure it's wrapped tightly.

→ What can I do if the frosting is too thick?

Add a tablespoon of milk or heavy cream at a time until you reach the desired consistency.