Mini Heart Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Name: Mini Heart Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Fresh berries for decoration (optional)

Highlighted under: Favorite Baking Recipes

I adore baking mini cakes, especially when they have a charming heart shape. This Mini Heart Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting has become a favorite in my home, combining the sweetness of vanilla with a delightful cream cheese tang. It’s a perfect treat for any occasion, be it a small celebration or just a lovely dessert to enjoy on a cozy evening. The combination of flavors is simply irresistible, and the mini size makes it perfect for sharing.

Created by

Lavinia Moore

Last updated on 2026-01-12T07:25:34.347Z

This Mini Heart Cake is inspired by delightful childhood memories of baking with my grandmother. Every time we made cakes together, she emphasized the importance of using fresh ingredients. For this recipe, I used real vanilla extract instead of imitation, which truly enhances the cake's flavor.

While perfecting the cream cheese frosting, I discovered that letting the cream cheese soften at room temperature is key to achieving a smooth and creamy texture. This simple tip makes all the difference, ensuring each slice is a decadent delight that everyone will love!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Adorable heart shape ideal for special occasions
Creamy and tangy frosting that complements the cake perfectly
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for both novice and experienced bakers

Tips for the Perfect Mini Heart Cake

To achieve a perfectly baked mini heart cake, it's important to cream the butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, usually around 3-5 minutes. This incorporates air, which will help your cake rise nicely in the oven. Furthermore, when adding eggs, ensure each egg is fully integrated before adding the next. This will create a uniform batter and contribute to the cake's texture.

Monitoring your baking time is crucial. Start checking the cake at around 20 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs. If it isn't done yet, continue baking for another minute or two but keep a close watch to avoid overbaking, which could lead to a dry cake.

Understanding Cream Cheese Frosting

The cream cheese frosting is what truly elevates this mini heart cake. The cream cheese adds a delightful tang that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the cake. Make sure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature to ensure a silky-smooth frosting. If they're too cold, you may end up with lumps that are difficult to beat out, leading to a grainy texture.

If you're aiming for a more luscious frosting, consider adding a tablespoon of heavy cream during mixing. This not only makes the frosting easier to spread but also gives it a lovely glossy finish. Just be careful not to add too much liquid, or the frosting will lose its ability to hold its shape when spread on the cake.

Decorating and Storing Your Cake

For decoration, feel free to get creative! Fresh berries work wonderfully, but you can also drizzle melted chocolate on top for an extra indulgent touch. If you want to add even more flavor, consider sprinkling some finely chopped nuts or edible flowers around the edges to create a visually appealing contrast to the frosting.

As for storing your mini heart cake, it can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just keep in mind that the frosting may soften as it sits, so it’s best to serve it within the first couple of days for optimal texture. For longer storage, you can freeze the cake before frosting. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and it should keep for up to 3 months. Simply thaw at room temperature before icing.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before you begin:

For the Cake

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

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fresh berries for decoration (optional)

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

Instructions

Follow these directions for a perfect Mini Heart Cake:

Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pans

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

Make the Cake Batter

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

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Prepare the Frosting

In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese and butter, and beat until smooth. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Frost the Cake

Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting generously on top. Decorate with fresh berries if desired.

Serve and Enjoy!

Slice the mini heart cake into servings and enjoy the delightful flavors!

Enjoy your delightful creation!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch of flavor, try adding a tablespoon of lemon juice to the cream cheese frosting. It enhances the tang and adds a refreshing twist.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking to make this cake dairy-free, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine and use a dairy-free cream cheese for the frosting. Coconut cream can also be used in place of cream cheese, giving a tropical twist to the flavor profile—though the texture will differ slightly.

For a healthier version, replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or almond flour, which will increase the nutritional value while adding a nutty flavor. Keep in mind that this may affect the cake's tenderness, so you might need to adjust the liquid slightly.

Serving Suggestions

This mini heart cake pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For an amusing twist, you can slice the cake into small squares and serve them at a gathering with assorted drinks. This makes for a delightful sweet treat that guests can easily enjoy while mingling.

For a more festive presentation, serve slices of this cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a sprinkle of crushed berries on the plate for a charming look. It adds freshness and balances out the richness of the cream cheese frosting beautifully.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the cake a day ahead and frost it just before serving for the best freshness.

→ Can this cake be frozen?

Absolutely, you can freeze the un-frosted cake. Just wrap it in plastic wrap and then foil to protect it.

→ What can I use instead of cream cheese for the frosting?

You can use mascarpone cheese or a simple whipped cream frosting if you prefer a lighter option.

→ How can I decorate this cake for Valentine's Day?

Consider adding edible flowers, or more berries, and perhaps a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.