Mini Heart Cake with Vanilla Bean Frosting

Name: Mini Heart Cake with Vanilla Bean Frosting
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; ½ cup milk; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons heavy cream; 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste; Pinch of salt

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love baking, especially when it comes to crafting delightful treats like this Mini Heart Cake with Vanilla Bean Frosting. It’s perfect for special occasions or just to show someone you care. The combination of the fluffy cake and creamy vanilla frosting creates a balance that’s simply irresistible. Plus, the adorable heart shape makes it even more special. Join me as I share this heartwarming recipe that brings joy to any celebration.

Created by

Aubrey Collins

Last updated on 2026-01-14T01:10:15.000Z

Every time I bake this Mini Heart Cake, I’m reminded of the joy it brings to my friends and family. I always ensure to use high-quality vanilla beans for the frosting, as it enhances the flavor significantly. The tenderness of the cake combined with the rich frosting creates a blissful bite that leaves you craving more.

One tip I want to share is to let the cake cool completely before frosting it. This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures that it stays beautifully fluffy and holds its shape. Trust me, it makes all the difference for a picture-perfect dessert!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Adorable heart shape perfect for any occasion
Lush, flavorful vanilla bean frosting that complements the cake beautifully
Small size makes it easy to share, yet indulgent enough for everyone

      

Perfecting the Cake Texture

Achieving a light and fluffy cake requires careful creaming of the butter and sugar. Make sure to beat them together until the mixture is pale and fluffy, which should take about 3 to 5 minutes on medium speed. This process incorporates air, allowing the cake to rise beautifully. If your butter is too soft, it may create a dense texture, so aim for room temperature butter that's soft enough to easily cream but not melted.

When mixing the dry ingredients, whisking them together thoroughly is key. This ensures an even distribution of the baking powder and salt, which are crucial for the cake's rise and flavor. Additionally, be mindful of not overmixing once you combine the wet and dry ingredients—mix until just incorporated to avoid a tough cake.

Tips for Frosting Success

For the vanilla bean frosting, the softness of the butter is essential for achieving a smooth and creamy consistency. If your butter is too cold, it won’t blend well with the powdered sugar, leading to a grainy texture. I recommend taking the butter out of the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before you start to frost, ensuring it is soft but not overly melted.

Incorporating the heavy cream is also key to the frosting's fluffiness. Start with 2 tablespoons and adjust if necessary; this will help achieve the spreadable consistency you desire. If you’re looking for a deeper vanilla flavor, try adding more vanilla bean paste, but keep in mind that a little goes a long way.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients for 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
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt

For the Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste
Pinch of salt

Make sure to have everything ready for a smooth baking experience!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Mini Heart Cake:

Preheat and Prepare

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

Mix Ingredients

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.

Combine Dry Ingredients

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. Mix until just combined.

Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared heart pans. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Make the Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well. Add the heavy cream, vanilla bean paste, and a pinch of salt.

Beat until fluffy and smooth.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top, then place the second layer on top of it. Frost the top and sides with the remaining frosting.

Serve

Slice, serve, and enjoy! Share the love with your family and friends.

Don’t forget to take pictures of your creation!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, decorate the cake with fresh berries or edible flowers to enhance its charm.

Storing and Serving

Once your Mini Heart Cake is assembled, it’s best enjoyed within 3-4 days. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate it if your kitchen is warm. To make ahead, you can bake the cake layers a day in advance, wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and storing them at room temperature. Frost them just before serving for the best texture.

When serving this charming cake, consider pairing it with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cake's rich vanilla flavor complements the natural sweetness and tartness of the berries beautifully, adding a refreshing contrast.

Customization Ideas

While the classic vanilla bean frosting is delightful, consider experimenting with flavors. You can add food coloring to the frosting for a fun twist—perfect for themed parties. Incorporate different extracts, like almond or lemon, to add a unique flavor dimension. Just replace a teaspoon of vanilla extract with your chosen extract for a personalized touch.

If you're looking to reduce sugar, you can substitute some of the powdered sugar in the frosting with a sugar alternative like erythritol. Keep in mind that this might alter the texture slightly, so monitor the frosting’s consistency closely as you mix.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour, but the texture may vary.

→ How should I store the cake?

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

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance and frost it just before serving.

→ What can I use instead of vanilla bean paste?

You can use pure vanilla extract instead, but the speckles from the vanilla beans will be missing.