Mini Heart Cake with Strawberry Buttercream

Name: Mini Heart Cake with Strawberry Buttercream
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 mini cakes
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup milk; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 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 tsp vanilla extract; 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream

Highlighted under: Oven Inspiration

I love making these adorable Mini Heart Cakes with Strawberry Buttercream for special occasions. They bring a smile to everyone’s face, and the delightful combination of light vanilla cake and fresh strawberry frosting creates a flavor explosion that is simply irresistible. Each mini cake is perfect for sharing, or you could keep them all for yourself—no judgment here! Whether it’s a romantic dinner or a cozy gathering with friends, these cakes will be the star of the dessert table.

Created by

Tamsyn Calder

Last updated on 2026-01-05T23:45:35.941Z

When I first started making these Mini Heart Cakes, I experimented with the cake batter to achieve a light and fluffy texture. I realized that creaming the butter and sugar for a bit longer really makes a difference! The added air creates a beautiful cake that pairs perfectly with the strawberry buttercream.

The frosting is just as important! Using fresh strawberries not only gives the buttercream a lovely pink hue but also infuses it with a natural sweetness that feels indulgent. I always keep some extra strawberries on hand for garnishing—they add a lovely touch to the presentation!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Adorable mini cakes that are perfect for any celebration
Rich strawberry flavor that shines through the creamy frosting
Easy to share or indulge in on your own!

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The key to a successful mini heart cake lies in the balance of ingredients. Using high-quality unsalted butter not only enhances the flavor but also contributes to the cake's tender crumb. The butter should be softened to room temperature to ensure it creams well with the sugar, creating that light, fluffy texture. If you're in a pinch, you can substitute with margarine, but the flavor may differ slightly.

Granulated sugar plays a crucial role beyond just sweetness; it helps to aerate the butter when creamed together. This aeration is essential for achieving that lovely rise during baking. For a natural sweetness variation, consider using coconut sugar or a sugar substitute if you're on a low-sugar diet, keeping in mind that this might alter the final texture slightly.

Cake Baking Tips

When it comes to baking, properly preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) is vital. An oven thermometer can be a useful tool to ensure your oven is at the correct temperature. A well-heated oven helps create a golden, slightly crisp crust on the cakes, while the inside stays soft and moist. Be sure to use a toothpick to check for doneness; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached, not wet batter.

Cooling the cakes properly also impacts texture. After baking for about 20 minutes, allow the cakes to stay in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up a bit, preventing them from breaking apart while being removed. Once on the rack, ensure they cool completely before frosting, as warm cakes can melt the buttercream, resulting in a less visually appealing finish.

Ingredients

For the Cake

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 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 tsp vanilla extract
2-3 tablespoons heavy cream

Instructions

Steps

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 milk and vanilla extract. In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.

Bake the Cakes

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a heart-shaped mini cake pan. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Strawberry Buttercream

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, and mix until well incorporated. Add the pureed strawberries and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth. Adjust the consistency with heavy cream if necessary for spreading.

Assemble the Cakes

Once the cakes are completely cooled, frost the top of each mini heart cake generously with the strawberry buttercream. Decorate with fresh strawberry slices if desired, and serve!

Pro Tips

For a vibrant strawberry flavor, use fresh, ripe strawberries for the buttercream. Additionally, you can adjust the sweetness of the frosting by varying the amount of powdered sugar based on your taste.

Strawberry Buttercream Tips

Creating the perfect strawberry buttercream requires precision. Start by beating the softened butter until it reaches a creamy consistency. Gradually add the powdered sugar—this prevents it from flying around your kitchen! If the buttercream feels too thick, add heavy cream a tablespoon at a time until it reaches a spreadable consistency. For the most vibrant flavor, choose ripe strawberries and puree them just before use to maintain their freshness.

Taste your buttercream as you mix to achieve your desired strawberry flavor. If you find the frosting too sweet, a pinch of salt can help balance the sweetness. Conversely, if you'd like a stronger berry taste, additional puree can be mixed in, but keep in mind that it might require more powdered sugar to balance the consistency.

Decoration and Serving Suggestions

For added visual appeal, consider garnishing your mini heart cakes with fresh strawberry slices. This not only enhances presentation but also boosts the flavor profile, making each bite a delightful combination of creamy frosting and juicy fruit. You could also add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate for a sophisticated finish.

These mini heart cakes are versatile; they can be served as delightful dessert table pieces for weddings, Valentine’s Day, or even casual gatherings. If you want to impress guests, consider stacking two mini cakes for an elegant presentation, filling the space between with additional strawberry buttercream, to create a charming mini cake tower.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes! You can bake the cakes a day ahead and store them in an airtight container. Just frost them on the day you plan to serve.

→ What can I use instead of fresh strawberries?

You can use freeze-dried strawberry powder for the frosting if fresh strawberries are not available.

→ Can I freeze the Mini Heart Cakes?

Absolutely! Once baked and cooled, these mini cakes can be frozen. Just be sure to wrap them tightly to avoid freezer burn.

→ How can I make the buttercream vegan?

You can replace the butter with vegan butter and use a non-dairy milk instead of heavy cream to achieve a similar texture.