Mini Heart Cake with Vanilla Sponge

Name: Mini Heart Cake with Vanilla Sponge
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 cakes
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup milk; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Fresh strawberries or other berries; Chocolate shavings (optional)

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely adore baking mini heart cakes, and this vanilla sponge recipe is my go-to for special occasions! The light, fluffy texture combined with the buttery flavor makes it a delightful treat for both kids and adults. I love how easy it is to decorate these little cakes with fresh fruits or a drizzle of chocolate, turning them into charming gifts or lovely centerpieces for any gathering. It’s the perfect way to show someone you care, and every bite is a celebration in itself.

Created by

Maribel Hayes

Last updated on 2026-01-06T10:55:24.980Z

When I first attempted this mini heart cake, I was blown away by how charming it looked once decorated. I used a simple buttercream frosting and topped it with fresh strawberries, which not only added color but also a burst of flavor. The vanilla sponge is incredibly forgiving, making it perfect for those who might be new to baking.

One of my favorite tips is to let the layers cool completely before frosting; this ensures that the cream doesn’t melt and slide off. Trust me, taking that extra time will make all the difference in achieving perfection with these delightful cakes!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Adorable mini sizes perfect for gifting
Fluffy vanilla sponge that melts in your mouth
Versatile decoration options to match any celebration

      

Perfecting the Vanilla Sponge

The secret to a truly divine vanilla sponge cake is in the creaming technique. When beating the butter and sugar together, aim for a light and fluffy consistency, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes. This process incorporates air into the batter, resulting in a cake that rises beautifully and has a delicate texture. If your butter is too soft and warm, it might yield a denser cake, so always ensure it’s just softened enough to mix smoothly without melting.

Incorporating the eggs one at a time is vital to achieving that perfect sponge. Each egg should be fully mixed in before adding the next, creating an emulsion that binds the ingredients together. If you notice curdling, a quick fix is to add a tablespoon of flour to the mix, which can help stabilize the mixture and prevent any issues during baking. The eggs also contribute to the structure and moisture, so don’t skip this step!

Decoration Tips for Stunning Presentation

When it comes to decorating your mini heart cakes, fresh strawberries are not just visually appealing; they also add a burst of acidity that complements the sweetness of the buttercream. I recommend slicing the strawberries just before serving to maintain their freshness and avoiding any sogginess on your cakes. Consider macerating them in a little sugar and lemon juice for added flavor and a glossy finish.

For those who wish to elevate their cakes further, chocolate shavings can add contrast in both taste and texture. To create shavings, use a vegetable peeler on a bar of chocolate; the thinner the shavings, the easier they are to work with. Before adding any decoration, ensure your frosting has slightly set for a perfect hold, which usually takes about 15 minutes in the fridge.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before you start baking:

For the Vanilla Sponge Cake

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

For the Buttercream Frosting

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Decoration

Fresh strawberries or other berries
Chocolate shavings (optional)

Make sure to measure your ingredients precisely for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your mini heart cakes:

Preheat the Oven

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

Mix the Batter

In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. 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, until fully blended.

Bake the Cakes

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared heart-shaped pans and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Frost

Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, whip up your buttercream frosting and frost the cakes as desired.

Decorate

Decorate with fresh strawberries and chocolate shavings if desired. Slice and enjoy your adorable mini heart cakes!

Enjoy your creations and share them with loved ones!

Pro Tips

Always ensure your ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing and texture. Feel free to customize the flavor of the frosting by adding cocoa powder for chocolate lovers.

Make-Ahead and Storage

One of the fantastic aspects of these mini heart cakes is that they can be baked a day in advance. Once cooled completely, wrap each cake individually in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This not only saves time but allows the flavors to develop further, ensuring a moist cake when you’re ready to frost and serve.

To keep your cakes fresh for longer, you could also freeze them. Simply place the wrapped cakes into a freezer-safe container. They can last up to three months frozen. To enjoy, just transfer them to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. This method preserves the cake’s texture, and you can frost them once they have reached room temperature for the best results.

Flavor Variations and Adaptations

If you want to mix things up, consider infusing your vanilla sponge with citrus zest or extracts like almond or lemon. A teaspoon of lemon zest can brighten the sponge, making it even more refreshing, especially when paired with the buttercream frosting. For a chocolate version, simply substitute a portion of the flour with unsweetened cocoa powder, adjusting the sugar slightly to maintain sweetness.

For gluten-free or dairy-free diets, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative. These adaptations could slightly alter the texture, making the cake denser or crumblier, so ensure to adjust baking times as needed. Testing a small batch before a big event can help achieve the right balance.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different pan size?

Yes, you can use a standard round cake pan. Just adjust the baking time.

→ How should I store these cakes?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze the cakes?

Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cakes. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

→ What can I substitute for eggs?

You can use flax eggs or applesauce as an egg substitute in this recipe.