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 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup milk; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

Highlighted under: Cozy Food

When I first tried making these Mini Heart Cakes, I was delighted by how charming and festive they turned out. The combination of fluffy cake and creamy frosting is simply irresistible. I love how these mini cakes can be customized for any occasion, and they’re perfect for sharing with loved ones. The texture is light, and the taste is sweet without being overwhelming. Whether for a special celebration or just because, these cakes bring joy in every bite!

Created by

Cleo Winter

Last updated on 2026-01-12T07:09:35.831Z

I vividly remember the first time I served these Mini Heart Cakes at a gathering. Everyone was amazed by their adorable shape and the deliciously tangy cream cheese frosting. I experimented with adding a hint of vanilla and lemon zest to the frosting, which brought a zesty twist to the sweetness of the cake. It’s these little details that elevate the dish and make it memorable for everyone.

What I discovered is that baking at a lower temperature for a longer time results in an even rise and a softer crumb. It’s crucial to let the cakes cool completely before frosting them; this prevents the cream cheese frosting from melting. Trust me, taking these extra steps will yield delightfully pleasing results!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Adorable mini heart shape that delights everyone
Tangy cream cheese frosting complements the sweetness perfectly
Perfect for gifting or sharing at special occasions

      

The Heart of the Cake

The mini heart cake is a delightful departure from traditional cake formats. Using a heart-shaped pan not only gives these cakes their charming appearance but also allows for even baking. The batter should be divided equally between the pans to ensure that the cakes rise uniformly. This ensures that no trimming is needed later, keeping the heart shape intact and perfect for sharing.

Another vital aspect is the choice of ingredients. The combination of all-purpose flour and sugar creates a light base, while the addition of milk and melted butter contributes to a tender crumb. For a variation, you can substitute some all-purpose flour with almond flour for a nuttier flavor and slightly denser texture.

Cream Cheese Frosting Insights

Cream cheese frosting offers a delightful balance of tanginess that perfectly complements the sweetness of the cake. It’s essential to use soft cream cheese to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth consistency. If you're short on time, you can microwave the cream cheese for about 10-15 seconds to soften it, but be careful not to melt it.

Incorporating lemon zest into the frosting not only brightens the flavor but adds an aromatic freshness that elevates the dish. If you prefer a sweeter frosting, you can reduce the lemon zest or omit it completely. For an alternative flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of cocoa powder for a chocolate twist or pairing with your favorite extract.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create these delightful Mini Heart Cakes:

For the Cake

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

For the Frosting

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Mini Heart Cakes:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and flour your heart-shaped cake pans.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk together until well mixed.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla until smooth.

Combine Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined; do not overmix.

Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared heart-shaped pans. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool the Cakes

Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Prepare the Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix well, then stir in vanilla and lemon zest if using.

Frost the Cakes

Once the cakes are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top, and stack if desired.

Serve and Enjoy

Slice and serve your delightful Mini Heart Cakes, and enjoy the smiles they bring!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of almond extract to the cake batter or frosting. You can also decorate with fresh berries or edible flowers for a beautiful presentation.

Make-Ahead Tips

These mini heart cakes can be made a day in advance. Once baked and completely cooled, wrap each cake in plastic wrap and store them at room temperature. This helps the flavors meld together, enhancing their sweetness. Just remember to frost them on the day you plan to serve to maintain the frosting’s freshness and texture.

If you're preparing for a larger gathering, these cakes also freeze well. After the cakes cool, place them in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper and freeze for up to three months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before frosting for best results.

Serving Suggestions

These mini heart cakes are perfect for gifting! You can present them individually in clear boxes or atop decorative doilies for an added personal touch. If you'd like to get creative, drizzle some melted chocolate over the frosted cakes or sprinkle colorful sprinkles for an extra festive look.

For serving, pair the cakes with a side of fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream. The acidity of berries balances the sweetness beautifully, making each bite a harmonious experience. This also adds a pop of color to your presentation, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

→ How long will these cakes last?

These Mini Heart Cakes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze the cakes?

Absolutely! Wrap the cooled, unfrosted cakes tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.

→ What can I use instead of cream cheese?

If you’re looking for an alternative, mascarpone cheese or a dairy-free cream cheese can be used.