Mini Heart Cake with Vanilla Bean Frosting

Name: Mini Heart Cake with Vanilla Bean Frosting
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups cake flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ cup milk; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 vanilla beans, scraped; 2 tablespoons heavy cream

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I love making this Mini Heart Cake with Vanilla Bean Frosting for special occasions. The heart shape adds a lovely touch, perfect for celebrations like anniversaries or Valentine's Day. The balanced sweetness of the cake pairs beautifully with the creamy, aromatic vanilla bean frosting. Each slice reveals a moist crumb that keeps everyone coming back for more! I truly enjoy the process of baking this cake; it brings joy not only to the recipient but also to me as the baker, creating sweet memories along the way.

Created by

Tessa Wright

Last updated on 2026-01-14T00:58:25.279Z

Baking this Mini Heart Cake with Vanilla Bean Frosting has been a delightful experience from start to finish. I experimented with various flours and butters, and I found that using a combination of cake flour and high-quality unsalted butter brings out a softness that is hard to resist. The addition of vanilla beans in the frosting brings an irresistible aroma and flavor that elevates the cake to a new level.

When I first tried making this cake for a friend's birthday, I noticed how the heart-shaped presentation made it feel intimate and special. To make the frosting, I use both the seeds and the pod for an extra punch of flavor. I recommend taking your time with the frosting—it truly makes a difference!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Adorable heart shape perfect for any celebration
Rich vanilla flavor from real vanilla beans
Soft and moist cake that melts in your mouth
Easy to personalize with different decorations

      

Understanding Ingredients

Each ingredient in this Mini Heart Cake plays a unique role that contributes to its delightful flavor and texture. The cake flour is essential for producing a light and tender crumb compared to all-purpose flour, which can yield a denser cake. The unsalted butter not only enriches the flavor but also affects the cake's moisture level—be sure it's softened properly to ensure a smooth creaming process with the sugar, which introduces air for leavening.

Granulated sugar not only adds sweetness but also aids in achieving a luscious texture. The eggs serve as a binding agent, which is critical for maintaining the structure of your heart-shaped cake. I recommend using room-temperature eggs for better incorporation. As for the vanilla extract, it enhances the cake's overall flavor; opt for high-quality pure vanilla extract for the best results.

Frosting Techniques

When making the vanilla bean frosting, the texture is key. Beat the softened butter on medium speed until creamy before adding the powdered sugar. This step prevents clumping and helps achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency. Gradually add the sugar to avoid a cloud of dust; I usually do this in three separate additions, ensuring the mixture becomes light and fluffy after each addition.

Incorporating the scraped vanilla beans gives the frosting its luxurious flavor and appealing speckles. Make sure to mix until fully combined, and if the frosting feels too thick, add the heavy cream one tablespoon at a time to reach your desired texture. This step will ensure a frosting that's both easy to spread and beautifully glossy.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients before you start for a smoother baking experience:

For the Cake

1 ½ cups cake flour
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup milk
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt

For the Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 vanilla beans, scraped
2 tablespoons heavy cream

Make sure you have a heart-shaped cake pan ready for the baking process!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your heart cake:

Prepare the Oven and Pan

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

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, sift together cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract and mix well.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with milk. Mix until just combined.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared heart-shaped pan and bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool and Frost

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack. Once cooled, prepare the frosting and frost the cake as desired.

Enjoy your beautifully baked heart cake!

Pro Tips

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best texture. Use high-quality vanilla for a richer flavor.

Perfectly Baking Your Cake

Baking your Mini Heart Cake correctly is crucial for achieving a moist and fluffy texture. Keep an eye on the baking time; ovens can vary, so start checking for doneness around the 20-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. If it begins to brown too much on top, consider placing a piece of aluminum foil loosely over the cake in the final minutes of baking.

Cooling is just as important as baking. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, which helps it set and makes it easier to remove without breaking. Once you transfer it to a wire rack, let it cool completely before frosting; this prevents the frosting from melting and losing its structure.

Decorating and Serving Suggestions

The Mini Heart Cake is versatile for decoration. If you want to personalize it for a specific occasion, consider adding fresh berries or edible flowers on top, or even drizzling chocolate ganache for an extra indulgent touch. You can also use colored sprinkles or sugar dusting for a festive feel. Just ensure any additional toppings do not overwhelm the delicious vanilla bean flavor.

For serving, this cake pairs wonderfully with a fresh fruit compote or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, enhancing the overall dessert experience. If you have leftovers, slice the cake and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate it where it will remain fresh for up to a week.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance. Just wrap it tightly and store it at room temperature until you’re ready to frost.

→ What can I substitute for cake flour?

You can use all-purpose flour, but the texture may be slightly different. For every cup of flour, you can remove 2 tablespoons and replace them with cornstarch.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving.

→ Can I add other flavors to the frosting?

Absolutely! You can add cocoa powder for chocolate frosting or other extracts like almond or lemon for different flavors.