Mini Heart Cake with Vanilla Bean Frosting

Name: Mini Heart Cake with Vanilla Bean Frosting
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp baking soda; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/4 cup milk; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tbsp vanilla bean paste

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love making this Mini Heart Cake with Vanilla Bean Frosting for special occasions. It's a delightful treat that combines a soft, moist cake with a rich, creamy frosting that's infused with real vanilla bean specks. The heart shape adds a charming touch, making it perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or just as a sweet surprise for loved ones. In about an hour, I can whip up this delicious dessert that never fails to impress and bring smiles to the faces around me.

Created by

Margaret Hill

Last updated on 2026-01-14T03:07:24.465Z

When I first started baking, I stumbled upon the idea of making mini cakes for a loved one’s birthday. The joy on their face when they saw this heart-shaped mini cake topped with velvety vanilla bean frosting was priceless. I experimented with different flavors and finally settled on this combination that feels indulgent yet light.

The trick to achieving that perfect frosting texture is to ensure your butter is at room temperature, which really helps it whip up beautifully. Adding real vanilla bean gives an aromatic touch that elevates the whole experience. I can’t recommend this enough!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Sweet heart-shaped design perfect for celebrations
Decadently creamy vanilla bean frosting
A delightful balance of moist cake and rich flavors

      

Understanding the Ingredients

Each ingredient in this Mini Heart Cake plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor. The all-purpose flour provides structure, while the granulated sugar not only sweetens but helps retain moisture, ensuring a soft crumb. The combination of baking powder and baking soda acts as leavening agents, creating a light and airy cake. Be sure to measure your flour correctly—using the spoon-and-level method prevents dense cake due to excess flour.

Unsalted butter is preferred for both the cake and the frosting, as it allows better control over the final saltiness. Softened butter should be creamy and slightly warm to the touch but not melted, promoting a fluffy consistency when creamed with sugar. Similarly, using room temperature eggs helps achieve a smooth batter, ensuring that the ingredients emulsify properly, which is key to a tender cake.

Frosting Tips for a Perfect Finish

The Vanilla Bean Frosting is what elevates this cake and makes it truly special. The use of both vanilla extract and vanilla bean paste intensifies the flavor, imparting a unique visual appeal with its tiny specks. When making the frosting, ensure that your butter is adequately soft; if it’s too firm, the frosting will be lumpy. I recommend beating the butter until it's visibly lighter in color, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes, before adding the powdered sugar gradually to avoid a messy kitchen.

In terms of consistency, the frosting should be thick but spreadable. If you find it too stiff, add a tablespoon of milk or heavy cream at a time until you reach the desired consistency. This frosting can also be piped for decorative borders or swirls—just ensure your frosting is at a smooth enough consistency to pass through a piping bag without difficulty.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you'll need to whip up this delightful mini heart cake:

For the Cake

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

For the Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp vanilla bean paste

Gather everything you need before you start baking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Mini Heart Cake:

Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, cream the softened butter until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with milk, and mix until just combined.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into a heart-shaped cake pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once done, allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Frosting

While the cake cools, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix well. Pour in heavy cream, vanilla extract, and vanilla bean paste. Beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cake has cooled, spread a layer of frosting on top. You can add additional decorations, such as sprinkles or fresh fruit if desired. Serve and enjoy your delightful mini heart cake!

Slice and serve this cake with love!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, you can add a layer of raspberry jam between the cake layers for added flavor. This not only enhances the taste but also adds a lovely color contrast.

Make-Ahead and Storage Ideas

If you're looking to save time, both the cake and frosting can be made ahead of time. The un-frosted cake can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored at room temperature for up to three days or frozen for up to three months. If freezing, I suggest slicing it before wrapping, which makes it easier to thaw individual pieces as needed for last-minute celebrations.

The frosting, too, can be made in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Before using, let it come to room temperature and re-whip for a couple of minutes to restore its fluffy texture. Just be cautious not to chill the frosting too much, as cold frosting can be challenging to spread.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This Mini Heart Cake can be served simply, but it’s also an excellent canvas for creativity! Consider adding a layer of fresh fruit or a berry compote between the cake layers for additional flavor and a pop of color. You might also experiment with flavors by swapping some of the vanilla extract in the frosting for almond or lemon zest for a refreshing twist.

For a fun presentation, consider using decorative cake stands or plates to elevate your serving game. Fresh flowers, edible glitter, or a sprinkle of toasted coconut on top of the frosting can add to the visual appeal, making this cake even more irresistible for special occasions.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different shape pan?

Absolutely! You can use round or square pans if heart-shaped isn't available.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.

→ Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream in the frosting?

You can use milk combined with a little extra butter if you don’t have heavy cream.