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: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup buttermilk; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons heavy cream; 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste; A pinch of salt

Highlighted under: Sweet Craft

I love making this Mini Heart Cake with Vanilla Bean Frosting because it perfectly captures the essence of love and celebration in every bite. The moist, fluffy sponge pairs beautifully with the rich, creamy frosting infused with real vanilla beans. This recipe is not just about the taste; it's also an adorable treat for special occasions. Whether it’s for a birthday, anniversary, or just a surprise for someone special, this cake brings joy and sweetness to every moment!

Created by

Daphne Collins

Last updated on 2026-01-12T03:16:19.177Z

When I first tried making this cake, I was on a quest to make something beautifully festive and delicious for my friend's birthday. I experimented with various flavors, but adding the vanilla beans to the frosting elevates it to another level. The little flecks of vanilla bean not only look gorgeous but also provide an aromatic depth that standard frosting just can't match.

One detail that proved crucial was the use of buttermilk in the sponge. It resulted in a beautifully moist cake that pairs spectacularly with the richness of the frosting. Trust me—don’t skip the vanilla bean! It makes all the difference in flavor, and I always get requests for the recipe!

Why You Will Love This Cake
Adorable heart shape that's perfect for sharing
Rich vanilla bean flavor that delights the senses
Perfect for special occasions and celebrations

Achieving the Perfect Cake Texture

The key to a perfectly moist and fluffy cake lies in how you cream the butter and sugar. Ensure that your butter is at room temperature, as this will help it incorporate air better. Beat the mixture until it turns pale and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes. This aeration is crucial for the cake’s rise, ensuring that your mini heart cake is light and tender with a crumb that melts in your mouth.

Don’t skip the buttermilk! It adds not only moisture but also a light tang that elevates the cake’s flavor. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily substitute it by mixing regular milk with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for about 5-10 minutes before use. This creates a similar acidity that reacts with the baking soda to give the cake its rise.

Frosting Fundamentals

When making your vanilla bean frosting, it's essential to start with softened butter for easy blending. If your butter is too cold, the frosting may turn out lumpy. To soften it quickly, cut it into small pieces or microwave it in short bursts (5-10 seconds) until just soft, not melted. This will help you achieve that light and fluffy consistency and allow the frosting to spread smoothly over the cake.

Using real vanilla bean paste gives this frosting a rich, authentic flavor that enhances the overall taste of the cake. However, if you don’t have it, you can replace it with a good quality vanilla extract. Keep in mind that the intensity of flavor might be slightly less, so adjust according to your preference. Aim for a frosting that is thick but spreadable, and feel free to add a little more heavy cream if you need to loosen it up.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your Mini Heart Cake:

For the Cake

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

For the Frosting

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste
A pinch of salt

Make sure to have all your ingredients prepped before starting!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your cake:

Preheat the Oven

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

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Add Eggs and Vanilla

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

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, until well combined.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Make the Frosting

While the cake cools, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla bean paste, and salt until smooth and fluffy.

Frost the Cake

Once the cake is completely cool, remove it from the pan and frost the top with the vanilla bean frosting.

Serve and Enjoy

Slice, serve, and enjoy your adorable mini heart cake!

Remember, the key to a great cake is in the cooling process; let it fully cool before frosting to prevent melting!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, decorate the top with fresh berries or edible flowers.

Storage Tips

Once your mini heart cake is frosted and decorated, it can be stored at room temperature for up to three days. If your kitchen tends to be warm, consider refrigerating the cake, but be aware that cold storage might cause the frosting to firm up. If this happens, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to restore that creamy texture.

If you need to make this cake ahead of time, I recommend baking it a day or two in advance. Wrap the cooled cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator. For longer storage, you can freeze the un-frosted cake layers for up to a month. Just make sure to let them thaw completely before frosting to avoid condensation ruining the icing.

Serving Suggestions

This mini heart cake is perfect for celebrating intimate occasions such as anniversaries or small gatherings. I love to serve it alongside fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to complement its rich flavors. You can even drizzle a bit of chocolate sauce over the top for an extra indulgent touch that adds a delightful contrast to the vanilla frosting.

For an even more festive look, consider decorating your cake with edible flowers or sprinkles that match the occasion's theme. These simple additions can elevate its presentation and make it more visually appealing without overwhelming the flavors. Remember, a little creativity in how you serve can leave a lasting impression on your guests!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different flavors for the cake?

Absolutely! You can substitute vanilla with almond or lemon for a different flavor profile.

→ How can I store leftovers?

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

→ Is there a vegan option for this recipe?

Yes! You can replace eggs with flax eggs and use vegan butter for the frosting.

→ Can I make this in advance?

Yes! You can bake the cakes a day ahead and frost them just before serving.