Classic Heart Cake Recipe

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Classic heart-shaped cake with pink and red buttercream frosting on a white plate
classic heart cake decorated with swirled pink and red buttercream — perfect for gifting or celebrating love

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Serves: 8–10 slices
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keywords: heart cake, valentine cake, red velvet cake, romantic dessert

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
  • 2 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp white vinegar
  • Red food coloring (gel or liquid)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2–3 cups (240–360g) powdered sugar (to taste)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line one 8″ square pan and one 8″ round pan.
  2. Make the cake batter:
    • In a bowl, cream butter and sugar.
    • Add eggs one at a time, beating well.
    • In a separate bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, and baking soda.
    • Slowly add dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk.
    • Stir in vanilla, food coloring, and vinegar.
  3. Bake:
    • Divide batter evenly between the round and square pans.
    • Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
    • Cool completely before assembling.
  4. Make the heart shape:
    • Cut the round cake in half.
    • Place the square cake like a diamond (point down).
    • Place each round half on the top sides to form a heart.
    • Trim and shape if needed.
  5. Make the frosting:
    • Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
    • Add powdered sugar gradually.
    • Mix in vanilla until light and fluffy.
  6. Frost and decorate:
    • Cover the cake with a crumb coat and chill for 15 minutes.
    • Add a final frosting layer. Decorate with red crumbs, sprinkles, or berries!

Tips:

  • For an extra romantic look, tint the frosting light pink.
  • Add raspberry jam between layers for fruity flavor.
  • Use a piping bag with star tip for vintage borders.

“Want more celebration cake ideas? Check out our Valentine’s Day Cake Ideas post for romantic inspiration.” https://puredeliciousrecipes.com/heart-cake-recipes/

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