Mini Heart Cake with Vanilla Bean Frosting

Name: Mini Heart Cake with Vanilla Bean Frosting
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; ½ cup milk; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ½ tsp baking powder; ½ tsp baking soda; ¼ tsp salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 2 tsp vanilla bean paste; 2 tbsp heavy cream; Pinch of salt

Highlighted under: Daily Cooking

I love baking for special occasions, and this Mini Heart Cake with Vanilla Bean Frosting is one of my absolute favorites! Every time I make it, I’m amazed by how its delicate flavor and charming shape bring joy to everyone around. The creamy vanilla bean frosting perfectly complements the moist, fluffy cake layers, creating a delightful dessert that looks as good as it tastes. I often decorate it with fresh berries or edible flowers, making it an elegant treat for anniversaries or romantic dinners. You’ll be surprised at how simple it is to whip up this beauty!

Created by

Arden Whitlock

Last updated on 2026-01-05T20:45:34.385Z

When I first decided to create this Mini Heart Cake, I wanted something that would not only taste wonderful but also look stunning. I tried different combinations of flavors, but the vanilla bean really stood out to me. It adds a depth that elevates the cake to a special occasion dessert. Plus, my secret ingredient is a hint of almond extract, which enhances the overall flavor beautifully.

As I perfected the frosting, I realized that using real vanilla beans rather than extract makes all the difference. The tiny flecks of beans provide a lovely visual and an aromatic experience, making every slice a sensory delight. This cake is my go-to for birthdays and other celebrations, and I hope it becomes a favorite in your home too!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Rich vanilla flavor enhanced with premium vanilla beans
Cute heart shape for a charming presentation
Perfectly sweet and creamy frosting that complements the cake

Mastering the Cake Texture

Achieving the perfect texture for your Mini Heart Cake is all about the creaming method. When you cream butter and sugar together, aim for that light, fluffy consistency which incorporates air into the mixture. This step is crucial; it should take about 5 minutes of beating with an electric mixer on medium speed. If your mixture appears grainy or overly dense, it may not have been beaten long enough, affecting the cake's rise and moisture content.

Another key aspect to keep in mind is the mixing of the dry ingredients. Be careful not to overmix once you incorporate the flour into the wet mixture. Gently fold the ingredients together until just combined to avoid developing gluten, which could lead to a dense cake. Look for a batter that is smooth but still has a few small lumps. This ensures a light texture while baking.

Customizing Your Frosting

The vanilla bean frosting is versatile and can be easily customized to fit different tastes or dietary needs. If you prefer a lighter frosting, consider substituting half of the butter with full-fat cream cheese for a tangy twist. This change will yield a frosting that’s slightly less sweet and provides a delightful flavor contrast to the cake. Just be sure to whip the cream cheese a bit longer to achieve a creamy consistency before adding the sugar.

For an extra flavor boost, feel free to infuse your frosting with additional extracts or citrus zest. A teaspoon of almond extract or lemon zest can brighten the frosting and add a new layer of depth without overpowering the vanilla bean flavor. If your frosting is too thick after adding the sugar, a splash of milk can help achieve the desired spreadable consistency.

Ingredients

For the Cake

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
½ cup milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt

For the Vanilla Bean Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
2 tsp vanilla bean paste
2 tbsp heavy cream
Pinch of salt

Make sure to have all your ingredients at room temperature for the best results!

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your heart-shaped cake pan by greasing it well.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, combine 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. This process usually takes about 5 minutes.

Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract.

Combine Mixtures

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

Bake the Cake

Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool the Cake

Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Frosting

While the cake cools, beat the butter until creamy, then gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla bean paste, heavy cream, and salt until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Frost the Cake

Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the vanilla bean frosting generously on top and around the sides.

Serve and Enjoy

Slice, serve, and enjoy this beautiful Mini Heart Cake with your loved ones!

Feel free to add your favorite toppings like fresh berries or edible flowers for an extra special touch!

Pro Tips

For the best texture, avoid overmixing the batter once you've added the flour. This will ensure a light and airy cake.

Perfect Pairings

This Mini Heart Cake pairs beautifully with fresh fruits like strawberries and raspberries, which not only enhance its visual appeal but also add a fresh tartness that balances the sweet frosting. For serving, consider layering sliced fruits on top of the cake before adding the frosting, or using them as a garnish on each slice. A sprig of mint can also elevate the presentation, making it festive and inviting.

If you're looking for a beverage to complement this dessert, a light herbal tea or sparkling water with a splash of lemon would work wonderfully. These options won't overshadow the cake's flavors and will provide a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the frosting.

Storing and Making Ahead

To maintain the moistness of your Mini Heart Cake, store it in an airtight container at room temperature if you plan to consume it within a couple of days. If you need to store it longer, refrigerate it, but remember that stored frosting can lose some of its fluffiness. For maximum freshness, I recommend frosting the cake the day you plan to serve it, particularly if you're using delicate decorations like berries.

This recipe can easily be scaled up for larger gatherings. Simply double the ingredients and bake in a larger heart-shaped pan or multiple standard pans. Keep an eye on the baking time, as larger cakes may need an extra 5-10 minutes in the oven. Always do the toothpick test to ensure the center is fully baked before removing from the oven.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different shape pan?

Absolutely! You can use round, square, or any other shape you prefer. Just adjust the baking time accordingly.

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance and store it wrapped in plastic wrap in the fridge. Just frost it on the day you plan to serve.

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

You can use milk or a non-dairy milk alternative, but the texture may be slightly less rich.

→ How should I store leftover cake?

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving.