Mini Heart Cake with Red Velvet

Name: Mini Heart Cake with Red Velvet
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 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon cocoa powder; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 1/2 cup buttermilk, room temperature; 1 large egg, room temperature; 1 tablespoon red food coloring; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon white vinegar; 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; A pinch of salt

Highlighted under: Basic Cooking

I love creating desserts that feel special, and this Mini Heart Cake with Red Velvet certainly fits the bill! The moist, velvety texture of the cake paired with the rich cream cheese frosting makes it not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. I found that the heart shape adds an irresistible charm, making it the perfect dessert for celebrations or a cozy night in. This cake is remarkably simple to make, yet the delightful flavors will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Created by

Flora Kensington

Last updated on 2026-01-12T04:33:34.982Z

When I first tried making a red velvet cake in a heart shape, I was excited about how the vibrant color could bring joy to any occasion. The recipe I used required buttermilk, which I found made the cake incredibly moist and delicious. My friends were immediately drawn to the cake's striking color and beautiful shape, and they loved it just as much as I did!

To add a personal touch, I decided to decorate the cake with simple piped cream cheese frosting. I quickly learned that using a piping bag and a star tip not only made it look professional but also added a whimsical element to the dessert. The beginning of my baking adventure with this heart-shaped treat has led to many requests from loved ones for their own special occasions.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Decadent red velvet flavor with a creamy frosting
Eye-catching heart shape for romantic occasions
Easily customizable for different celebrations

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The key to achieving the moist and velvety texture of this Mini Heart Cake lies in the balance of ingredients. All-purpose flour provides structure, while granulated sugar ensures the cake is sweet and tender. Buttermilk, with its acidity, reacts with the baking soda to create a light and airy crumb. For best results, ensure that your buttermilk is at room temperature to prevent the batter from cooling down too much during mixing, which could affect the rise of the cake.

Red food coloring is a defining feature of red velvet cake, providing not just color but also a hint of added moisture. If you're looking for a more natural alternative, consider using beet juice, which will impart a subtle earthy sweetness alongside the vibrant color. However, be cautious as this may alter the taste slightly, so adjust the sugar content if needed to maintain sweetness.

Mastering the Baking Process

When baking the cake, it's crucial not to overmix the batter after combining the wet and dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of a light, fluffy one. Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated, making sure there are no visible lumps. A rubber spatula can be useful for this, as it gently folds the batter without overworking it.

Keep an eye on the baking time, since ovens may vary. Start checking for doneness a few minutes before the suggested time by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. Be careful not to overbake, as this will result in a dry cake. Allow it to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Ingredients

For the Cake

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup buttermilk, room temperature
1 large egg, room temperature
1 tablespoon red food coloring
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon white vinegar

For the Frosting

1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of salt

Instructions

Instructions

Making the Cake

Preheat the Oven

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

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder until combined.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix the vegetable oil, buttermilk, egg, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar until smooth.

Combine and Bake

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until no lumps remain. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Prepare the Frosting

While the cake is cooling, whip together the cream cheese and butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, mixing until smooth.

Frost the Cake

Once the cake is completely cooled, remove it from the pan and frost the top as desired. Serve and enjoy!

Enjoy Your Cake!

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor boost, consider adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter before baking.

Frosting Tips

For the frosting, achieving the perfect consistency is vital. Start by ensuring both the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature, as this will allow them to emulsify smoothly without lumps. When mixing the ingredients, begin on a low speed to prevent powdered sugar from dusting the kitchen, gradually increasing to medium speed until the mixture is creamy and fluffy, which should take about 2–3 minutes.

If the frosting is too thick, you can add a teaspoon of milk or cream to loosen it. Conversely, if it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar until you reach your desired spreadable consistency. This frosting can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a week; just be sure to whip it again before using to restore its fluffiness.

Scaling and Serving Suggestions

If you want to make a larger version of this cake for a bigger crowd, simply double the recipe and bake in a larger heart-shaped cake pan or two round pans. Adjust the baking time accordingly and check for doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center. Consider layering the cake with frosting in between for an even more decadent treat, which enhances both the flavor and visual appeal.

For serving, this Mini Heart Cake pairs beautifully with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, adding a refreshing balance to the rich cake. Drizzling a bit of chocolate or raspberry sauce over the top can also amplify its charm for special occasions, making it not only a delight to eat but also a stunning centerpiece on any dessert table.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the cake a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

→ Can I use a different type of frosting?

Absolutely! Cream cheese frosting goes well, but you can also use whipped cream or buttercream.

→ Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?

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

→ What can I serve with this cake?

This cake pairs beautifully with fresh fruits like strawberries or raspberries for added flavor.