How do I make a heart-shaped cake without a heart pan?

If you don’t have a heart-shaped cake pan, you can create one using a round and a square cake pan. Cut the round cake in half and position each half against the square cake’s sides to form a heart shape.

How many people does an 8-inch heart cake serve?

An 8-inch heart cake typically serves 10-12 people, depending on slice size.

How much batter do I need for a heart-shaped pan?

A standard heart-shaped pan holds about the same amount of batter as an 8-inch round pan, approximately 4-5 cups.

How do you pipe hearts on a cake?

To pipe hearts, use a round piping tip. Apply steady pressure and pull downwards to create a teardrop shape. Then repeat from the other side to form a complete heart.

How do I make little hearts on a cake?

Use a toothpick to outline small hearts before piping over them. You can also use a stencil and dust powdered sugar or cocoa over it for a clean design.

How do you pipe flowers on a cake for beginners?

Start with a star piping tip and practice small swirls on parchment paper. Move in a circular motion outward from the center to create floral designs.

How to Make a Heart Cake: Step-by-Step Guide

Description

Few things express love better than a homemade heart cake. This delightful and charming cake is perfect for special occasions like Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, birthdays, or just because! Made with a moist and fluffy vanilla cake base, this heart-shaped dessert is easy to customize with different flavors and decorations. Follow this step-by-step guide to create a show-stopping cake that is not only visually stunning but also deliciously satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
3 large eggs (room temperature)
2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 cup whole milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Few drops red or pink food coloring (optional)

For the Buttercream Frosting:

1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
4 cups powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Food coloring (optional)

For Decoration (Optional):

Fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries)
Sprinkles or edible glitter
Piped buttercream rosettes
Chocolate drizzle

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Cake Pan

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a heart-shaped cake pan with butter and lightly dust with flour. If using a round and square pan to create a heart shape, grease both and line with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder.
In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Gradually mix in dry ingredients, alternating with milk, until well combined.
Stir in vanilla extract and add a few drops of food coloring if desired.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared heart-shaped pan.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Prepare the Frosting

Beat butter until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well.
Add vanilla extract and heavy cream, beating until fluffy.
If using food coloring, mix in until desired shade is achieved.

Step 5: Decorate the Cake

Spread a thin crumb coat over the cake and refrigerate for 10 minutes.
Apply a smooth layer of buttercream and decorate with piped rosettes, fresh berries, or sprinkles.
Optionally, drizzle melted chocolate over the top for an elegant finish.

Notes

If you don’t have a heart-shaped pan, bake a round and square cake, then cut the round cake in half and position the halves against the square cake to form a heart.
To make a chocolate heart cake, replace ½ cup of flour with cocoa powder.
For a red velvet heart cake, add 1 tablespoon cocoa powder and 1 teaspoon vinegar.
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Cuisine: American, Dessert

Nutrition

Serving Size: 10-12 servings
Calories: ~350
Fat: ~18g
Carbohydrates: ~45g
Protein: ~4g