Mini Heart Cake with Red Velvet

Name: Mini Heart Cake with Red Velvet
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 mini cakes
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup cocoa powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 1/2 cup buttermilk; 1 egg; 1 tablespoon red food coloring; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar; 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup butter, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love making this Mini Heart Cake with Red Velvet for special occasions! The rich flavor of red velvet cake combined with a luscious cream cheese frosting creates a delightful treat that everyone adores. Baking these mini cakes allows for personalized servings that are perfect for sharing with loved ones or celebrating a romantic moment. Not only does the shape add a charming touch, but the vibrant red color also makes these cakes visually stunning on any dessert table. Let's dive into this delightful recipe!

Created by

Brianna Tate

Last updated on 2026-01-06T00:19:17.250Z

Baking this Mini Heart Cake with Red Velvet has become my go-to for celebrating love. I remember the first time I made it; I was surprised at how easily the bright red batter came together. To ensure perfect layers, I always recommend using quality cocoa powder and buttermilk, which add depth and moisture to the cake.

One key tip is to avoid overmixing the batter. Gentle folding helps achieve that perfect rise and tender crumb. The cream cheese frosting complements the cake beautifully, providing just the right sweetness to balance the rich cocoa flavor. It’s a dessert that truly impresses!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Decadent red velvet flavor paired with creamy frosting
Adorable heart shape that’s perfect for celebrations
Easy to make and share with loved ones

      

Understanding Red Velvet Cake

Red velvet cake is not just visually appealing; it has a uniquely rich flavor profile that brings together the slight bitterness of cocoa with the depth of buttermilk. The key to achieving that perfect texture lies in the balance of ingredients. For this recipe, using buttermilk helps to tenderize the cake while adding a faint tanginess that complements the sweetness. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a dense cake. Stir just until ingredients are incorporated for a lighter, fluffier outcome.

The addition of vinegar reacts with the baking soda, creating a lightness to the cake while enhancing color and flavor. If you don't have vinegar handy, you can substitute it with lemon juice, which will work similarly. Additionally, a quality cocoa powder can significantly influence the cake's flavor; opt for unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa for a smoother taste or regular cocoa for traditional red velvet.

Perfecting Your Cream Cheese Frosting

Cream cheese frosting is the ideal companion to red velvet cake, providing a tangy richness that balances the sweet cake perfectly. To ensure your frosting is dreamy and smooth, make sure both your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature. This will facilitate better incorporation and prevent lumps. I recommend beating them together until light and fluffy before gradually adding the powdered sugar, as it creates a glossy finish that’s easy to spread.

If you're looking to customize your frosting, consider folding in a little heavy cream for a lighter texture. This can make it easier to pipe decorations, especially if you wish to create beautiful rosettes or other designs. Also, feel free to experiment with flavors by adding a splash of almond extract or lemon zest to enhance the frosting’s taste—these subtle additions can elevate the overall dessert experience!

Tips for Assembly and Serving

When assembling your mini heart cakes, ensure that your layers are completely cool to avoid melting the frosting. If you’ve baked the cakes ahead of time, you can wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to two days. This helps to seal in moisture and enhances the flavors over time. Before frosting, consider placing the cakes in the freezer for about 20 minutes; this helps the layers firm up, making assembly easier and cleaner.

For serving, these mini heart cakes make an excellent gift when packaged beautifully. Consider using a clear cellophane wrap or a decorative box, and tie it with a ribbon for a personal touch. You could also garnish with fresh berries or edible flowers to create a stunning presentation that highlights the vibrant red of the cake. Remember, a little creativity in presentation can turn a simple cake into a standout piece for any occasion!

Ingredients

For the Cake

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 egg
1 tablespoon red food coloring
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon white vinegar

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your heart-shaped cake pan. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together oil, buttermilk, egg, food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar until well-mixed.

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Bake the Cakes

Pour the batter into the heart-shaped cake pan and bake for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy and fluffy.

Assemble the Cakes

Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate and spread a generous layer of frosting on top. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake. Decorate as desired.

Pro Tips

Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing. If you prefer a less sweet frosting, reduce the amount of sugar to taste.

Make-Ahead Options

If you’re preparing for an event, you can bake the red velvet layers up to a day in advance. Once cooled, wrap the layers separately in cling film and store them in the refrigerator. This not only saves you time but allows the flavors to develop deeper. Just make sure to frost them shortly before serving to maintain the cake's aesthetic appeal and texture.

The cream cheese frosting can also be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just remember to whip it back to a smooth consistency before using it. This step ensures that your frosting remains fluffy and easy to spread, making cake assembly a breeze, even on a busy day.

Dietary Swaps

If you’re looking to make this mini heart cake gluten-free, you can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum, as this helps mimic the texture of traditional flour. Be mindful when choosing cocoa powder as well; always check that it’s gluten-free if that’s a concern.

For a dairy-free version, use almond milk or another dairy alternative in place of buttermilk, and substitute vegan cream cheese and butter in the frosting. Each of these swaps can create delicious results without sacrificing the cake’s moistness and flavor, allowing everyone to enjoy this lovely dessert!

Variations to Try

If you want to experiment with different flavors, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake batter. This addition gives a warm spice note that contrasts beautifully with the cream cheese frosting. You can also swirl in some raspberry or cherry jam between the layers for a fruity twist and added moisture.

Feel free to adjust the size of the heart cakes too. Use a larger heart-shaped pan to create a single cake, or even make cupcakes using the same batter, adjusting the bake time to around 15–18 minutes. Each version can bring a new style to your celebrations, catering to different crowd preferences while maintaining that delightful red velvet flavor everyone loves.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes! The cakes can be baked a day ahead and stored in an airtight container. Frost just before serving.

→ Can I substitute the buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk, you can use milk mixed with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice.

→ How do I store leftover cake?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Is it possible to freeze this cake?

Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cakes for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil.