Mini Heart Cake with Lemon Frosting

Name: Mini Heart Cake with Lemon Frosting
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 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 tablespoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 cup powdered sugar; ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 1 tablespoon milk (as needed)

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I adore making these Mini Heart Cakes, especially when I want to surprise someone special. The combination of soft cake and velvety lemon frosting is simply irresistible. Each bite balances the sweetness of the cake with the zesty brightness of lemon, making it a delightful treat for any occasion. I remember the first time I made these; the beaming smiles from my loved ones filled me with joy, and now they request them for every celebration. Trust me, once you start, you won't be able to stop at just one!

Created by

Talia Preston

Last updated on 2026-01-13T03:49:10.460Z

I absolutely love how easy and fun it is to make these heart-shaped cakes. The cake batter comes together really quickly, and if you have a heart-shaped pan, it makes it all the more special for celebrations like Valentine's Day or anniversaries. The key is to let the cakes cool completely before frosting them to ensure that the lemon frosting stays perfectly creamy and doesn’t melt.

Another tip I learned is to zest the lemons before juicing them. This allows you to infuse the cake with a rich lemon flavor that pulls everything together beautifully. The frosting is truly a star here—fluffy and refreshing, it provides the perfect finishing touch. You’ll be amazed at how much joy these little cakes can bring!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Delicate heart shape that adds a personal touch
Fresh lemon flavor that brightens up any celebration
Fluffy texture that makes each slice pure joy

      

Baking the Perfect Mini Heart Cakes

When baking mini heart cakes, maintaining an even oven temperature is essential to achieving a uniform rise. If you notice that your cakes tend to dome in the middle, consider rotating the pans halfway through the baking time. This small adjustment can help ensure even heat distribution, leading to perfectly flat tops for easier layering and frosting.

Another tip is to check for doneness earlier than the prescribed time. Ovens can vary, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If it comes out with wet batter, give it an extra few minutes but keep a close eye to prevent overbaking, which could lead to dry cakes.

Perfecting Your Lemon Frosting

The key to a smooth lemon frosting lies in properly creaming your butter and powdered sugar. Make sure your butter is at room temperature to mix in seamlessly, creating a fluffy texture. Beat the mixture on medium speed until it appears light and fluffy, typically taking about 3-5 minutes. This aeration is crucial for a delightful mouthfeel.

For a more intense lemon flavor, feel free to adjust the lemon juice and zest to your taste. However, make sure to balance the addition of liquid with more powdered sugar to prevent the frosting from becoming too runny. If it does become too wet, add additional sugar gradually until you reach your desired consistency.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Mini Heart Cake with Lemon Frosting

Cake Ingredients

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

Lemon Frosting Ingredients

1 cup powdered sugar
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon milk (as needed)

These ingredients will create a moist and flavorful cake topped with a refreshing lemon frosting, perfect for any occasion!

Instructions

How to Make Mini Heart Cake with Lemon Frosting

Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Stir in the milk and vanilla extract. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.

Bake the Cakes

Pour the batter into greased heart-shaped cake pans, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Lemon Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth. Add lemon juice and lemon zest, mixing until well blended. If necessary, add a tablespoon of milk for a smoother consistency.

Frost and Serve

Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a generous layer of lemon frosting on top of one cake layer, then place the second cake on top. Frost the top and sides of the assembled cake. Decorate with additional lemon zest if desired, slice, and enjoy!

Enjoy your adorable Mini Heart Cake with Lemon Frosting, which is sure to impress your loved ones!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding a few drops of lemon extract to the cake batter. This will enhance the lemony taste and make it even more special.

Variations and Flavor Enhancements

While lemon is a stunning choice for frosting, you can easily customize the flavor by substituting the lemon juice and zest with other citrus fruits like lime or orange. The process remains the same, but each fruit will offer its unique twist, making the mini heart cakes adaptable to different tastes and occasions.

You can also experiment by adding a hint of vanilla extract or almond extract to the frosting for a more complex flavor profile. Start with a half teaspoon, and adjust based on personal preference. This could elevate the overall taste, making these heart cakes even more special for your loved ones.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

If you want to prepare your mini heart cakes in advance, they can be baked and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Just be sure to wait until they are completely cooled before sealing to prevent sogginess.

To freeze, wrap the cooled cakes tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to use them, let them thaw at room temperature for several hours before frosting. This ensures the texture remains light and fluffy, perfect for decorating and enjoying.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other flavors instead of lemon?

Absolutely! You can substitute lemon with orange or lime for a different citrus flavor.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! The cakes can be baked a day in advance. Just frost them right before serving.

→ Can I freeze the Mini Heart Cakes?

Yes! Wrap the unfrosted cakes tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and frost when ready to serve.