Mini Heart Cake with Vanilla Strawberry Swirl

Name: Mini Heart Cake with Vanilla Strawberry Swirl
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; ½ cup milk; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 2 tsp baking powder; ¼ tsp salt; 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed; 2 tbsp sugar (adjust to taste); 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; ½ cup powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely adore making mini heart cakes, especially when they are swirled with a delightful vanilla and strawberry mixture. This recipe is not only easy but also gives a beautiful presentation perfect for any occasion. The combination of fresh strawberries and creamy frosting makes every bite a tantalizing experience. I love to surprise my friends and family with these vibrant cakes on special occasions, and they never fail to impress. Join me in creating this delicious treat that will melt your heart and satisfy your sweet tooth!

Created by

Talia Preston

Last updated on 2026-01-14T01:37:12.990Z

Making this Mini Heart Cake with Vanilla Strawberry Swirl was such a delightful experience! I wanted to create something special for a friend's birthday, and this recipe seemed perfect. The key to a beautifully swirled cake is to ensure that the strawberry puree is not overly runny; this way, it creates those lovely ribbons without blending into the vanilla base.

While preparing the cake, I discovered that using fresh strawberries instead of frozen ones really elevates the flavor. The natural sweetness and slight tartness of fresh strawberries paired with the creamy vanilla frosting gives this cake a unique taste that everyone raved about. I can’t wait to make it again!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Adorable mini heart shape that’s perfect for gifting
Delightful contrast of creamy vanilla and fresh strawberry flavors
Light and fluffy texture that leaves you wanting more

      

Understanding the Flavors

The delightful contrast between the creamy vanilla frosting and the fresh strawberry swirl is truly what makes these mini heart cakes so special. Using fresh strawberries elevates the flavor profile and provides a vibrant color that is visually appealing. When selecting strawberries, opt for those that are firm and bright red, as they will have the best flavor. Avoid overly soft or dull-colored berries, as they may not provide the same sweetness or texture in your swirl.

In this recipe, the vanilla extract in the cake and frosting plays a critical role in enhancing the overall taste. Make sure to use pure vanilla extract instead of imitation, as it offers a more robust flavor. If you're looking to customize the flavor further, consider adding a hint of almond extract to the batter, which complements the strawberries beautifully and adds a unique twist to the cake.

Perfecting the Baking Technique

A crucial step in achieving moist and fluffy mini heart cakes is to not overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added. Mix just until combined — this ensures the cakes rise properly by avoiding gluten development that can lead to a dense texture. When you see a few small lumps in the batter, it's okay to stop mixing! Remember, it's the light incorporation of air that gives those cakes their delightful fluffiness.

For the best results, properly preheating your oven is essential. An oven thermometer can help ensure your oven is at the right temperature, as inaccurate heat settings can lead to underbaked or burnt cakes. Bake these mini cakes until they are lightly golden on the edges, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. This visual cue will let you know that they are perfectly baked.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to make your mini heart cakes:

For the Cake

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

For the Strawberry Swirl

1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed
2 tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
1 tbsp lemon juice

For the Frosting

1 cup heavy whipping cream
½ cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let's move on to the exciting part - baking!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your beautiful Mini Heart Cake:

Prepare the Strawberry Swirl

In a small bowl, combine fresh strawberry puree, sugar, and lemon juice. Mix well and set aside.

Make 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, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.

Sift in the flour, baking powder, and salt, and blend until just combined.

Create the Swirl

Pour half of the cake batter into a greased mini heart-shaped cake pan. Gently pour half of the strawberry mixture over the batter. Use a toothpick to swirl it lightly.

Repeat with the remaining batter and strawberry mixture.

Bake the Cakes

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow them to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Prepare the Frosting

Whip the heavy cream in a mixing bowl until soft peaks form. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract while continuing to whip until stiff peaks form.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are cooled, frost each mini heart cake with the whipped cream frosting, and garnish with additional fresh strawberries on top.

Enjoy your adorable Mini Heart Cakes and share them with loved ones!

Pro Tips

To enhance the flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of almond extract to the batter for a nutty twist. For a more vibrant strawberry swirl, mash some additional strawberries and fold them into the frosting before icing the cakes.

Storage Tips

These mini heart cakes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, which helps to maintain their freshness and texture. If you want to freeze them, wrap each cooled cake individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to two months. To enjoy, simply thaw the cakes in the refrigerator overnight before frosting and serving.

If you find that your cakes are a bit dry after refrigeration or freezing, try lightly brushing them with a simple syrup made from equal parts sugar and water before frosting. This will add moisture back into the cakes and enhance their flavor.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate presentation, consider serving these mini heart cakes on a platter garnished with fresh mint leaves, which adds a pop of color and a refreshing aroma. You can also drizzle some extra strawberry puree around the base of each cake for a beautiful presentation that will impress your guests.

For a variation, try adding a layer of fresh sliced strawberries on top of the frosting before serving. This not only enhances the look but also adds an extra burst of berry flavor with each bite, highlighting the strawberry swirl in the cake.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid excess moisture.

→ How can I store these mini cakes?

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

→ Can I make the cake batter ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter in advance and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking.

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

You can use whipped coconut cream as a dairy-free substitute for a similar consistency.