A pink heart shaped cake is perfect for special moments like Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or birthdays. It’s easy to make, looks beautiful, and tastes amazing with fresh strawberries and creamy frosting. Let’s start baking and make something your loved ones will enjoy!

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Why We Love This Heart Shaped Cake

Visually Stunning: The heart shape is perfect for celebrations of love.
Bursting with Flavor: Fresh strawberries add a natural sweetness.
Easy to Make: No special pans are required—just some creative cutting.

Expert Tips for a Perfect Heart Shaped Cake

Parchment Paper is Key: Prevents sticking and makes it easier to remove the cakes from the pans.
Chill Before Frosting: A chilled cake reduces crumbs and makes frosting smoother.
Sharp Knife for Shaping: Use a serrated knife for precision when cutting the cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the Batter: Leads to a dense cake. Mix just until combined.
Skipping the Parchment Paper: Increases the risk of cakes sticking to the pans.
Rushing the Cooling Process: Frosting a warm cake can lead to a melted mess.

Variations to Try

Chocolate Heart Cake: Swap strawberry gelatin for cocoa powder and add chocolate chips.
Lemon Heart Cake: Replace strawberry gelatin with lemon-flavored gelatin and add lemon zest.

Vegan Adaptations For Heart Shaped Cake

Use Plant-Based Butter and Cream Cheese

To make your heart shaped cake vegan-friendly, you can easily replace the dairy butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives. Look for vegan butter made from oils like coconut, olive, or sunflower, ensuring it’s unsalted to match the flavor profile of the cake. For the frosting, opt for vegan cream cheese made from ingredients like almonds, cashews, or soy. These swaps will keep the heart shaped cake‘s rich, creamy texture intact while making it suitable for a vegan diet.

Replace Eggs with Flaxseed Eggs

Instead of using chicken eggs, you can make flaxseed eggs, which are a popular egg substitute in vegan baking. To make one flaxseed egg, combine 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseeds with 3 tablespoons of water. Allow the mixture to rest for about 5 minutes until it thickens into a gel-like texture. This flaxseed egg will help bind the ingredients together, ensuring your heart-shaped cake stays light, fluffy, and delicious, just like the original version.

Choose almond or oat milk as a substitute for whole milk.

To replace whole milk in your heart shaped cake, consider using plant-based options like almond milk or oat milk. These non-dairy milks have a mild flavor that won’t overpower the cake’s taste. Almond milk adds a subtle nuttiness, while oat milk contributes a creamy texture that closely mimics dairy milk. Both options work perfectly in this heart shaped cake recipe, ensuring it’s vegan-friendly without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Serving Suggestions for Heart Shaped Cake

Garnish with Fresh Strawberries:

For an elegant touch, garnish your heart shaped cake with fresh strawberries. This not only enhances its appearance but also highlights the fruity flavor of the cake. You can arrange the strawberries creatively on top or around the edges, depending on your preference. Whole strawberries, halved pieces, or thinly sliced strawberries can be used to create a beautiful pattern. This simple but effective garnish elevates the heart shaped cake, making it even more visually stunning while tying in the delicious strawberry flavor.

Pair with Vanilla Ice Cream or Whipped Cream:

To make your heart haped cake even more indulgent, serve it with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The contrast between the cool, smooth ice cream and the moist, rich cake makes for a delightful dessert experience. Alternatively, whipped cream adds a light, airy sweetness that perfectly balances the richness of the frosting. Whether you choose ice cream or whipped cream, both options enhance the heart shaped cake, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion.

How to Store Your Heart Shaped Cake

Refrigerator Storage:

Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator to help maintain its freshness. This helps protect the cake from absorbing odors or drying out. The cake will stay moist and flavorful for up to five days when stored this way. Be sure to refrigerate it if the frosting contains cream cheese or fresh fruit, as these ingredients are perishable and need to stay cold.

Freezer Storage:

For longer storage, you can freeze the cake. First, cut the cake into slices for easy portioning. Then, wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap to lock in moisture. After wrapping, cover the slices in aluminum foil or place them in a freezer-safe zip-top bag to prevent freezer burn. You can store the cake in the freezer for as long as three months.

When you’re ready to enjoy the cake, move the slices to the refrigerator the night before to thaw. This slow thawing process helps retain the cake’s texture and flavor. Once thawed, let the slices sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving for the best taste.

These steps ensure your heart shaped cake stays delicious, whether you’re saving leftovers or preparing ahead for a special event.

FAQ About heart shaped cake

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, frozen strawberries can be a good substitute for fresh ones in this recipe. However, they tend to hold extra moisture after being thawed. To avoid making your cake batter too watery, ensure you thaw the strawberries fully and then drain the excess liquid before using them. This step helps maintain the right consistency for the batter, ensuring the cake bakes evenly and doesn’t turn out soggy

Do I need a heart shaped pan for this recipe?

No, you don’t need a special heart-shaped pan! The recipe is designed to be versatile and accessible. You can achieve the heart shape using a standard square pan and a round pan. Once the cakes are baked, you’ll cut the round cake in half and arrange the halves along the top edges of the square cake, creating a heart shape. This method is cost-effective and lets you make a unique cake without investing in extra baking tools.

How can I make the frosting less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet frosting, there are simple adjustments you can make. First, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar in the recipe. Start by adding a little less than called for, then taste and adjust gradually until you achieve the desired sweetness. Alternatively, you can add a small pinch of salt to the frosting. Salt helps balance flavors and can tone down the sweetness without changing the texture of the frosting. Both options ensure the frosting complements the cake without being overly sugar

Bake Your Perfect Heart Shaped Cake Today!

Make a pink heart shaped cake and share a sweet moment with your loved ones. With fresh strawberries, soft cake layers, and creamy frosting, this dessert is both tasty and beautiful.

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Equipment

Small mixing bowl
Spoon or whisk
Measuring cups and spoons

Pink heart shaped cake Recipe

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 30

Total Time 50

Ingredients

For the Cake:

1 pint fresh strawberries: Washed hulled, and quartered for a naturally sweet flavor.
1/2 cup 1 stick unsalted butter: Softened for easy mixing.
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Adds the perfect level of sweetness.
3 large eggs: Helps bind the batter and create a fluffy texture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the strawberry flavor.
2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of your cake.
1 3-ounce box of strawberry-flavored gelatin: Adds vibrant color and extra strawberry flavor.
1 tablespoon baking powder: Ensures your cake rises beautifully.
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the sweetness.
1 cup whole milk: Creates a moist and tender crumb.

For the Frosting:

1/2 cup unsalted butter: Softened to make a creamy base.
1 8-ounce cream cheese: Brings a tangy richness to the frosting.
1 tablespoon reserved strawberry-flavored gelatin: Adds a touch of color and flavor.
2 cups powdered sugar: For a smooth sweet finish.
Fresh strawberries: Optional for garnish.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Cake Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line the bottom of an 8-inch round cake pan and an 8-inch square cake pan with parchment paper.
Lightly grease and flour both pans to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mash the Strawberries

Wash, hull, and quarter the strawberries.
Mash them with the back of a fork in a shallow bowl until juicy. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and all but 1 tablespoon of the strawberry-flavored gelatin.
Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the batter, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
Fold in the mashed strawberries and their juices for a burst of flavor.

Step 4: Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cakes cool in their pans for 20 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Shape the Cake

Cut the round cake in half.
Position the square cake on a serving platter so it looks like a diamond.
Place the halves of the round cake along the top sides of the diamond to form a heart shape.

Step 6: Frost the Cake

Beat the butter and cream cheese in a mixing bowl until smooth.
Add the reserved gelatin and powdered sugar, mixing on low until combined.
Increase the speed to medium-high and beat until fluffy.
Spread the frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake.

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