Name: Heart Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Cake; 200 g (1 ½ cups) all-purpose flour; 150 g (¾ cup) granulated sugar; 1 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; 3 eggs; 120 ml (½ cup) milk; 100 g (½ cup) unsalted butter, melted; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Optional Frosting; 150 g (¾ cup) cream cheese; 50 g (¼ cup) powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract

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A Delicious and Easy Dessert

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Cost per Serving: Affordable
Calories per Serving: Approximately 250 kcal

Some cakes are fancy and complicated, but I like to keep things simple. This heart-shaped cake is soft, buttery, and just the right amount of sweet. I use basic ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, and the batter comes together in minutes. You can enjoy it as is or dress it up with a light vanilla frosting. It bakes up golden and fluffy, perfect for birthdays, Valentine’s Day, or just because. Serve it with fresh berries or a scoop of ice cream for an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert!

Why You’ll Love This Heart Cake Recipe

A slice of heart-shaped vanilla cake with raspberry filling and pink frosting on a decorative plate. — This soft and fluffy vanilla cake is layered with fresh raspberry filling and a smooth buttercream frosting.

This cake is one of those desserts that feels effortlessly special. I wanted something that was soft, buttery, and perfectly sweet—without being overly rich or complicated. The result? A golden, tender cake that’s just as good plain as it is dressed up with frosting or fresh fruit.

What makes this cake a favorite is its versatility. You can keep it simple with a light dusting of powdered sugar, or go all out with a creamy frosting. Want to add a twist? Stir in some citrus zest, a splash of almond extract, or even a handful of chocolate chips.

But the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make. No fancy techniques, no long list of ingredients—just a reliable, foolproof recipe that always turns out soft and delicious. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving something sweet, this cake is the kind you’ll keep coming back to.

Ingredients you will need

The exact ingredient amounts are listed below in the recipe card!

Flour: All-purpose flour gives this cake a soft, tender crumb. If you prefer a slightly denser texture, you can swap in a little cake flour.

Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the cake just right. If you like a deeper flavor, try using light brown sugar for a hint of caramel notes.

Baking Powder: This helps the cake rise and stay light. Make sure yours is fresh for the best results.

Eggs: They add structure and richness. Room-temperature eggs mix more smoothly into the batter, so take them out of the fridge a little early.

Milk: Regular whole milk makes the cake moist and soft, but you can use 2% if that’s what you have.

Butter: Melted unsalted butter brings a rich, buttery flavor. If you only have salted butter, just skip the added salt in the recipe.

Vanilla Extract: A little goes a long way to add warmth and sweetness. Use pure vanilla extract if you can for the best taste.

Frosting (Optional): A simple mix of cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla makes a smooth and creamy topping.

How to make this Heart Cake Recipe

A beautifully decorated heart-shaped cake with pink raspberry frosting, topped with fresh raspberries and strawberries. — This heart-shaped cake is frosted with a creamy raspberry buttercream and topped with fresh berries for the perfect romantic dessert.

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Set your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a heart-shaped cake pan with butter or nonstick spray. If you’re using a metal pan, a light dusting of flour can help prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This step helps evenly distribute the baking powder so your cake rises properly.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.

Step 4: Make the Batter

Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients, stirring gently as you go. Mix just until everything is combined—overmixing can make the cake dense instead of light and fluffy.

Step 5: Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth out the top with a spatula. Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Frost

Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. If you’re adding frosting, mix the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth, then spread it evenly over the cooled cake.

Now it’s ready to serve! Slice and enjoy on its own or with fresh berries and a scoop of ice cream.

A heart-shaped cake with a smooth pink buttercream frosting layer, ready for decorating. — The heart cake after its first coat of frosting, creating the perfect base for piping and decorations.

A heart-shaped cake being decorated with pink and white frosting using a piping bag. — Adding the final decorative touches with piped pink buttercream for an elegant heart cake.

Tips for the Perfect Heart Cake Recipe

This cake came to life when I wanted something homemade and simple—no complicated layers, no fussy decorations, just a soft, buttery cake with a beautiful golden crust. I wanted a dessert that felt special but didn’t take hours to make. The result? A heart-shaped cake that’s light, tender, and full of flavor, perfect for any occasion.

What I love most about this recipe is how forgiving it is. You don’t need to be an expert baker to get great results, and there’s plenty of room to make it your own. Want to add a citrusy twist? Stir in some lemon zest. Craving chocolate? A handful of chocolate chips will do the trick. And if you prefer a more rustic look, just dust it with powdered sugar instead of frosting—it’s just as delicious.

A few simple tricks make all the difference. First, don’t overmix the batter—stirring too much can make the cake dense instead of soft and fluffy. Also, keep an eye on the oven. Every oven runs a little differently, so start checking for doneness around 20 minutes. And if you’re planning to frost it, be patient and let the cake cool completely. Frosting a warm cake might seem tempting, but trust me, it’ll turn into a melty mess.

This cake has quickly become my go-to for birthdays, holidays, and even those “just because” moments when I want something sweet with my coffee. It’s simple, classic, and always a crowd-pleaser. I hope you love it as much as I do!

Perfect Pairing & When to Serve

This cake started as a simple idea—I wanted something soft, buttery, and just sweet enough to enjoy on its own, but also versatile enough to pair with different flavors. It’s the kind of cake that works for any mood or occasion.

This cake pairs wonderfully with a refreshing drink. A chilled glass of this Pineapple Mocktail adds a fruity, tropical twist to your dessert moment.

If you love a classic touch, a dusting of powdered sugar is all you need. Feeling indulgent? A layer of cream cheese frosting or a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce takes it to another level. Fresh berries bring a bright, tangy contrast, while a scoop of vanilla ice cream melts perfectly into every bite.

Want a treat the whole family can enjoy? Serve this cake with one of these nutritious and delicious Toddler Smoothie Recipes for a fun and balanced snack!

As for when to serve it, the real question is—when not to? It’s a natural fit for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or anniversaries, but it’s just as good for a weekend treat or a cozy afternoon with coffee. It’s simple enough for last-minute baking but special enough to feel like a real celebration. No matter how or when you serve it, this cake always delivers.

Looking for the perfect cozy drink to enjoy with this cake? Try this rich and creamy Oreo Hot Chocolate—it’s the ultimate indulgent pairing!

FAQ

Can I use a different pan shape?

Absolutely! A heart-shaped pan makes this cake perfect for special occasions, but if you don’t have one, don’t worry. A round 8-inch or 9-inch cake pan works just as well. If you’re using a loaf pan, keep in mind that the baking time may be slightly longer—just check for doneness with a toothpick.

How do I store this cake?

Once the cake has completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep it longer, store it in the fridge for up to five days. Just let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the cake a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature. If you’re adding frosting, wait until just before serving to keep it fresh. You can also freeze the cake (without frosting) for up to a month—just wrap it well and thaw overnight in the fridge.

Can I add flavors or mix-ins?

Of course! This cake is a great base for different flavors. Stir in a bit of lemon zest for a citrusy twist, swap vanilla for almond extract, or fold in chocolate chips if you’re feeling indulgent. If you’re adding fruit, go for small berries or finely diced pieces to keep the texture light and even.

What if I don’t have baking powder?

Baking powder helps the cake rise and stay fluffy, but if you’re out, you can make a quick substitute. Mix ½ teaspoon of baking soda with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar for every teaspoon of baking powder needed. The acidity will activate the baking soda and help the cake rise beautifully.

Useful kitchen tools that can help you make this Heart Cake Recipe effortlessly:

Heart-Shaped Cake Pan – Perfect for baking a beautifully shaped cake without the need for carving. Check it out on Amazon.
Electric Hand Mixer – Makes mixing your batter smooth and easy, ensuring a light and fluffy texture. Find it on Amazon.

There are so many ways to make a heart-shaped cake, but I love this version for its soft, buttery texture and just-right sweetness. It’s simple, bakes up beautifully golden, and works for any occasion—whether you’re celebrating something special or just craving a homemade treat. You can keep it classic with a dusting of powdered sugar, add a layer of creamy frosting, or get creative with berries and chocolate drizzle.

Now it’s your turn! Bake this cake, make it your own, and share your results. Tag @boldbiteshub on social media so we can see your creations. Can’t wait to hear how you like it!

Heart Cake Recipe