A Beautifully Nostalgic Vintage Heart Cake
Prep Time: 20 minutes, Cook Time: 35 minutes, Total Time: 55 minutes, Servings: 12
The inspiration for this Vintage Heart Cake came from my love for classic, nostalgic desserts—the kind that feel special no matter the occasion. I wanted something that captured the elegance of old-fashioned heart cakes, the ones adorned with swirls of pink frosting, delicate piping, and a cherry on top. There’s something about a heart-shaped cake that instantly makes it feel like a celebration, whether it’s for a birthday, anniversary, or just because.
This cake is soft, fluffy, and infused with a subtle hint of lemon and vanilla, making each bite as light and delicate as it looks. The creamy pink-hued cream cheese frosting is both sweet and tangy, perfectly complementing the cake’s tender crumb. The final touch? A few maraschino cherries placed just right to give it that signature vintage aesthetic.
What I love most about this cake is how simple yet stunning it is. Whether you’re making it for Valentine’s Day, a bridal shower, or a nostalgic birthday party, this pink heart cake never fails to impress. And the best part? It’s completely customizable—go all-in with retro-style piping, keep it simple with a smooth buttercream finish, or add your own twist with extra sprinkles or edible pearls.
So, if you’re looking to bake something timeless, elegant, and delicious, this Vintage Heart Cake is the perfect choice. It’s more than just a dessert—it’s a sweet reminder of the joy that comes with sharing something beautiful and homemade.
Ingredients
Exact ingredient measurements are listed below in the recipe card!
For the Cake:
Flour – Use all-purpose flour for a classic texture, or swap with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option. Both work beautifully.
Salt & Baking Powder – Essential for a light, fluffy cake with just the right amount of rise.
Eggs – Bring them to room temperature for a smooth batter and a perfectly soft cake texture.
Granulated Sugar – Adds just the right sweetness while keeping the cake moist and tender.
Vanilla & Lemon Extract – The combination of warm vanilla and zesty lemon gives this cake a light, refreshing flavor. Want a vanilla-only cake? Simply omit the lemon extract and zest.
Milk – Use whole milk or your favorite non-dairy option for a tender crumb and rich flavor.
Lemon Zest – Brings a subtle citrus brightness that pairs beautifully with the vanilla. Skip this for a more traditional vanilla cake.
Unsalted Butter & Oil – The butter adds richness and flavor, while the oil keeps the cake moist and soft.
For the Frosting:
Cream Cheese & Butter – A classic duo for a rich, smooth, and slightly tangy frosting that pairs perfectly with the soft cake.
Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the frosting without making it too heavy.
Vanilla Extract & Salt – Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Pink Food Coloring – Adds that iconic vintage pink hue. Adjust for a soft pastel look or a bold, vibrant pink.
For the Garnish:
Maraschino Cherries – A must-have for that classic vintage cake look!
How to Make a Vintage Heart Cake
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan and an 8-inch square cake pan—these two shapes will be used to create the heart!
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. In a separate large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract, lemon extract, and lemon zest, mixing until combined.
Heat the milk, butter, and oil in a small saucepan over low heat until the butter melts. Gradually add this warm mixture to the batter, stirring continuously. Slowly fold in the dry ingredients until the batter is smooth.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between the round and square cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Make the Frosting
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and softened butter until smooth and fluffy. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, mixing until fully combined. Stir in a few drops of pink food coloring until you achieve your desired shade.
Step 5: Assemble the Heart Shape
Place the square cake on a serving platter in a diamond shape (one corner pointing up). Cut the round cake in half and position the two halves on the top sides of the square to form a heart shape.
Step 6: Frost and Decorate
Spread a thin layer of frosting over the entire cake for a crumb coat, then refrigerate for 15 minutes to set. Apply a thicker layer of frosting, smoothing it out with an offset spatula. Use a piping bag to add swirls and vintage-style details, then place maraschino cherries on top for the final touch.
And just like that, your Vintage Heart Cake is ready to impress!
Tips for the Perfect Vintage Heart Cake
Use Room Temperature Ingredients for a Fluffier Cake
Bringing your eggs, butter, and cream cheese to room temperature helps them mix more smoothly, creating a lighter, airier cake and a silky frosting.
Don’t Skip the Lemon Zest
Even if you’re not making a lemon cake, a little lemon zest enhances the vanilla flavor, giving the cake a subtle brightness that keeps it from feeling too heavy. If you prefer a classic vanilla heart cake, simply omit it!
The Secret to a Super Moist Cake
Using both butter and oil gives you the best of both worlds—butter for rich flavor and oil for a soft, moist texture that lasts for days.
How to Get the Perfect Heart Shape
No heart-shaped pan? No problem! Bake the batter in a 9-inch round cake pan and an 8-inch square cake pan, then cut the round cake in half and place each half on the upper sides of the square to form a heart.
Chill the Cake Before Frosting
A quick 15-20 minutes in the fridge helps prevent crumbs from mixing into your frosting, making it easier to spread smoothly.
Go Big with the Vintage Piping
Use a star-tip piping bag to create elegant, old-fashioned swirls around the edges. Want even more vintage charm? Add pearls, sprinkles, or a few maraschino cherries for that perfect retro touch.
Follow these tips, and your Vintage Heart Cake will turn out picture-perfect and absolutely delicious every time!
Perfect Pairings & When to Serve
When to Serve This Vintage Heart Cake
This Vintage Heart Cake is perfect for any occasion where you want something elegant, nostalgic, and full of charm. Whether you’re celebrating love, friendship, or just a love for baking, this cake always feels special.
- Valentine’s Day – A pink heart cake is the ultimate romantic dessert for celebrating love.
- Birthdays & Anniversaries – The heart shape makes it extra meaningful for these celebrations.
- Bridal Showers & Tea Parties – With its delicate frosting and soft pastel colors, it’s perfect for elegant gatherings.
- Mother’s Day – A homemade heart cake is a sweet and thoughtful way to show appreciation.
- Just Because – Sometimes, you don’t need a reason to bake something beautiful!
What to Serve with Vintage Heart Cake
Pair this cake with light and refreshing flavors to complement its creamy frosting and soft crumb.
A Cup of Tea or Coffee – Serve with Earl Grey, chamomile, or a vanilla latte for a cozy, elegant pairing.
Fresh Berries – A side of strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries adds a fresh, slightly tart contrast to the sweet frosting.
Vanilla or Strawberry Ice Cream – A scoop of creamy ice cream makes every bite even more indulgent.
Sparkling Rosé or Lemonade – For a fun twist, pair with a light, bubbly drink that enhances the cake’s delicate flavors.
No matter when or how you serve it, this Vintage Heart Cake is a dessert that turns any moment into something truly special!
If you love the charm of this Vintage Heart Cake but want a low-carb alternative, check out our Low-Carb Heart Cake Recipe! It’s made with almond flour, sugar-free sweeteners, and a creamy keto-friendly frosting, so you can enjoy all the nostalgia without the extra carbs. Perfect for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or any special occasion!
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much frosting do I need for a Vintage Heart Cake?
For a beautifully frosted Vintage Heart Cake, you’ll need about 4 cups of frosting. This amount is perfect for covering the cake, creating a smooth base, and piping decorative vintage-style swirls. If you love extra frosting for bold details, consider making an additional ½ cup to ensure you have enough for intricate piping.
How do you make a heart design on a cake?
If you don’t have a heart-shaped cake pan, no worries! Bake your batter in a 9-inch round cake pan and an 8-inch square cake pan. Once cooled, cut the round cake in half and place each half against the upper sides of the square cake to form a perfect heart shape. Then, frost and decorate as desired! For an extra decorative touch, use a piping bag with a star tip to add swirls, pearls, or lace-like borders.
What are vintage-style cakes called?
Vintage-style cakes are often referred to as Lambeth cakes or retro piped cakes. These cakes are known for their ornate piping, intricate swirls, delicate ruffles, and pastel colors, often inspired by 1950s and 1960s baking styles. They bring a touch of elegance and nostalgia to any celebration.
What is a Vintage Heart Cake?
A Vintage Heart Cake is a romantic, old-fashioned heart-shaped cake, typically decorated with pastel pink frosting, delicate piping, and classic embellishments like cherries, pearls, or intricate borders. It’s inspired by retro bakery designs from the mid-century, making it a popular choice for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, anniversaries, and special celebrations. The cake itself is usually soft and fluffy, with flavors like vanilla, lemon, or almond, and finished with a luscious cream cheese or buttercream frosting.
Want to create your own Vintage Heart Cake? Follow this guide and make a stunning, nostalgic dessert that’s as delicious as it is beautiful!
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Vintage Heart Cake
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Vintage Heart Cake is a beautifully nostalgic dessert featuring a soft, fluffy vanilla-lemon cake, topped with creamy pink-hued cream cheese frosting and decorated with classic retro piping and maraschino cherries. Inspired by 1950s bakery cakes, this heart-shaped beauty is perfect for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, anniversaries, or any celebration that calls for a little old-fashioned charm. Whether you’re making a heart birthday cake or a romantic pink heart cake, this recipe guarantees both elegance and deliciousness!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour (or gluten-free alternative)
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
4 large eggs (room temperature)
1 3/4 cups (350g) granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoons lemon extract (or more vanilla)
1 cup (240ml) milk of choice
2 tablespoons lemon zest (omit for vanilla cake)
1/4 cup (56g) unsalted butter, cut into pats
1/3 cup (67g) canola or vegetable oil
For the Frosting:
2 ½ (8-ounce) packages (563g) full-fat cream cheese (room temperature)
1 cup + 2 tablespoons (252g) unsalted butter (very soft but not melted)
3 cups + 2 tablespoons (375g) powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Pink food coloring
For Garnish:
Maraschino cherries
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan and an 8-inch square cake pan. These will be used to form the heart shape. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder, then set aside. In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract, lemon extract, and lemon zest, blending until smooth.
In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the milk, butter, and oil until the butter fully melts. Gradually pour this warm mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to combine. Slowly fold in the dry ingredients, mixing just until incorporated—be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the cake’s texture. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
While the cakes cool, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and softened butter until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, then continue mixing until fully combined. Stir in a few drops of pink food coloring, adjusting the shade to your preference.
To assemble the heart shape, place the square cake on a serving platter in a diamond position (one corner pointing up). Slice the round cake in half, then position each half on the upper sides of the square to form a heart. If needed, trim the cakes slightly for a smoother shape.
Spread a thin crumb coat of frosting over the entire cake, then refrigerate for 15 minutes to set. Once firm, apply a thicker layer of frosting, smoothing it out with an offset spatula. Use a piping bag with a star tip to create elegant vintage-style swirls along the edges. For the final touch, garnish with maraschino cherries to achieve that classic retro look.
Notes
- For a vanilla-only cake, omit the lemon zest and substitute the lemon extract with more vanilla.
- Chill the frosting before piping for cleaner, more defined swirls.
- Use a serrated knife to trim the cakes if needed for an even heart shape.
- For an extra vintage look, add decorative pearls, sprinkles, or edible glitter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Churn Freezing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scoop (~½ cup)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Easy Lemon Cheesecake Ice Cream, lemon cheesecake bar ice cream, Lemon Cheesecake Ice Cream, no-churn lemon ice cream, homemade cheesecake ice cream, easy lemon ice cream recipe, creamy lemon dessert
This Vintage Heart Cake is the perfect blend of nostalgic charm and delicious flavor. With its soft, fluffy texture, creamy pink frosting, and elegant heart shape, it’s guaranteed to impress at any celebration. Whether you’re making a romantic Valentine’s Day cake, a heart birthday cake, or just want to bake something beautiful, this recipe is a timeless classic that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
Try it today and tag @boldbiteshub on social media to share your masterpiece!
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