Mini Heart Cake with Red Velvet

Name: Mini Heart Cake with Red Velvet
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 cup vegetable oil; 1/2 cup buttermilk; 2 large eggs; 2 tbsp red food coloring; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp white vinegar; 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1-2 tbsp milk (as needed for consistency)

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I love making these adorable Mini Heart Cakes with Red Velvet because they are perfect for any celebration or just a sweet treat! The moist, buttery texture combined with the rich red color adds such a festive touch to any occasion. I've experimented with different frostings, and the cream cheese frosting complements the cake perfectly, adding a tangy sweetness that elevates the flavors. This recipe is not only fun to make but also a delight to share with loved ones.

Created by

Katherine Blake

Last updated on 2026-01-06T10:01:18.458Z

While perfecting this Mini Heart Cake recipe, I discovered that adding buttermilk really enhances the cake’s tenderness and flavor. I love how the vibrant red color creates an inviting appearance that captures attention immediately. Additionally, using a heart-shaped mold not only brings charm but also helps with even baking.

To ensure the frosting stays perfectly smooth and creamy, I always let the cream cheese and butter come to room temperature before mixing. This simple step means no lumps and a delightful spread on the cakes. It’s little details like these that make all the difference in achieving a beautiful dessert!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh orange zest
Creamy texture that melts in your mouth
Perfect for celebrations or as a sweet indulgence

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The lushness of Mini Heart Cakes with Red Velvet comes from the balance of wet and dry ingredients. The vegetable oil not only adds moisture but enhances the cake's tenderness, ensuring it remains soft and buttery. Alternatively, if you're looking for a lighter option, you could substitute the vegetable oil with applesauce at a 1:1 ratio, which will also introduce a hint of fruity flavor without compromising the cake’s texture.

Buttermilk is another essential player in this recipe. It acts as a natural tenderizer due to its acidity, which breaks down gluten and contributes to a delicate crumb structure. If buttermilk is unavailable, a quick substitute can be made by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes. This will mimic the sour, creamy texture that buttermilk provides.

Perfecting the Baking Process

When it comes to baking the cakes, proper oven temperature is crucial. Always preheat your oven for at least 15 minutes to ensure even baking. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Underbaking slightly can actually enhance the cake's moisture but be cautious not to remove it too early, as a wet center can lead to collapsing once cooled.

Cooling the cakes properly is equally important. After removing them from the oven, let them sit in the pans for about 10 minutes. This allows them to set and makes transferring to a wire rack easier without breaking. If you find the cakes are sticking, gently run a knife around the edge to loosen them before inverting on the rack.

Frosting and Decoration Tips

Cream cheese frosting is rich and tangy, which complements the sweet profile of red velvet beautifully. To achieve that perfectly smooth finish, be sure your cream cheese and butter are softened adequately; this helps them blend together seamlessly without lumps. If you find your frosting too thick, gradually mix in milk, one tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency for spreading or piping.

For a visually appealing presentation, consider adding decorative elements like sprinkles, edible glitter, or fresh fruit. You can enhance the festive touch by using heart-shaped sprinkles that match the theme of your mini cakes. If you're preparing these for a special occasion, feel free to personalize your decorations to match the event's color scheme or motif.

Ingredients

For the Cake

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 large eggs
2 tbsp red food coloring
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp white vinegar

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1-2 tbsp milk (as needed for consistency)

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.

Instructions

Prepare the Oven and Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two small heart-shaped cake pans.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, blend the oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.

Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool and Frost

Allow cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once cooled, frost with cream cheese frosting.

Decorate with sprinkles or fruit as desired.

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding vanilla extract or cocoa powder to the cake batter. Always check for doneness with a toothpick, as ovens can vary in heat distribution.

Serving and Storing

Mini Heart Cakes are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored for up to 3 days at room temperature, covered lightly to prevent drying out. If you need to store them longer, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Before serving, bring the cakes to room temperature for optimal taste and texture.

If you have leftover batter, consider baking mini cupcakes instead. Simply fill cupcake liners about two-thirds full with batter and bake for approximately 15-20 minutes. This can be a fun way to offer variety and keep guests satisfied while the heart cakes cool and set.

Making Ahead

If you're planning for an event, you can make the cakes a day in advance. Once cooled completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and keep them in the refrigerator. This not only preserves their freshness but also allows them to develop even richer flavors as they sit. Frost them on the same day as your event to maintain the creamy texture of the frosting.

To further streamline your baking process, consider preparing the frosting ahead of time as well. Store the cream cheese frosting in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just remember to give it a good stir before frosting the cakes to restore its velvety consistency. This will save you precious time on the day of your celebration.

Variations on the Classic Recipe

Feel free to switch up the flavors by adding chocolate chips or nuts to the batter for added texture and flavor nuances. Finely chopped walnuts or pecans can create a delightful crunch, while mini chocolate chips can intensify the sweetness.

For an alternative spin on frosting, you might try a vanilla buttercream or even a chocolate ganache for a decadent twist. You can prepare the chocolate ganache by melting equal parts of semisweet chocolate and heavy cream, stirring until glossy, then allowing it to cool slightly before frosting. This opens up a whole new flavor experience while keeping the heart-shaped theme intact.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cakes a day in advance and store them tightly wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature.

→ What can I substitute for buttermilk?

You can use regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar, letting it sit for a few minutes before use.

→ Can I freeze the Mini Heart Cakes?

Absolutely! Wrap the cooled cakes tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing.

→ How do I know when the cakes are done?

Insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the cakes are ready.