Mini Heart Cake with Vanilla Strawberry Swirl

Name: Mini Heart Cake with Vanilla Strawberry Swirl
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 10
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Whipped cream; Additional strawberry slices

Highlighted under: Sweet Craft

I love making these Mini Heart Cakes with Vanilla Strawberry Swirl for special occasions. The adorable size makes them perfect for sharing, and the combination of rich vanilla and fresh strawberries creates a delightful flavor contrast that’s hard to resist. I also appreciate how easy they are to put together, and the vibrant colors add a cheerful touch to any celebration. Whether it’s a birthday or an anniversary, these delicate cakes are guaranteed to impress everyone at the table.

Created by

Daphne Collins

Last updated on 2026-01-14T03:49:15.355Z

When I first decided to create these Mini Heart Cakes, I wanted a recipe that would not only taste amazing but also be visually stunning. I experimented with different flavor combinations and settled on a classic vanilla cake paired with a fresh strawberry swirl. The result was even better than I had hoped. These cakes look charming and are incredibly moist, thanks to the fresh strawberries which add a natural sweetness.

An essential tip I discovered is to slightly underbake the cakes for a moist crumb. Keep an eye on them in the oven; they’re ready as soon as a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. This little trick ensures they remain soft and fluffy, perfect for a light dessert!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Adorable mini size perfect for sharing
Irresistible vanilla flavor with fresh strawberry swirls
Simple to make yet elegant for any celebration

      

Key Ingredients and Their Roles

In this Mini Heart Cake recipe, every ingredient plays a critical role in achieving the right texture and flavor. The unsalted butter provides richness and moisture, while sugar creates a balance between sweetness and the tartness of the strawberry swirl. Using fresh strawberries not only adds a natural sweetness but also contributes a vibrant color and freshness that pairs beautifully with the vanilla base.

The eggs in your batter help to create a light and fluffy texture, acting as a binder and incorporating air during mixing. For the flour, using all-purpose flour offers a perfect balance of gluten development, ensuring the cakes hold their shape while remaining tender. Lastly, remember that fresh strawberry puree is key to achieving the marbled effect; using store-bought can lead to a different texture and may lack the freshness needed for optimal flavor.

Baking Technique Tips

When baking the cakes, ensure your oven is fully preheated to 350°F (175°C) before placing them inside. This ensures even cooking, helping to create a lovely golden surface. Keep an eye on your cakes during the last few minutes of baking; they should spring back when lightly pressed and will have slightly golden edges, indicating they are done. A toothpick inserted should come out clean or with a few moist crumb clinging to it.

Cooling your cakes properly is essential to set their texture. After baking, allow them to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. This helps prevent them from breaking apart when transferring to a wire rack. If you notice any stickiness, gently run a knife around the edges before inverting them onto the rack. Once cooled completely, they will be perfect for decorating with whipped cream and strawberry slices.

Ingredients

For the Cake

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Strawberry Swirl

1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice

For Topping (optional)

Whipped cream
Additional strawberry slices

Instructions

Steps

Preheat and Prepare

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

Make Cake Batter

In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.

Prepare Strawberry Swirl

Blend fresh strawberries with sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Stir half of the strawberry puree into the cake batter, creating a marbled effect.

Bake Cakes

Pour the batter into the prepared mini heart pans, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Top with whipped cream and additional strawberry slices if desired.

Enjoy Your Mini Heart Cakes!

Pro Tips

For the best flavor, use ripe, seasonal strawberries to make the puree. You can also try adding a hint of lemon zest to the cake batter for an extra zing!

Serving Suggestions

These Mini Heart Cakes can be adorned in various ways beyond the standard whipped cream and strawberry slices. Consider drizzling a homemade strawberry glaze over the top or sprinkling edible flowers for an elegant touch. A light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving can give your cakes a beautiful finish and a touch of sweetness that enhances the strawberry flavor.

If you’re looking to elevate the experience, pair these cakes with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream. The contrasting temperatures and textures can make for a delightful dessert. Alternatively, serve them with a side of fresh fruit salad for a refreshing balance to the sweetness of the cake.

Make-Ahead and Storage

If you're planning a gathering, these Mini Heart Cakes are great candidates for make-ahead baking. You can prepare and bake the cakes a day in advance. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours. Just remember to add the whipped cream and strawberries right before serving to maintain freshness and texture.

For longer storage, freeze the cooled cakes unadorned in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before frosting. This allows you to have a delightful treat on hand whenever a special occasion or craving arises.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them before pureeing.

→ How can I store the mini heart cakes?

Store the cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I make this recipe as a larger cake?

Absolutely! Just adjust the baking time accordingly; a larger cake will take longer to bake.

→ What can I substitute for eggs?

You can replace eggs with unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed mixture; however, the texture may vary.