Description
Create a simple, festive heart-shaped cake using basic round and square pans for a lovely Valentine’s Day or birthday dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 box red velvet or chocolate cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup salted butter softened at room temperature
- 6 ounces cream cheese softened at room temperature
- 2–3 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- red food coloring gel
- Valentine’s Day sprinkles optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 6-inch or 8-inch round cake pan and a 6-inch or 8-inch square cake pan with non-stick spray. Line the bottoms with parchment paper.
- Combine the cake mix, water, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl. Blend at medium speed for 30 seconds. Scrape the bowl sides and beat again until combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the round and square baking pans. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the centers comes out clean. Cool the cakes completely.
- Make the frosting by beating the butter until smooth in a medium bowl. Add the cream cheese and beat until combined.
- Add 2 cups of powdered sugar, milk, and a few drops of red food coloring. Beat until a pale pink color appears. Add more powdered sugar to thicken or more milk to thin the frosting to a smooth, fluffy consistency.
- Cut the domed tops off of both cakes with a serrated knife. Cut the round cake in half.
- Place the square cake top down as a diamond on a serving plate. Place the two half circles of cake face down on either side of the square cake to form a heart shape.
- Spread an even layer of frosting over the top and sides of the cake to create the crumb coating using an offset spatula. Scrape the frosting evenly along the sides. Chill the cake for 30 minutes.
- Apply another even layer of frosting to the cake after chilling. Scrape the sides evenly and use the offset spatula for a smooth top.
- Add more red food coloring to the remaining frosting to make a different shade of pink and transfer it to a piping bag fitted with a star tip.
- Pipe a border of pink frosting around the edges of the heart. Decorate the cake with heart sprinkles, serve, and enjoy.
Notes
- Use a sharp, serrated knife to level the cake tops for easier assembly.
- Chilling the cake after the crumb coat helps the final frosting layer look smooth.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 30 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 55g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: cake pop heart designs, heart cake, red velvet cake, cream cheese frosting, Valentine's cake, birthday cake, easy cake decorating