Mini Heart Cake with Strawberry Jam Center

Name: Mini Heart Cake with Strawberry Jam Center
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 cakes
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 cup milk; 1/2 cup strawberry jam; Powdered sugar for dusting; Fresh strawberries for garnish

Highlighted under: Soft Kitchen

I love baking, and there's something incredibly joyful about creating sweet treats like these Mini Heart Cakes with Strawberry Jam Centers. When I first tried this recipe, I was delighted by how the soft, fluffy cake perfectly complemented the sweet and tangy strawberry jam. Using heart-shaped molds adds a touch of whimsy, making them perfect for special occasions or just to brighten up a regular day. I believe these tiny cakes encapsulate the essence of love and homemade goodness in every bite.

Created by

Leonie Fairchild

Last updated on 2026-01-06T11:09:34.756Z

When I decided to create Mini Heart Cakes, I wanted to make something that was not only delicious but also visually appealing. The delicate balance of flavors between the light sponge cake and the strawberry jam came together beautifully. In my experiments, I discovered that using fresh jam enhances the flavor, making the cakes more vibrant and enjoyable.

One of my favorite tips is to slightly chill the strawberry jam before filling the cakes; it helps maintain its shape and adds an extra coolness to each bite. This small step made a huge difference in presentation and taste, ensuring every bite is a delight!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Sweet and tangy strawberry jam surprise in every bite
Perfectly fluffy heart-shaped cakes for any occasion
Easy to make and decorate, impress your loved ones

The Heart of the Cake Batter

When preparing the cake batter for these Mini Heart Cakes, it's important to cream the butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step not only incorporates air but also helps to achieve that perfect texture in the cakes. If you accidentally over-mix, your cakes can turn out dense, so mix just until combined after adding the dry ingredients. A stand mixer with a paddle attachment works great for this task, but a hand mixer will also do the job well.

The versatility of this basic cake batter allows for various flavor twists. For instance, consider incorporating citrus zest, like lemon or orange, for added brightness that complements the strawberry jam filling beautifully. Alternatively, you could use almond extract instead of vanilla for a nutty flavor. Just keep the quantities proportionate to maintain balance in the batter.

Filling Techniques for Strawberry Jam Surprise

When adding the strawberry jam filling, precision makes a difference in the final presentation. Cutting a small hole in the center of one of the cakes is essential, as this will create the pocket for the jam. Use a sharp knife or a small round cutter to create a clean cut without damaging the edges. Avoid making the hole too large, as it might cause the cake to tear or the jam to overflow when topped.

For a twist on flavor, feel free to mix the strawberry jam with a touch of cream cheese for a richer filling or add a splash of lemon juice to heighten the tartness. If fresh strawberries are in season, consider slicing them and incorporating them with the jam for a fresher taste and added texture.

Decoration and Serving Suggestions

Dusting the cakes with powdered sugar is a quick and elegant way to enhance their appearance, but presentation is key! Use a fine mesh sieve to create an even layer of sugar. You can also decorate the top with fresh strawberries, arranged in a fan shape or simply halved, which enhances the visual appeal while complementing the flavors within. This small detail can turn your heart cakes into a delightful centerpiece.

These Mini Heart Cakes can also be paired with whipped cream or ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience. If you're looking to make them ahead, they store well in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two. For longer storage, you could freeze the unfilled cakes, simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and then foil. When ready to serve, thaw and fill them as directed!

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients to get started on these delightful Mini Heart Cakes.

Cake Batter

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

Filling

1/2 cup strawberry jam

Decoration

Powdered sugar for dusting
Fresh strawberries for garnish

Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results.

Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the steps.

Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your heart-shaped cake pans with butter or cooking spray.

Mix Batter

In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk until just combined.

Fill Pans

Pour the batter into the prepared pans, filling them about 2/3 full. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Cool and Fill

Let the cakes cool in the pans for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once cooled, cut a small hole in the center of one cake and fill it with the strawberry jam, then place the second cake on top.

Decorate

Dust the top with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh strawberries before serving.

Enjoy your lovely Mini Heart Cakes with family and friends!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of almond extract to the batter. Also, using homemade jam will elevate the taste significantly!

Ingredient Insights

The choice of butter is crucial in this recipe. Unsalted butter creates a more balanced flavor, allowing you to control the sweet and salty elements in your cakes. If you're concerned about the amount of butter, you can substitute half of it with applesauce or Greek yogurt for a lower-fat variation, though this may slightly alter the texture.

Using whole milk instead of low-fat milk will enhance the richness of the cakes, giving them a better crumb texture. If you need a dairy-free option, almond milk or soy milk can work as substitutes but keep in mind this might affect the flavor slightly.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your cakes come out flat, check the baking powder’s freshness; it should be replaced every 6 months for peak effectiveness. Additionally, be cautious not to skip the steps of creaming the butter and sugar thoroughly, as this is key in building the cake's structure.

If you notice that your cakes have domed tops, this is often a result of baking at too high of a temperature. Make sure your oven is calibrated correctly; an oven thermometer can be a useful tool. For even baking, rotating the pans halfway through the baking process can also help.

Scaling the Recipe

If you're hosting a gathering and want to serve more guests, this recipe can easily be scaled up. Simply double the ingredients and use larger cake pans or additional heart-shaped pans. Adjust baking time accordingly, as larger pans may require a longer bake time to ensure even cooking.

For a layered heart cake, consider baking the cakes in different heart shapes and stacking them with layers of jam between each tier. This not only looks impressive but also allows for a delightful jam surprise in each slice!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of jam?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with raspberry, blueberry, or any of your favorite jams.

→ Can I make these cakes in advance?

Yes, you can make the cakes a day ahead and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Just add the filling and toppings before serving.

→ What can I substitute for milk?

You can use almond milk, soy milk, or any non-dairy milk alternative to keep it dairy-free.

→ Are these cakes suitable for freezing?

Yes, you can freeze the baked and cooled cakes. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap.