Mini Heart Cake with Vanilla Strawberry Marble

Name: Mini Heart Cake with Vanilla Strawberry Marble
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 mini cakes
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup milk; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 cup strawberries, pureed; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2-3 tbsp milk

Highlighted under: Soft Kitchen

I absolutely adore this Mini Heart Cake with Vanilla Strawberry Marble! The combination of vanilla and fresh strawberries creates a delightful blend of flavors that is perfect for special occasions. Making this cake is a joy, as the marble effect gives it a beautiful presentation while being surprisingly easy to do. Plus, each bite is a perfect mix of fluffy cake and fruity deliciousness. Whether you're celebrating a birthday or just want to treat yourself, this cake will surely bring smiles and satisfaction all around!

Created by

Leonie Fairchild

Last updated on 2026-01-14T03:14:37.203Z

When I first attempted this Mini Heart Cake, I was pleasantly surprised at how straightforward the process was. I learned that creating the marble effect requires just a little patience when swirling the batters together, but the results are stunning. Using fresh strawberries makes a significant difference, as their natural sweetness shines through in every bite.

I also discovered that letting the cakes cool completely before frosting is crucial. It prevents the frosting from melting and ensures clean, beautiful layers. Each slice reveals the charming marbled pattern I absolutely love to share with friends!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Beautiful marbled design that’s perfect for special occasions
Light and fluffy texture with a delicious fruity flavor
A fun and creative baking project for all skill levels

Perfecting the Marble Technique

Achieving a beautiful marble effect can seem challenging, but it’s surprisingly simple! When alternating spoonfuls of the vanilla and strawberry batters, the key is to avoid over-mixing. Gently swirl the two batters with a skewer or knife just a few times to create a distinct marbled look. You want to maintain pockets of each flavor to ensure that, when baked, both the vanilla and strawberry elements are present in each slice.

If you find that your batters are of different thicknesses, it can be helpful to balance them out for even baking. If the strawberry batter is thinner due to the puree, consider adding a tablespoon or so of flour to it. This will help ensure the cake rises evenly, giving both the vanilla and strawberry batters a similar texture and weight.

Frosting Fundamentals

The frosting on your Mini Heart Cakes is crucial for both flavor and presentation. To ensure a smooth and creamy consistency, it's important to use room temperature butter. Cold butter can lead to a lumpy frosting, making it difficult to spread. By beating the butter first until it's airy, you create a base that will hold the powdered sugar and milk, ensuring each bite is creamy and satisfying.

For added flavor variations, consider infusing the frosting with a touch of strawberry puree, matching the cake's flavor profile. If you prefer a lighter frosting, you can use whipped cream instead. It’s reminiscent of whipped buttercream but offers a fluffier texture, perfect for complementing the fruity notes of the cake.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

If you're planning to make the Mini Heart Cakes ahead of time, they store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you prefer to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them for up to a week, simply wrapping each cake in plastic wrap to prevent drying out. For a special touch, you can freeze the frosted cakes for up to a month; just ensure they are well-covered to avoid freezer burn.

These cakes are visually stunning, which makes them perfect for serving at parties or as a gift. Consider adding fresh strawberry slices or edible flowers on top for an extra touch of elegance. A light drizzle of strawberry reduction or a sprinkle of powdered sugar can also enhance presentation and flavor, making them a delightful centerpiece for any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Cake Batter

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

For the Frosting

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2-3 tbsp milk

Make sure to gather all ingredients before you start!

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your mini heart cake pans.

Prepare the Batter

In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the milk and vanilla.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

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

Create the Marble Effect

Divide the batter into two bowls. Mix the pureed strawberries into one bowl. In the mini cake pans, alternate spoonfuls of the vanilla and strawberry batters, swirling gently for a marbled effect.

Bake the Cakes

Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks.

Make the Frosting

Beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until creamy and smooth. Adjust consistency with more milk if needed.

Frost the Cakes

Once the cakes are completely cool, spread the frosting generously on each mini heart cake. Add decorative elements if desired.

Enjoy your beautiful Mini Heart Cake!

Pro Tips

For a more pronounced strawberry flavor, consider adding some chopped strawberries to the batter as well.

Ingredient Keys

The use of fresh strawberries not only provides flavor but also moisture, contributing to the cake’s fluffy texture. When pureeing, make sure to strain out any seeds if you prefer a smoother consistency. Alternatively, you can use high-quality strawberry preserves as a time-saving substitution. This can enrich the strawberry flavor without the added work of fresh prep.

In addition, don’t underestimate the role of the baking powder in this recipe. It’s what helps your cake rise and become light and airy, contrasting beautifully with the rich strawberry flavor. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, experiment with an all-purpose gluten-free flour blend, which can often be substituted at a 1:1 ratio without affecting the overall outcome too significantly.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your cakes come out overly dense or flat, it could be due to overmixing the batter. Once you combine the dry ingredients with the wet, stir just until no flour streaks remain. Additionally, check your baking powder's freshness; if it's expired, it won’t provide the necessary lift.

Another common issue is the frosting being either too runny or too stiff. If it’s too runny, adding a little more powdered sugar can help to thicken it up without compromising flavor. If it’s too stiff, a small amount of milk (one teaspoon at a time) can help achieve the desired spreadable consistency.

Scaling the Recipe

This Mini Heart Cake recipe is easy to scale up for larger gatherings. Simply double or triple all ingredients, and you can use standard round cake pans or a larger heart-shaped pan. Adjust the baking time accordingly; larger cakes may require an additional 5-10 minutes. Remember to check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center and ensuring it comes out clean.

Scaling down is just as simple! If you want to make a smaller batch or experiment, consider halving the recipe and using a smaller muffin tin. Each mini cake will bake in about 15-20 minutes, perfect for testing or enjoying a smaller dessert without the commitment of a full-sized cake.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure they're thawed and well-drained to avoid excess moisture.

→ How long can I store these cakes?

These cakes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make this as a single larger cake?

Yes, you can use a regular cake pan and adjust the baking time accordingly, checking for doneness with a toothpick.

→ What can I substitute for butter in the frosting?

You can use a dairy-free butter substitute or margarine for a dairy-free version of the frosting.