Heart Cake
Heart Cake : A Romantic, Fluffy, and Stunning Dessert for Every Sweet Occasion
There’s no sweeter way to say “I love you” than with a homemade heart cake. Whether for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, birthdays, or just to surprise someone special, this cake is the ultimate edible gesture of love, and it’s as delicious as it is beautiful.
At Tasty Plated, Chef Rachael shows how to make a heart cake that’s bakery-beautiful but totally doable at home. With soft layers, fluffy frosting, and endless decorating options, this cake makes love feel, and taste, unforgettable.
• Why Heart Cakes Are a Celebration Essential
Beyond the shape, heart cakes symbolize care, celebration, and creativity. They work beautifully for romantic occasions, but also for birthdays, bridal showers, and girls’ nights in.
Here’s why they’re so beloved:
Eye-catching shape without special pans
Customizable flavors and colors
Perfect for decorating with sprinkles, berries, or piping
Great for gifting or serving at parties
Endlessly Instagram-able
• Chef Rachael’s Heart Cake Method
Chef Rachael at Tasty Plated has mastered the romantic bake. Her heart cake technique uses two round cake layers and a square cake to form the iconic shape, no specialty pan required.
Chef Rachael’s Key Tips
Use a mix of round + square pans to cut your heart shape
Chill layers before cutting for clean edges
Use a serrated knife and a light touch
Crumb coat first, then frost clean for smoother edges
Decorate with piped borders, strawberries, sprinkles, or candy
You can flavor it any way you like, vanilla, strawberry, chocolate, or red velvet are top choices for this style.
• Tasty Plated’s Step-by-Step Heart Cake Recipe
This version makes one 8-10 slice heart cake using standard pans.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
1 box vanilla, strawberry, or red velvet cake mix
Ingredients required on box (eggs, oil, milk/water)
Optional: 1 tsp vanilla or almond extract for extra flavor
For the Frosting:
1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
3 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2-3 tbsp milk or cream
Pink or red food coloring (optional)
Optional Decorations:
Strawberries or raspberries
Sprinkles or candy hearts
Piped buttercream rosettes
Edible glitter or gold leaf
Instructions
Bake one 8-inch round cake and one 8-inch square cake. Let cool completely.
Chill the layers for 30 minutes for easier cutting.
Cut the round cake in half to form the top curves of the heart.
Rotate the square cake 45° (diamond shape) and place halves on the top two sides to form the heart.
Trim edges as needed to round out the heart shape.
Make frosting: Beat butter until creamy. Add sugar, vanilla, and milk. Tint with coloring if desired.
Crumb coat the cake, chill for 15 minutes, then frost smoothly.
Decorate as desired and serve chilled or room temp.
• Flavor & Frosting Customization Table
| Cake Flavor | Frosting Pairing | Decorating Style | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red velvet | Cream cheese or vanilla | Simple white + roses | Valentine’s Day |
| Strawberry | Vanilla buttercream | Pink piped swirls + berries | Birthdays, brunches |
| Chocolate | Raspberry or chocolate fudge | Ganache drizzle + sprinkles | Anniversaries, adults’ events |
| Lemon or almond | Whipped frosting | Fresh fruit, gold flakes | Elegant parties, showers |
• Serving Ideas & Presentation Tips
Once your heart cake is built and frosted, the fun part begins: decorating and presenting it beautifully.
Chef Rachael’s ideas for a picture-perfect finish:
Use a cake board or white ceramic platter for contrast
Pipe buttercream rosettes along the edges or corners
Top with fresh strawberries dipped in chocolate
Sprinkle edible glitter or gold dust for a glam finish
Place a handwritten message in frosting or edible letters
Gift tip, chill before wrapping or transporting, this keeps the shape neat and frosting firm.
• Storage, Make-Ahead & Freezer Tips
| Storage Method | How Long It Lasts | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Room temp (unfrosted) | 1 day | Wrap tightly in plastic wrap |
| Fridge (frosted) | 3-4 days | Store in airtight container |
| Freezer (cake layers) | 1 month | Freeze separately before assembling |
| Freezer (fully frosted) | 2-3 weeks | Freeze uncovered to set, then wrap in foil |
• FAQs About Heart Cake
1. Do I need a heart-shaped cake pan?
No, you can create the shape with one square and one round cake. Chef Rachael’s method explains how.
2. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free cake mix or your favorite scratch recipe.
3. What’s the best frosting to use?
Buttercream holds shape well and is easy to tint and pipe. Whipped cream is great for lighter cakes.
4. Can I decorate it ahead of time?
Yes! Decorate and chill up to 24 hours before serving.
• Conclusion
Heart cake is more than a dessert, it’s a statement of love, celebration, and creativity. Whether you’re baking for Valentine’s Day, a bridal shower, or just someone special, this cake delivers the message beautifully.
With Chef Rachael’s no-stress method at Tasty Plated, you don’t need fancy tools, just a little time, some frosting, and a lot of love.
For more romantic recipes and cake ideas, visit tastyplated.com and bake from the heart every time.