Mini Heart Cake with Vanilla Strawberry Marble

Name: Mini Heart Cake with Vanilla Strawberry Marble
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 mini cakes
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup milk; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup strawberry puree (fresh or frozen); 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2-3 tablespoons milk

Highlighted under: Creative Baking Collection

I absolutely adore creating special desserts, and this Mini Heart Cake with Vanilla Strawberry Marble truly steals my heart every time I make it. The combination of luscious vanilla and sweet strawberry really brings joy to every bite, making it the perfect treat for loved ones or a romantic occasion. I love how the marbling looks so beautiful, and it’s easier than you might think—definitely a gem for any baking enthusiast. Trust me, this delightful cake will enchant both your eyes and palate!

Created by

Elspeth Murray

Last updated on 2026-01-14T03:01:35.866Z

Creating this Mini Heart Cake with Vanilla Strawberry Marble was a delightful challenge. I experimented with layering the flavors and marbling techniques to ensure each slice is a surprise. The key was to keep the batter thick enough to hold the strawberry puree, yet light and fluffy. This method worked beautifully and made the presentation stunning!

While baking, I found that letting the cakes cool a bit before removing them from the pans helped maintain their delicate structure. A quick tip: always tap the pan gently on the countertop before removing to release any air bubbles. I promise this will enhance your baking game!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Eye-catching marbled effect that impresses guests
Perfectly balanced vanilla and strawberry flavors
Ideal for small gatherings or intimate celebrations

Understanding the Ingredients

The key to achieving the perfect texture in your Mini Heart Cake lies in the balance of ingredients. All-purpose flour provides structure, while the softened butter contributes moisture and richness. When creaming the butter and sugar, aim for a light and fluffy mixture, which introduces air into the batter, creating a tender cake. The eggs not only bind the ingredients together but also add flavor and help leaven the cake, ensuring it rises beautifully.

Strawberry puree is essential for both flavor and color. It brings that stunning marble effect to life, but be cautious not to add too much; excess liquid can result in a dense cake. If fresh strawberries aren't available, frozen ones work just fine—just remember to thaw and drain any excess liquid before pureeing. This ensures that the batter retains the right consistency.

Mastering the Marbling Technique

Creating a striking marbled effect is easier than you might think! When layering the plain and strawberry batters, be generous but not excessive—about 1 tablespoon of each batter should create a beautiful effect without overpowering the design. After pouring the batters into the pan, a simple swirl with a toothpick is all it takes to achieve that intricate marbling. Remember, a few gentle swirls are preferable to excessive mixing; otherwise, you may lose that lovely contrast between the flavors.

To prevent the batter from settling too much, try to work quickly after preparing it. If left to sit too long before baking, the leavening agents may lose their effectiveness. Once in the oven, keep an eye on them in the last few minutes of baking to achieve a golden top, checking for doneness with a toothpick—only moist crumbs should cling, not wet batter.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients for the cake:

Cake Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup strawberry puree (fresh or frozen)

Frosting Ingredients

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

Once you have all your ingredients, we can move on to the preparation.

Instructions

Here’s how to make your Mini Heart Cake:

Prepare the Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the milk and vanilla extract.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.

Add Strawberry Puree

Divide the batter into two bowls. Mix half with the strawberry puree, making sure it’s smooth. Keep the other half plain.

Marble the Batter

Grease your mini heart-shaped pans. Add spoonfuls of plain and strawberry batter alternately to each pan. Use a toothpick to swirl the batters together for a marbled effect.

Bake

Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Prepare the Frosting

In a bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy, then mix in powdered sugar, vanilla, and enough milk to reach your desired consistency.

Frost the Cakes

Once the cakes are completely cool, frost with the vanilla buttercream and decorate as desired.

Now your delicious Mini Heart Cakes are ready to be served!

Pro Tips

For a more intense strawberry flavor, consider adding a bit of strawberry extract to the batter or frosting. Additionally, placing the cakes in the refrigerator for an hour can enhance the texture of the frosting.

Frosting Tips and Variations

For the frosting, achieving the perfect consistency is key. If your frosting is too thick, add milk a teaspoon at a time until it reaches a spreadable texture. For an extra touch, mix in some finely chopped fresh strawberries or use a few drops of food coloring to enhance the pink hue. Alternatively, a cream cheese frosting can be a delightful switch, adding tanginess that complements the sweet cake beautifully.

When frosting your cooled cakes, use a spatula or a piping bag to create decorative swirls or rosettes. This not only adds to the visual appeal but also allows you to control the amount of frosting on each piece. If you're feeling adventurous, sprinkle some crushed freeze-dried strawberries on top for a crunchy texture that enhances the strawberry flavor.

Storage and Make-Ahead Suggestions

These mini heart cakes can be made ahead of time and stored for future delight! Simply cool them completely, then wrap each cake individually in plastic wrap to maintain freshness. They can last up to 3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator. If you want to extend their life even further, these cakes freeze beautifully. Just be sure to wrap them tightly and use an airtight container; they can be frozen for up to three months.

When you're ready to enjoy your frozen cakes, remove them from the freezer and allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Frosting them before freezing is up to you—if you prefer the frosting fresh, just wait until they've thawed before decorating. This mini heart cake can also be a base for various toppings, like whipped cream or fresh fruit, making it a versatile dessert option for any occasion.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this using a standard cake pan?

Yes, you can! Just adjust the baking time accordingly, as a larger cake will require more time to bake.

→ How can I make the strawberry puree?

Simply blend fresh strawberries in a blender or food processor until smooth. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, you can add a little sugar to taste.

→ Is it possible to use frozen strawberries?

Absolutely! Just thaw them first and drain excess liquid before pureeing.

→ Can I prepare the cake batter in advance?

It’s best to bake the batter immediately for the best texture, but you can refrigerate it for a few hours if necessary.