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: 10 servings
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp pure vanilla extract; ½ cup milk; 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed

Highlighted under: Classic Planning

I absolutely love creating desserts that not only taste amazing but also look delightful. This Mini Heart Cake with Vanilla Strawberry Marble is a perfect example of that! With its beautiful marbled layers and sweet strawberry flavor, it's ideal for special occasions or a cozy afternoon treat. The combination of vanilla and fresh strawberries makes this cake irresistibly light and delicious. I can't wait to share this recipe with you and show you how easy it is to impress your loved ones with this adorable cake.

Created by

Jemima Fox

Last updated on 2026-01-14T02:01:34.890Z

When I first attempted this Mini Heart Cake, I was fascinated by how beautifully the colors blended together. Using fresh strawberries not only added a vibrant hue but also an authentic sweetness that you can’t replicate with artificial flavoring. I recommend using pure vanilla extract for the best flavor, as it complements the strawberries and creates a harmonious balance that will elevate your taste experience.

The marble effect might seem tricky at first, but I found that gently swirling the batters together ensures a stunning finish. It’s a fun technique that transforms a simple cake into a showstopper. Trust me, your friends and family will be amazed!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Beautiful marbled design that impresses at any gathering
Light and airy texture with a delightful strawberry flavor
Perfect size for sharing at special occasions

      

Understanding the Marbling Technique

Creating the marbled effect in the Mini Heart Cake is not just about aesthetics; it's about ensuring a harmonious blend of flavors. When spooning alternating dollops of the vanilla and strawberry batters, take care to avoid over-mixing. A gentle swirl with a knife will create that stunning marbled look while still keeping the distinct flavors intact. Aim for a balance where you can still see pockets of both mixtures; this will also ensure each slice has a delightful mix of vanilla and strawberry.

If you're new to marbling, remember that this technique can take a little practice. Don’t worry if your first attempt doesn't turn out perfectly. The key is to allow the batters to sit briefly after mixing, which helps achieve better consistency without losing the airy texture. Keep your knife movements gentle and don't go too deep; this way, you can maintain that buoyant quality in your final cake.

Choosing the Right Strawberries

The quality of strawberries plays a significant role in the flavor of your cake. Opt for ripe, sweet strawberries for the best results. If they're too sour or under-ripe, they can alter the overall taste negatively. When pureeing the strawberries, ensure you remove any green tops and check for bruises, which can affect the flavor. Fresh strawberries yield the best results, but if they're out of season, using frozen strawberries can work too—just make sure they are fully thawed and drained of excess liquid before pureeing.

Another tip is to mix a little sugar into the strawberry puree if you find the strawberries too tart. This adjustment can enhance the flavor profile, ensuring the cake remains sweet yet balanced. Remember that if you decide to use store-bought strawberry puree, always read the ingredient label to avoid unwanted additives.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to make your Mini Heart Cake:

Cake Ingredients

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
½ cup milk
1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed

Once you have all your ingredients ready, you're set to start baking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Mini Heart Cake:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch heart-shaped cake pan.

Prepare the Batter

In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well. Stir in vanilla extract. Alternate adding the dry mixture and milk to the butter mixture until well combined.

Add Strawberry Puree

Divide the batter in half. Stir the strawberry puree into one half of the batter, mixing until combined.

Marble the Batter

Spoon alternating dollops of the vanilla and strawberry batters into the prepared cake pan. Use a knife to gently swirl the batters together for a marbled effect.

Bake the Cake

Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Serve and Enjoy

Once cooled, slice the cake and enjoy the beautiful marbled layers and delicious flavors!

Enjoy your delicious Mini Heart Cake!

Pro Tips

Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for the best mixing results. Also, don't overmix the batter once you add the flour to maintain a light texture.

Baking Tips

When baking, it's crucial to monitor the cake closely as oven temperatures can vary. As a general guide, start checking for doneness around 25 minutes. Look for golden edges and a springy center. If a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, that's ideal. Overbaking can lead to a dry cake, so trust your instincts and check often during the last few minutes.

Cooling is just as important as baking. After removing the cake from the oven, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This allows the structure to set, making it easier to handle. If you try to remove the cake too soon, it may crumble. Once cooled, transfer to a wire rack, which will prevent moisture build-up from steam and keep the cake light and fluffy.

Serving Suggestions

This Mini Heart Cake is more than just a dessert; it can be a lovely centerpiece for gatherings. For added flair, consider dusting the top with powdered sugar just before serving. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a subtle sweetness. Pairing the cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream elevates the experience, introducing an additional layer of texture and flavor.

Moreover, if you want to take your cake to the next level, drizzle a homemade strawberry sauce over each slice. Simply simmer some pureed strawberries with a touch of sugar until thickened—a perfect complement to the cake! If you're preparing this dessert for a larger crowd, you might also consider doubling the recipe and making a tiered version for extra impact.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just thaw and drain them well before pureeing.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

→ Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

→ What can I serve this cake with?

This cake pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream!