Description
This Valentine’s Day, surprise your loved one with a delightful Heart-Shaped Cake featuring a moist vanilla sponge baked to perfection and topped with a luscious whipped cream frosting sweetened with powdered sugar. Perfectly portioned for 12 slices, this charming cake is ideal for celebrations and romantic occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk
Frosting Ingredients
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two heart-shaped cake pans thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter until fluffy and smooth. Gradually add the granulated sugar while continuing to mix until the mixture is light and airy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, ensuring each is incorporated fully before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternately add the dry ingredient mixture and milk into the wet mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the cake.
- Fill Pans and Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared heart-shaped pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Frost: Allow the cakes to cool completely on wire racks. Meanwhile, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Once cooled, frost the cakes with the whipped cream frosting, spreading evenly over the tops and sides.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming.
- Do not overmix the batter to maintain a tender crumb.
- Use fresh eggs and baking powder for best rising results.
- The whipped cream frosting is best applied to completely cooled cakes to prevent melting.
- For decorating, consider adding fresh strawberries or sprinkles for an extra festive touch.
