Mini Heart Cake with Berry Glaze

Name: Mini Heart Cake with Berry Glaze
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries); 1/4 cup sugar; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons water

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely adore creating desserts that not only taste delicious but also look stunning. This Mini Heart Cake with Berry Glaze is perfect for special occasions or simply to brighten up a day. With its tender crumb and vibrant fruity topping, this cake has quickly become a favorite in my kitchen. The berry glaze adds a pop of color and flavor, making it a delightful treat. Join me in whipping up this charming cake that’s sure to impress anyone who sees it!

Created by

Olivia Barrett

Last updated on 2026-01-13T05:13:13.874Z

When I first decided to make a heart-shaped cake, I wanted something that would be easy to share and perfect for any celebration. The idea of mini cakes appealed to me, as I could make individual portions without compromising on flavor. I opted for a light vanilla cake and paired it with a fresh berry glaze that just brings everything together beautifully.

This cake shines in its simplicity. The sweet-tart glaze adds a beautiful shimmer that catches the eye. Using fresh berries not only elevates the taste but also enhances the presentation, making it feel like a special treat. Trust me, serving these mini cakes will surely bring smiles to everyone!

        Why You'll Love This Mini Heart Cake
        Adorable heart shape makes it perfect for celebrations
Fresh berry glaze adds a tart sweetness that's irresistible
Light and fluffy texture pairs beautifully with the glaze

      

Perfecting the Mini Heart Cake

To achieve the ideal fluffy texture in your Mini Heart Cake, it's crucial to properly cream the butter and sugar together. This process incorporates air into the batter, creating a lightness that helps the cake rise. You should beat the mixture until it appears pale and fluffy, usually around 3-5 minutes at medium speed using an electric mixer. If you're short on time, consider using a high-quality stand mixer to save effort while ensuring an even creaminess.

After combining the dry ingredients, it's important to mix just until they're incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, as it activates gluten in the flour. Use a spatula to gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ones, ensuring there are no flour pockets remaining. Visual cues are helpful here: the batter should be slightly lumpy but well-hydrated, with no dry streaks visible.

Making the Berry Glaze Shine

The berry glaze not only adds flavor but also a stunning visual appeal. Using a mix of fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries provides varied flavors and textures. If you can’t find fresh berries, frozen ones work too; just ensure they are thawed and drained. When cooking the mixture, keep it over medium heat and stir consistently to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the saucepan, which could lead to burning.

To achieve the perfect glaze consistency, you'll want to cook it until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, typically around 5-7 minutes. If you desire a seedless glaze, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve after cooking. This step will yield a smooth, glossy finish that enhances the cake's presentation wonderfully. I often save the pulpy remains to use as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal!

Ingredients

For the Cake

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

For the Berry Glaze

1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

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

Mix Cake Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, combining until just mixed.

Bake the Cakes

Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow to cool.

Prepare the Berry Glaze

In a saucepan, combine berries, sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and water. Cook over medium heat until thickened, then strain to remove seeds if desired.

Glaze the Cakes

Once the cakes are completely cool, pour the berry glaze over the mini heart cakes and let it set before serving.

Pro Tips

For a richer flavor, try adding a touch of almond extract to the cake batter. Also, using a mixture of berries can enhance the glaze with more depth of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your dessert experience, consider serving these Mini Heart Cakes alongside freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy texture complements the fruity tartness of the berry glaze beautifully. Garnishing the plates with additional berries and mint leaves adds a touch of elegance, making your presentation even more stunning for special occasions.

If you're making these cakes ahead of time, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze the unglazed cakes. Wrap each in plastic wrap and then in foil, where they will keep well for up to three months. Just remember to thaw them at room temperature before glazing and serving.

Variations and Customizations

Feel free to get creative with the berry selection for your glaze. For a tropical twist, try using mango and passion fruit, blending them together for a unique flavor profile. Additionally, you can experiment with different extracts, like almond or coconut, to enhance the cake’s base flavor and pair it well with your chosen glaze.

If you're looking for a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Just be sure to check if it contains xanthan gum, or add a teaspoon if it doesn't, as this helps maintain structure. With these small adjustments, you can cater to various dietary preferences while still delighting your guests with this charming dessert.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen berries for the glaze?

Yes, frozen berries work well but may result in a slightly different texture.

→ How can I store the leftover cake?

Store the cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make these cakes in advance?

Absolutely! You can bake the cakes a day prior and glaze them just before serving.

→ What other toppings can I use?

You can top the cakes with whipped cream, chocolate sauce, or even a dusting of powdered sugar.