Mini Red Velvet Heart Cakes

Name: Mini Red Velvet Heart Cakes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon cocoa powder; 1 cup vegetable oil; 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature; 2 large eggs; 2 tablespoons red food coloring; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon white vinegar; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (optional, for dusting)

Highlighted under: Taste the World

I absolutely adore these Mini Red Velvet Heart Cakes! They're the perfect treat for special occasions or just when I want to indulge in something delightful. The rich, velvety texture combined with the subtle hint of cocoa and a touch of buttermilk creates a cake that practically melts in your mouth. Each bite is a sweet celebration, especially when topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. I promise, these cute little heart-shaped cakes will capture your heart and taste buds just like they have mine!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-18T13:54:28.011Z

These Mini Red Velvet Heart Cakes have become a favorite of mine, especially around Valentine’s Day. I love how their vibrant red color and rich flavor immediately draw people in. My secret was to perfectly balance the cocoa powder and buttermilk, which gives the cakes their characteristic moisture and tenderness. After testing several recipes, I found that less is more with the level of sweetness—allowing that subtle chocolate flavor to shine through.

While decorating, I discovered that pairing the cream cheese frosting with a sprinkle of cocoa powder on top not only makes these cakes visually appealing but adds an extra layer of flavor. The first time I served them, I was thrilled by the compliments they received, and since then, I’ve made these for every romantic celebration. I hope they bring you as much joy as they bring me!

        Why You'll Love These Cakes
        Adorable heart shape that melts hearts at any occasion
Rich red velvet flavor perfectly complemented by tangy cream cheese frosting
Light and fluffy texture balanced with a hint of chocolate
Ideal for sharing or treating yourself!

      

Perfecting the Texture

Achieving the perfect texture in your Mini Red Velvet Heart Cakes is essential for creating that melt-in-your-mouth experience. The combination of buttermilk and vegetable oil contributes to their moistness while ensuring a tender crumb. Make sure your butter and cream cheese for the frosting are at room temperature—this prevents lumps and ensures a smooth, creamy texture. If you find your cakes are too dense, it could be due to overmixing the batter. Mix just until combined for the best results.

For an enhanced flavor, consider using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour. Cake flour has a lower protein content, which creates a lighter, softer cake. If you can’t find cake flour, you can easily make a substitute by measuring out one cup of all-purpose flour, removing two tablespoons, and replacing them with two tablespoons of cornstarch. Sifting this mixture together will help yield a lighter texture.

Cream Cheese Frosting Secrets

The cream cheese frosting is crucial for complementing the rich flavors of the red velvet cake. When mixing the cream cheese and butter, ensure both are softened to room temperature; this will help create a light and fluffy consistency without any lumps. If your frosting seems too thick, you can add a splash of milk or cream, one teaspoon at a time, until the desired spreading consistency is reached. Keep an eye on the sweetness, especially if you substitute low-fat cream cheese, which can alter the texture significantly.

For a flavor twist, consider incorporating different extracts like almond or lemon instead of vanilla. This small change can elevate the overall taste profile of your cakes. Additionally, adding a pinch of salt to the frosting can help balance the sweetness and enhance the overall flavor; I always recommend tasting as you go to find that perfect balance.

Storing and Serving Tips

After assembling your Mini Red Velvet Heart Cakes, if you're not serving them immediately, they can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days at room temperature. For longer storage, consider refrigerating them; just allow the cakes to come to room temperature before serving to ensure the frosting is perfectly smooth. If you want to freeze the cakes, it's best to freeze them un-frosted. Wrap each layer in plastic wrap and place them in a sealed freezer bag for up to three months.

When it comes time to serve, these cakes can be dressed up even more for special occasions. Try garnishing with fresh berries or chocolate shavings for a stunning presentation. If you want to cut them into smaller bites, just ensure your knife is warm before slicing, as this prevents crumbs from sticking and maintains a clean edge. The heart shape itself is ideal for celebrations like Valentine’s Day or anniversaries, making them a memorable dessert option.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create the perfect Mini Red Velvet Heart Cakes:

For the Cake

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
1 cup vegetable oil
1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons red food coloring
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon white vinegar

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon cocoa powder (optional, for dusting)

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to bake and assemble your Mini Red Velvet Heart Cakes:

Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. In another bowl, mix the oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar until well combined.

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing just until smooth.

Bake the Cakes

Pour the batter into greased heart-shaped cake pans, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool for 10 minutes in the pans before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Frosting

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and fluffy. Adjust sweetness if needed.

Assemble the Cakes

Once the cakes are cool, frost between the layers and on top of each heart-shaped cake generously. If desired, dust with cocoa powder for an elegant touch. Cut the hearts into smaller pieces if desired, and enjoy!

Pro Tips

For an extra indulgent touch, you can add chocolate chips to the cake batter for a delightful surprise inside! Also, ensure your ingredients are at room temperature for the best mixing results.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking for alternatives to traditional ingredients, you can substitute the buttermilk with a mix of regular milk and an acid, like vinegar or lemon juice. Simply add one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of milk and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. This will mimic the tangy flavor of buttermilk, helping keep your cakes moist and flavorful.

For a dairy-free option, consider using almond milk or soy milk instead of regular milk and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for the frosting. This allows everyone, including those with dietary restrictions, to enjoy these luscious cakes without compromising on taste.

Scaling the Recipe

For larger gatherings, you might want to scale up the recipe. This can be easily done by doubling all ingredients. However, make sure you adjust your baking time according to the size of the pans you choose. Larger cakes will require more time in the oven, around 30-35 minutes, while mini cakes will likely need around 25-30 minutes. Always use the toothpick test; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, your cakes are ready.

If you wish to make smaller bite-sized versions of these cakes, you can pour the batter into mini muffin tins. Keep an eye on the baking time, reducing it to about 15-18 minutes for perfect little heart bites.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different shape for the cakes?

Absolutely! You can use any shape of cake pans you prefer; just adjust the baking time accordingly.

→ How can I store leftover cakes?

Store any leftover cakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.

→ Can I make these cakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cakes a day in advance and frost them just before serving for the best taste.

→ What can I use instead of red food coloring?

If you prefer not to use food coloring, you can try beet juice or leave out the coloring entirely for a chocolate cake!