Mini Heart Cake with Almond Sponge

Name: Mini Heart Cake with Almond Sponge
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup almond flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup sugar; 3 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 cup milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Fresh berries for decoration

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love creating miniature desserts that pack a flavorful punch, and this Mini Heart Cake with Almond Sponge is a personal favorite! The combination of the light, almond-flavored sponge and creamy frosting makes for a delightful treat that’s perfect for special occasions or just a sweet pick-me-up. What's even better is that this cake is not only pleasing to the eyes but also simple to prepare, making it a go-to recipe in my kitchen when I want to impress friends and family.

Created by

Felicity Grant

Last updated on 2026-01-13T05:28:13.473Z

Baking has always been my favorite way to express creativity, and finding new recipes is an adventure I relish. While experimenting with different flavors and textures, I stumbled upon the idea of mini cakes, which instantly caught my interest. The almond sponge is light yet flavorful, and it pairs beautifully with any frosting or glaze you choose.

I decided to add a touch of whimsy to my baking by shaping these cakes into hearts - perfect for any celebration, be it a birthday or an anniversary. A tip to remember is to ensure your eggs are at room temperature for a perfect rise!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Delicate almond flavor that leaves a lasting impression
Fun and engaging to assemble, perfect for baking parties
Ideal for gifting or sharing with loved ones

      

Mastering the Almond Sponge

The almond sponge is truly the star of this Mini Heart Cake. The combination of all-purpose flour and almond flour creates a delicate texture that adds a nutty richness. It's important to sift the dry ingredients together to aerate them; this step ensures that the cake will rise effectively and produce a light and airy sponge. If you're in a pinch, you can substitute half of the almond flour with more all-purpose flour, but I recommend sticking to the original for that enhanced flavor.

When creaming the butter and sugar, be sure to use room temperature butter, as this is crucial for achieving the desired fluffy consistency. A stand mixer or hand mixer makes this task easier and quicker, usually taking about 3-5 minutes. Look for the mixture to turn a pale yellow and increase in volume. This process incorporates air into the batter, which helps the cake to rise beautifully during baking.

Tips for Perfect Assembly and Decoration

Cool your cakes completely on the wire rack before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures a beautiful and stable layer of cream. If you’re in a warmer environment, consider placing them in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes to set before frosting. This can also give you a smoother surface for your decorations, especially if you plan to achieve a polished look with the frosting.

For an added flavor twist, consider infusing your heavy cream with a few drops of almond extract or a splash of orange zest while whipping. This will elevate your frosting and add an extra layer of sophistication to your cake. When decorating, aim for an uneven distribution of berries; this not only looks appealing but allows for a balance of tart flavors to complement the sweetness of the cake.

Ingredients

For the Almond Sponge

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup almond flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup milk

For the Frosting

1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fresh berries for decoration

Gather all the ingredients to make the preparation easier.

Instructions

Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients and milk until well combined.

Bake the Cakes

Grease and flour mini heart-shaped cake pans. Pour the batter evenly into the pans and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow them to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Make the Frosting

In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue whipping until stiff peaks form. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Assemble the Cakes

Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of frosting on top of one cake heart and place another on top to create a layered cake. Frost the sides and top as desired, and decorate with fresh berries.

Enjoy your delightful Mini Heart Cake!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of almond extract to the batter or frosting.

Storage Tips

These mini heart cakes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To maintain their optimal moisture, consider wrapping them individually in plastic wrap before placing them in the container. If you prefer to freeze them, ensure they are well wrapped and stored in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months and thawed overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

When storing your cakes, keep in mind that the frosting can become soft over time. If you're preparing these in advance, it's best to frost them just before serving to retain that creamy texture and presentation. You can also freeze some leftover frosting separately; simply re-whip it for a fresher texture when you are ready to use it again.

Serving Suggestions

These delightful mini heart cakes are versatile and can be served as a sweet end to a meal or as a charming treat at an afternoon tea. Pair them with a cup of tea or coffee, which complements the almond flavor beautifully. Alternatively, serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce can elevate the dessert into a more indulgent experience.

For special celebrations like Valentine's Day or anniversaries, consider stacking the cakes with different flavored frostings, such as raspberry or lemon, for a colorful and festive presentation. You can also create a mini dessert platter by including a variety of bite-sized desserts, which can enhance the visual appeal and allow guests to sample different tastes.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different types of flour?

Yes, but keep in mind that this may alter the texture of the sponge.

→ How can I store the cake?

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

→ Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.

→ How can I adjust the sweetness?

Feel free to reduce the sugar in the cake or frosting to suit your taste.