Mini Heart Cake with Berry Glaze

Name: Mini Heart Cake with Berry Glaze
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 mini cakes
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 cup mixed berries (raspberries and blueberries); 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1 tbsp lemon juice

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love making these Mini Heart Cakes with Berry Glaze! They are perfect for any celebration and bring a touch of sweetness to the table. The process is incredibly rewarding, as the cakes turn out not only adorable but also irresistible in flavor. I find that using fresh berries in the glaze makes all the difference, adding a vibrant color and a delightful tanginess that complements the sweetness of the cake. Trust me, you won’t want to miss out on these little treats!

Created by

Arielle Baxter

Last updated on 2026-01-12T01:16:13.817Z

Every time I bake these Mini Heart Cakes, it feels like a special occasion. I experimented with garnishing them with various fruits, but the berry glaze truly elevates the overall experience. Combining fresh raspberries and blueberries not only makes the glaze visually stunning but also brings out an explosion of flavor!

I learned that cooling the cakes thoroughly before glazing allows the berry sauce to set perfectly. This simple tip ensures a beautiful finish without any mess. It’s all in the details, and with a bit of patience, these cakes will be a hit at any gathering!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Adorable heart shape perfect for celebrations
Fresh and fruity berry glaze that brightens every bite
Moist cake texture with a delightful burst of flavor

      

Crafting the Perfect Cake

Achieving the ideal texture for your Mini Heart Cakes begins with properly creaming the butter and sugar. This step should take about 3-5 minutes, using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the batter, ensuring a moist cake that rises beautifully during baking. Pay attention to the color change; it should become pale and slightly fluffy, indicating it's ready for the next ingredients.

When incorporating the eggs, add them one at a time. This method helps to maintain the emulsion and creates a more stable batter. If you mix too quickly or add all the eggs at once, the batter could split, resulting in a dense cake. Take your time to achieve a smooth, uniform mixture before proceeding to combine the dry ingredients.

Berry Glaze Essentials

The berry glaze is not only a delicious topping but also a key component for adding moisture to each bite of cake. Fresh berries like raspberries and blueberries create a vibrant color and a tangy flavor that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the cake. If fresh berries aren't available, frozen berries can be used as a substitute; just make sure to thaw and drain excess moisture before blending to avoid a watery glaze.

For a smoother finish, I recommend straining the glaze after blending to remove any seeds or pulp. This step is optional but will give a more polished appearance to your cakes. If the glaze seems too runny after blending, you can add a little more powdered sugar to thicken it up, adjusting to your desired consistency.

Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients to make the cake fluffy and flavorful.

For the Cake

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

For the Berry Glaze

1 cup mixed berries (raspberries and blueberries)
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tbsp lemon juice

Make sure to use ripe berries for the glaze to enhance the flavor!

Instructions

Follow these steps carefully for a successful bake.

Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.

Bake the Cakes

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

Prepare the Berry Glaze

While the cakes are cooling, prepare the berry glaze. In a blender or food processor, combine the mixed berries, powdered sugar, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth. If desired, strain the mixture to remove seeds for a smoother glaze.

Glaze the Cakes

Once the mini cakes are completely cool, pour the berry glaze over the tops, allowing it to drip down the sides. Decorate with fresh berries on top for an extra touch.

Let the glaze set before serving for best results.

Pro Tips

For a more intense flavor, consider adding a splash of berry liqueur to the glaze.

Storage Tips

These mini heart cakes can be made ahead of time, making them an excellent option for parties or special occasions. Once cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the unglazed cakes, wrapping each one tightly in plastic wrap. They will last in the freezer for up to a month. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator before glazing and serving.

If you've prepared the berry glaze in advance, it can be refrigerated for up to a week. Just remember to give it a good stir or blend again before using, as it may thicken or separate when chilled. This way, you can easily whip up these delightful treats without starting from scratch every time.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate the presentation of your Mini Heart Cakes, consider serving them on a platter with scattered fresh berries and a drizzle of additional berry glaze for an eye-catching effect. This not only enhances the flavor experience but also makes for a beautiful table setting. A dollop of whipped cream can also be added alongside for a creamy contrast, making each bite even more delightful.

For variations, try incorporating different flavored extracts, such as almond or lemon, into the cake batter for a unique twist. Alternatively, you can substitute some of the all-purpose flour with almond flour for added nutty flavor and moisture – just keep in mind that this may affect the texture slightly, leading to a denser cake.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen berries for the glaze?

Yes, frozen berries work well, just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before blending.

→ How do I store the mini cakes?

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

→ Can I make this recipe as one large cake?

Absolutely! Just adjust the baking time to around 30-35 minutes.

→ What can I substitute for butter in the recipe?

You can use coconut oil or a dairy-free spread as a substitute for butter.