Heart-Shaped Cake

Name: Heart-Shaped Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 48 min
Total time: 1 h 18 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 2 ¼ cups (280g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled; 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar; 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; Pinch of salt (optional); 1 cup (250g) dairy-free milk; ½ cup (125g) neutral flavored oil; 1 tablespoon (15g) lemon juice; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional); 1 ¼ cups (155g) raspberries (fresh or frozen); ¾ cup (95g) raspberries (fresh or frozen); 1 ½ tablespoons (20g) granulated sugar (or to taste); 1 tablespoon (8g) cornstarch/corn flour; 1 cup (225g) vegan butter; 3-4 cups (300g-400g) powdered sugar (to taste); 2 ½ tablespoons freeze-dried strawberry powder, raspberry powder, or beetroot powder (or a few drops of pink/red food coloring); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Additional dairy-free milk (if needed)

Recipe By:

Lauren

Posted:

January 29, 2025

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This heart-shaped cake recipe is not just another dessert; it’s a celebration of love, joy, and deliciousness! Imagine fluffy layers of cake infused with zesty lemon and bursting with fresh raspberries. Top it all off with a light and airy vegan buttercream, and you have a dessert that is not only beautiful but also irresistibly tasty. Whether you’re making this for a special occasion or just to share some love, this cake will surely steal the show!

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Why This Recipe Works

This heart-shaped cake recipe is specifically designed to create soft and moist layers using simple ingredients. The combination of fresh raspberries, light and fluffy vegan buttercream, and a touch of lemon zest enhances the flavor and makes every bite irresistible. This recipe is adaptable, allowing bakers of all skill levels to create a stunning dessert for any occasion. You’ll find the cake easy to whip up and the results are always rewarding!

Why You’ll Love This Heart-Shaped Cake

Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, or any special occasion, this cake will steal the show. The vibrant colors and delightful taste will not only impress your guests but also bring joy to the heart. Plus, it’s vegan, making it suitable for a variety of dietary preferences. You’ll love how versatile this recipe is, and you’ll definitely want to share it with your friends!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious heart-shaped cake:

2 ¼ cups (280g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon lemon zest
Pinch of salt (optional)
1 cup (250g) dairy-free milk
½ cup (125g) neutral flavored oil
1 tablespoon (15g) lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
1 ¼ cups (155g) raspberries (fresh or frozen)
¾ cup (95g) raspberries (fresh or frozen)
1 ½ tablespoons (20g) granulated sugar (or to taste)
1 tablespoon (8g) cornstarch/corn flour
1 cup (225g) vegan butter
3-4 cups (300g-400g) powdered sugar (to taste)
2 ½ tablespoons freeze-dried strawberry powder, raspberry powder, or beetroot powder (or a few drops of pink/red food coloring)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional dairy-free milk (if needed)

Make sure to gather all your ingredients before you start baking. It makes the process so much easier!

Making the Cake

Preheat and Prepare Cake Pans

First things first: Preheat your oven to 180°C (355°F). While that’s heating up, line two 6-inch round cake pans with parchment paper. This will help you remove the cakes easily after baking.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, lemon zest, and salt until well combined. This step is essential! It ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly mixed, which helps the cake rise nicely.

Mix Wet Ingredients

Now, it’s time for the wet ingredients. Add the dairy-free milk, oil, lemon juice, and vanilla extract (if using) to the dry ingredients. Whisk until just combined. Don’t overmix! It’s okay if there are a few small lumps.

Fold in Raspberries

Gently fold in 1 ¼ cups of raspberries into the batter. Ensure they are evenly distributed. This adds a pop of flavor and color to your cake.

Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter between the prepared pans. Firmly tap the pans on the counter to release any air bubbles. Bake for 43-48 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. It’s important to let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This helps prevent them from breaking apart.

Making the Quick Jam (Optional)

Cook the Raspberries

If you want to take your cake to the next level, let’s make a quick raspberry jam! In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine ¾ cup of raspberries, sugar, and a dash of water. Cook for about 5 minutes, mashing the berries with a fork. This will create a lovely fruity topping!

Thicken the Jam

In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a dash of water to create a slurry. Add this to the raspberry mixture and cook until thickened. Set aside to cool completely. This jam adds an extra layer of deliciousness to your heart-shaped cake!

Making the Berry Buttercream

Whip the Vegan Butter

In a large mixing bowl, whip the vegan butter until light and fluffy. This is the base for your frosting and is super important for that delightful texture.

Combine with Sugar and Flavor

Gradually add the powdered sugar, berry powder or food coloring, and vanilla extract. Whip until combined and fluffy, adding dairy-free milk for desired consistency. You want it to be smooth and spreadable, but not too runny.

Assembling the Heart Cake

Trim and Cut Cake Layers

Once your cakes are cool, check if they have domes. If they do, trim them off so they sit flat. Then, score the cakes into quarters and cut two segments from each to create a heart shape. This is where the fun really begins!

Build the Cake

Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Attach the segments to the sides using a bit of frosting. If you decided to make the jam, spread some frosting on this layer, pipe a dam of frosting around the edge, and fill with jam. This will keep everything nice and moist!

Stack and Frost

Place the second layer on top, repeat with segments, and trim as needed. Apply a crumb coat of frosting. Chill for about 20 minutes. This step helps to set the cake and keep the crumbs at bay when you frost the top layer. After chilling, add a thicker layer of frosting and smooth it out.

Decorate

Use a piping bag to decorate the cake. You can create beautiful swirls, rosettes, or any design you like. And don’t forget to add fresh berries just before serving. They give a lovely touch!

Serving Suggestions

Pair this heart-shaped cake with a scoop of vegan ice cream or a side of fresh berries for a delicious dessert experience. It’s a perfect way to end a meal or to celebrate a special occasion!

Tips for Success

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.
Avoid overmixing the batter. This keeps the cake light and fluffy.

Variations

Substitute different fruits in the cake and buttercream for unique flavors. Try strawberries or blueberries for a twist!
Use chocolate frosting instead of berry buttercream for a different twist. Who doesn’t love chocolate?

Storage Tips

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for one day or in the fridge for up to three days. Let it come to room temperature before serving. This helps keep the cake moist and delicious!

FAQs

1. Can I use other fruits instead of raspberries?
Yes! You can use strawberries, blueberries, or any other berry of your choice.

2. How can I make this cake gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it’s a 1:1 substitute!

3. Can I make this cake in advance?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers a day in advance and assemble it on the day you plan to serve.

4. Is it possible to freeze this cake?
Yes! You can freeze the cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to a month. Thaw before frosting.

Conclusion

Creating a beautiful and delicious heart-shaped cake is easier than you might think. With this vegan recipe, you’ll not only impress your loved ones but also enjoy every step of the baking process. So grab your ingredients and get ready to spread some love through your baking! Enjoy every moment, and most importantly, enjoy every delicious bite!

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