If you’re searching for a delightfully charming and sweet treat to celebrate love, look no further than this Valentine’s Day Heart-Shaped White Cake Recipe. This cake is as stunning to the eyes as it is to the palate—a soft, fluffy white cake baked into a perfect heart shape, decorated in romantic pink hues and festive heart sprinkles. It’s the kind of dessert that instantly lifts the spirit and creates an unforgettable centerpiece for your Valentine’s celebration. Whether you’re baking for your sweetheart, family, or friends, this cake blends classic flavors with an adorable presentation that makes every bite feel like a special moment.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Valentine’s Day Heart-Shaped White Cake Recipe is quick and straightforward. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect texture, moistness, and flavor that make this cake so memorable. From the soft cake layers to the creamy frosting, every ingredient contributes to the joyful experience of this bake.
- White cake mix (2 boxes – 15.25 ounces each): The base for a tender, fluffy crumb that’s easy to work with and always dependable.
- Egg whites (8 large): Add lightness and help achieve that airy texture without weighing the cake down.
- Water (2 ½ cups): Moistens the batter perfectly, keeping the cake soft and delicate.
- Canola oil (1 cup): Keeps the cake moist and tender while providing richness without overpowering flavor.
- Unsalted butter (3 cups, softened): Essential for the luscious, creamy frosting that complements the cake’s subtle sweetness.
- Powdered sugar (6 cups): Sweetens and smooths the frosting for that flawless whipped texture.
- Heavy whipping cream (5 tablespoons): Adds silkiness and helps achieve a light, fluffy frosting consistency.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Brings warmth and depth, enhancing both the cake and frosting with a classic, comforting flavor.
- Pink gel food coloring: For creating those playful Valentine’s Day hues in your frosting without thinning it out.
- Valentine pink and white heart sprinkles: The whimsical finishing touch that turns your cake into a festive declaration of love.
- Maraschino cherries (1 jar, with stems): Adds a juicy pop of color and sweetness that’s just irresistible on each slice.
How to Make Valentine’s Day Heart-Shaped White Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Batter
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the two boxes of white cake mix with 8 large egg whites, 2 ½ cups of water, and 1 cup of canola oil. Mix everything on medium speed for about 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and well blended. This ensures a consistent texture that will give your cake that characteristic fluffiness, which is so important for the ultimate Valentine’s Day Heart-Shaped White Cake Recipe.
Step 2: Bake in Heart-Shaped Pans
Grease your heart-shaped cake pans lightly with butter or non-stick spray to help the cakes release easily after baking. Pour the batter evenly into the pans and smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake for approximately 32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking in these adorable pans is essential—it’s what gives your cake that iconic Valentine’s Day look that everyone will adore.
Step 3: Make the Buttercream Frosting
While your cakes cool completely, whip up the buttercream. Beat 3 cups of softened unsalted butter until fluffy using a hand or stand mixer. Gradually add 6 cups of powdered sugar, continuing to mix until light and airy. Slowly blend in 5 tablespoons of heavy whipping cream and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract for a creamy, dreamy frosting. Use the pink gel food coloring to tint the frosting to your desired rosy shade—this step transforms your Valentine’s Day Heart-Shaped White Cake Recipe from simple to spectacular!
Step 4: Assemble and Decorate
Once your cakes are fully cooled, place one heart-shaped layer on your serving plate. Spread a generous layer of pink buttercream on top, then gently place the second layer over it. Cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting, smoothing it out to create a polished surface. Finally, sprinkle the pink and white heart sprinkles all over the frosting and garnish with cherries on top. This finishing touch adds texture, sweetness, and that irresistible Valentine’s Day charm that makes this recipe perfectly festive.
How to Serve Valentine’s Day Heart-Shaped White Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing is where you can truly personalize your Valentine’s Day Heart-Shaped White Cake Recipe. Fresh strawberries, edible rose petals, or extra cherries can complement the pink frosting beautifully. You might also consider a drizzle of white chocolate or a dusting of edible glitter for that extra sparkle that wows your guests.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with light, complementary sides like a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a bowl of fresh mixed berries. A simple cup of fragrant tea or even a glass of sparkling rosé elevates the eating experience, making each bite feel special and celebratory.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation is half the fun! Place your cake on a pretty cake stand, surround it with rose petals or decorative heart-shaped confetti, or wrap the base in a satin ribbon for an elegant touch. If you’re feeling extra playful, serve individual slices with a small heart-shaped cookie on the side, tying the whole Valentine’s Day theme together beautifully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Valentine’s Day Heart-Shaped White Cake Recipe fresh, store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will preserve the tender crumb and rich frosting for up to 4 days, ensuring every bite tastes just as delightful as the first.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this cake if you want to prepare in advance or save leftovers longer. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator to maintain the perfect texture before serving again.
Reheating
Since this is a frosted white cake, reheating isn’t necessary or recommended as it can affect the frosting texture. Instead, serve chilled or at room temperature to enjoy its full flavor and softness. However, if you prefer, slices can warm slightly at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
FAQs
Can I use homemade white cake batter instead of box mix?
Absolutely! A homemade white cake batter will work beautifully in this Valentine’s Day Heart-Shaped White Cake Recipe and might add an extra personal touch. Just ensure the batter is fluffy and light to maintain the cake’s delicate texture.
What if I don’t have heart-shaped pans?
No worries — you can bake the batter in round pans and then carefully cut the rounds into heart shapes using a template. It may take a little extra time, but the presentation will still be stunning.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the white cake mix with a gluten-free version and be sure to check that all other ingredients, like the frosting components, are gluten-free as well to keep the cake safe for gluten-sensitive guests.
How do I achieve the perfect pink frosting color?
Start by adding a tiny bit of pink gel food coloring at a time to your frosting. Gel colors are concentrated, so a little goes a long way. Mix thoroughly before deciding if more is needed to reach your ideal shade.
Can I prepare this cake a day ahead?
Definitely! In fact, preparing the cake a day ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just be sure to store it covered in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and protect the frosting.
Final Thoughts
Whipping up this Valentine’s Day Heart-Shaped White Cake Recipe is not only fun but also incredibly rewarding. It’s a wonderful way to show your love through something homemade and heartfelt. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just trying something new, the joy this cake brings to the table is truly priceless. Don’t wait for Valentine’s Day to try it—this cake is perfect whenever you want to add a little love and sweetness to your day!
Print
Valentine’s Day Heart-Shaped White Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 32 minutes
- Total Time: 72 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This delightful Valentine’s Day Cake is a festive, moist white cake layered and frosted with creamy buttercream, decorated with pink gel food coloring and heart sprinkles, perfect for celebrating love and special occasions with a beautiful, sweet treat.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 2 (15.25 ounce) boxes white cake mix
- 8 large egg whites
- 2 ½ cups water
- 1 cup canola oil
Buttercream Frosting Ingredients
- 3 cups unsalted butter, softened
- 6 cups powdered sugar
- 5 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Pink gel food coloring
Decorations
- Valentine pink and white heart sprinkles
- 1 jar Maraschino cherries (with stems)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the two boxes of white cake mix, 8 large egg whites, 2 ½ cups water, and 1 cup canola oil. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the ingredients together until the batter is smooth and uniform.
- Bake the Cakes: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your cake pans. Pour the prepared batter evenly into the pans. Bake for about 30-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let the cakes cool completely before frosting.
- Make the Buttercream Frosting: In a large bowl, beat 3 cups of softened unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add 6 cups of powdered sugar, mixing well. Add 5 tablespoons of heavy whipping cream and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Continue beating until the frosting is light and fluffy. Add a few drops of pink gel food coloring and mix until you achieve a consistent pink shade.
- Assemble and Decorate the Cake: Once the cake layers have cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of pink buttercream over the top. Add the next cake layer and repeat the frosting process on top and around the sides. Decorate the frosted cake with Valentine pink and white heart sprinkles. Arrange Maraschino cherries with stems on top for a festive touch.
Notes
- Ensure cakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting the buttercream.
- You can customize the pink color intensity by adjusting the amount of gel food coloring.
- Use room temperature butter for smooth frosting consistency.
- For a more intense cherry flavor, you can finely chop some Maraschino cherries and add between layers.
