Red Velvet Cake Hearts With Cream Cheese Frosting

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Background 

Red velvet cake is a classic dessert known for its vibrant red color and soft, velvety crumb. Its origins trace back to 1900s America, when cocoa and vinegar were used to create a tender cake. The red color became iconic during the 1940s, often associated with elegance and romance. Today, it’s a favorite for celebrations, weddings, and especially Valentine’s Day because of its rich red hue and decadent cream cheese frosting.

Red Velvet Cake Hearts With Cream Cheese Frosting

  • Portion / Servings: 8–10 slices (1 heart-shaped 8–9 inch cake)

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes

  • Bake Time: 30–40 minutes

  • Cooling Time: 30 minutes

  • Frosting & Assembly: 20–25 minutes

  • Total Time: ~1 hour 40 minutes

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 300 g all-purpose flour

  • 25 g cornstarch

  • 300 g sugar

  • 1 tsp baking soda

  • 1 tsp salt

  • 1 tbsp cocoa powder

Wet Ingredients

  • 1½ cups (360 ml) vegetable oil

  • 1 cup buttermilk (milk + vinegar; see below)

  • 2 large eggs, room temperature

  • 2 tbsp (30 ml) red food color

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 2 tsp vinegar

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 225 g (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

  • ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened

  • 4–5 cups powdered sugar

  • 1 tsp vanilla essence

  • Pinch of salt

How to Make Buttermilk at Home

  • Take 1 cup milk

  • Add 1 tbsp vinegar

  • Stir and let sit 5–10 minutes until slightly curdled

Equipments / utensils

  • Mixing bowls (dry & wet)

  • Sieve

  • Whisk or hand mixer

  • Measuring cups & spoons

  • Spatula

  • 8–9 inch heart-shaped cake pan

  • Cooling rack

  • Offset spatula for frosting

Instructions

Cake

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line your pan.

  2. Sieve together flour, cornstarch, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Add sugar and whisk.

  3. In another bowl, whisk together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vanilla, and vinegar until smooth.

  4. Fold wet into dry gently until just combined.

  5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and tap lightly to release air bubbles.

  6. Bake for 30–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

  7. Cool completely before frosting.

Frosting

  1. Beat butter until pale and smooth.

  2. Add cream cheese and beat until creamy

  3. Add vanilla essence and salt; combine.

  4. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until smooth and fluffy.

Assembly

  • Frost the cooled cake.

  • Shape as a heart for Valentine’s Day.

  • Optional: decorate with sprinkles, edible pearls, or chocolate drizzle.

 

Pro Tips

  • Don’t overmix the batter — it keeps the crumb soft and tender.

  • Rest batter 5 minutes before baking for a better rise.

  • Use room-temperature eggs for an even texture.

  • Brush layers with milk or simple syrup for extra moistness (optional)

  • Chill frosting slightly if too soft before spreading.