Mini Heart Cake with Berry Chantilly

Name: Mini Heart Cake with Berry Chantilly
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/4 cup milk; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1/2 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries); 1 tsp vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

When I first set out to create this Mini Heart Cake with Berry Chantilly, I wanted something that felt both whimsical and elegant. The idea of mini cakes immediately caught my attention, as they make for a perfect personal dessert. I experimented with layering fluffy vanilla cake and a light berry-infused whipped cream, and I was delighted with how the flavors balanced each other. The burst of fresh berries combined with the sweet chantilly creates a delightful treat that is sure to impress anyone!

Created by

Noemi Turner

Last updated on 2026-01-14T03:46:14.641Z

Creating these Mini Heart Cakes was a labor of love that I thoroughly enjoyed. I tried several variations before landing on the lightest sponge cake paired with the vibrant berry chantilly. The technique of folding in the whipped cream with the berry purée ensures that the mixture remains airy, producing a soft and luscious topping that complements the cake beautifully.

One of my favorite aspects of these cakes is how customizable they are. You can switch up the berries based on your preference or even add a touch of citrus zest for added depth. I’ve found that using seasonal berries not only enhances flavor but also ensures freshness and color!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Perfectly portioned mini cakes that are easy to serve.
A delightful combination of light cake and rich, fruity cream.
Versatile and perfect for any occasion, from tea parties to romantic dinners.

      

Mastering the Cake Texture

For the perfect mini heart cakes, the texture is key. When creaming together the butter and sugar, aim for a light and fluffy consistency. This aeration is essential as it helps the cakes rise nicely during baking. Make sure to use softened, room-temperature butter for optimal blending. If your butter is too cold, it won't incorporate air effectively, resulting in denser cakes.

Also, when incorporating the dry ingredients, be gentle. Overmixing can activate the gluten in the flour, leading to a tougher texture. Mix just until everything is combined for that soft, tender crumb that you desire in a vanilla cake. Look for a smooth batter that falls freely from a spoon, indicating it’s ready for the oven.

Understanding Berry Chantilly

The Berry Chantilly is not just a sweet cream; it adds a refreshing element to the rich vanilla cake. When whipping the cream, try to use chilled equipment—cold mixing bowl and whisk—this helps achieve those soft peaks quicker and ensures stability. If you whip the cream too much, however, it can turn grainy and butter-like, so keep an eye on it as you approach the soft peak stage.

Opt for ripe, seasonal berries for the best flavor. If fresh berries aren’t available, consider using frozen ones, just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture that can affect the cream's consistency. Folding in the berries gently preserves the wonderful airy texture of the whipped cream, resulting in a beautiful contrast against the fluffy cake layers.

Perfect Presentation

When it comes to assembling your mini cakes, presentation is key. To ensure even slicing of each cake layer, I recommend using a serrated knife for the best results. Trim the top crust if it’s domed; this will help the layers stack nicely. Once you’ve filled the first layer with chantilly, you can add a few additional berries for extra color and flavor before placing the top back on.

For a finishing touch, consider dusting the top with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or drizzling a berry coulis for an elegant appearance. Arrange the mini cakes on a decorative platter, and embellish with whole berries around them to create a vibrant and festive display. These small details can elevate your cake from a simple dessert to a showstopper at any event.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create your delightful Mini Heart Cakes.

For the Cake

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

For the Berry Chantilly

1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
1 tsp vanilla extract

Make sure to have all the ingredients ready before you start baking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to bake and assemble the Mini Heart Cakes perfectly.

Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, adding the vanilla extract. Sift in the flour, baking powder, and salt, and gradually mix in the milk until smooth.

Bake the Cakes

Grease and flour mini heart-shaped cake pans. Pour equal amounts of batter into each and smooth the tops. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let them cool in the pans for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Make the Berry Chantilly

In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract while continuing to whip. Fold in the mixed berries, taking care to keep the whipped cream airy.

Assemble the Mini Cakes

Once the cakes are completely cool, slice them in half horizontally. Spread a layer of berry chantilly on the bottom half, then place the top back on. Finally, decorate the top with additional chantilly and fresh berries.

Serve these adorable mini cakes at your next gathering, and enjoy the delight on everyone’s faces!

Pro Tips

Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for the best results. You can also chill the whipped cream before whipping for added stability.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover mini heart cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Due to the whipped cream, they are best enjoyed fresh, but you can still savor leftovers. Just note that the cakes might become a little soggy as the chantilly absorbs moisture over time, so if you prefer them at their prime, try to make them in small batches.

If you want to prep ahead of time, consider baking the cakes a day in advance. Cool them completely, then wrap each cake tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator. You can whip the Berry Chantilly the next day to ensure it stays fluffy for assembly.

Scaling the Recipe

To make larger cakes, you can easily scale this recipe by multiplying the ingredients by the number of servings you need. Just keep in mind that for larger cakes, you will need to adjust the baking time. For example, if you are using a standard 8-inch cake pan, you may need to bake for 30-35 minutes. Always check for doneness with a toothpick—it should come out clean when inserted in the center.

If you’re looking to cater this recipe to different dietary needs, consider using gluten-free flour as a substitute for the all-purpose flour. Additionally, you can swap granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a less refined option, keeping an eye as both may affect the sweetness and browning slightly. Adjust the baking time as needed since these alternatives can change the texture and moisture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen berries for the chantilly?

Absolutely! Just ensure you thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before folding them into the cream.

→ How can I make these cakes gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, making sure to also add a binding agent like xanthan gum if needed.

→ Can I prepare the chantilly ahead of time?

While it’s best to serve the chantilly freshly made, you can prepare it a few hours in advance and keep it covered in the fridge.

→ What other fruit can I use?

You can use any fruit of your choice, such as mango, peaches, or kiwi, to create different flavors and presentations.