Mini Heart Cake with Strawberry Jam Center

Name: Mini Heart Cake with Strawberry Jam Center
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12.0
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup milk; 1 egg; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; A pinch of salt; 1/2 cup strawberry jam; Fresh strawberries for garnish (optional)

Highlighted under: Cozy Kitchen

I absolutely adore making these mini heart-shaped cakes, especially with a luscious strawberry jam center. Each cake is perfectly sized for sharing—or indulging solo! The pairing of light, fluffy cake with a fruity filling creates a delightful surprise in every bite. Plus, the heart shape adds a festive touch, making it ideal for celebrations, romantic dinners, or just because. I love how quick and easy these are to whip up, letting me spend more time enjoying sweet moments with friends and family.

Created by

Phoebe Langridge

Last updated on 2026-01-06T13:13:34.848Z

When I first designed this recipe, my goal was to create something that was both charming and delicious. I experimented with various fillings, but the strawberry jam really captured my heart—its sweetness and tartness elevate the overall taste of the cake. I use a simple vanilla batter that allows the jam to shine and bring joy to each slice.

I've learned that the key to ensuring the jam stays intact during baking is to slightly cool it before adding to the batter. This way, you'll find a gooey center to bite into, making each mini heart cake a delightful surprise. Trust me, these little treats will be a hit at any gathering!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Adorable mini heart shapes that bring a smile to anyone's face
Sweet strawberry jam center that adds a fruity burst
Perfectly sized for a guilt-free treat or sharing with loved ones

      

Understanding Your Ingredients

The key to achieving a light and fluffy texture in your mini heart cakes lies in your choice of ingredients. For the best results, ensure your butter is at room temperature before creaming it with sugar. This helps to incorporate air into the mix, leading to a beautifully risen cake. If you find yourself without unsalted butter, feel free to use salted butter but reduce the added salt in the recipe accordingly to maintain balance.

Your flour type also plays a crucial role in the texture. All-purpose flour is perfect for this recipe, but if you're looking for a gluten-free alternative, consider using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just be cautious; some blends may alter the moisture content, requiring slight adjustments to liquid ingredients.

Perfecting the Baking Process

When baking, timing is everything. These mini heart cakes should rise and turn golden on the edges within 12-15 minutes in a preheated oven. To avoid overbaking, check for doneness at the 12-minute mark with a toothpick. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they’re ready. Overbaking can dry out the cakes, so keep a close eye on them as they near the end of baking.

Another important tip is to avoid opening the oven door too early, as this can cause the cakes to deflate. If you’re unsure about your oven’s accuracy, you might want to use an oven thermometer. It’s a small investment that can save a lot of frustration in the long run.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients before you start:

For the Cake

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup milk
1 egg
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of salt

For the Strawberry Jam Center

1/2 cup strawberry jam
Fresh strawberries for garnish (optional)

Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your mini heart cakes:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your mini heart cake pans.

Mix the Batter

In a bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, then stir in the milk and vanilla extract.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Fill Pans

Pour half the batter into the prepared pans. Add a spoonful of strawberry jam in the center of each, then top with the rest of the batter.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow them to cool before removing from the pans.

Serve

Once cooled, decorate with fresh strawberries if desired, and enjoy your delightful mini heart cakes!

Make sure to let the cakes cool completely before serving to prevent any jam spillage!

Pro Tips

For the best flavor, use high-quality strawberry jam. You can also experiment with other fruit jams if you prefer.

Serving Suggestions

These mini heart cakes are delightful on their own, but you can elevate their presentation by dusting them with powdered sugar or drizzling a simple glaze over the top. For a more festive touch, serve them with a scoop of whipped cream or a dollop of crème fraîche on the side, which complements the sweetness of the strawberry jam beautifully.

If you're serving these at a special occasion, consider pairing them with themed decorations like edible flowers or heart-shaped sprinkles for additional flair. You can also arrange them on a platter with fresh strawberries, creating a stunning centerpiece.

Storage and Variations

The mini heart cakes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, but if you want to keep them fresh for longer, consider refrigerating them. Simply add a layer of plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out. For an extra layer of flavor, you can also modify the jam center, using raspberry or apricot jam instead of strawberry to cater to different taste preferences.

If you're interested in exploring different flavors altogether, try adding a teaspoon of almond extract or zesty lemon juice to your batter for a unique twist. You can also fold chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the batter for added texture, making each bite even more delightful.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different fruit jam?

Absolutely! Raspberry or blueberry jam can be delightful alternatives.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make the batter ahead of time?

It's best to make the batter fresh, but you can prepare the dry ingredients ahead of time.

→ What if I don’t have mini heart pans?

You can use regular muffin pans; just adjust the baking time accordingly.