Mini Heart Cake with Strawberry Mousse

Name: Mini Heart Cake with Strawberry Mousse
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/4 cup milk; 1 tsp baking powder; Pinch of salt; 2 cups fresh strawberries, pureed; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1 tsp gelatin; 1 tbsp water; 1/4 cup fresh strawberry pieces for garnish

Highlighted under: Oven Meals

I absolutely adore making desserts that not only taste divine but also look enchanting. This Mini Heart Cake with Strawberry Mousse ticks both boxes effortlessly! Each layer is a delightful treat that brings a smile to my face, and I can never resist indulging in the luscious strawberry filling. The mini heart shape makes it perfect for special occasions, and the best part is that it’s surprisingly easy to assemble. Join me in creating this beautiful dessert that’s sure to impress anyone who takes a bite!

Created by

Honor Blackwell

Last updated on 2026-01-13T01:01:35.135Z

While experimenting with various layers and textures, I found that the airy strawberry mousse perfectly complements the tender cake. The key is to whip the cream to the right consistency—soft peaks give the mousse that light and fluffy texture. I also discovered that chilling each layer before assembling helps maintain structure and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Using fresh strawberries not only enhances the flavor but also adds a vibrant color to the mousse. I often add a touch of lemon juice to brighten the strawberries, making every bite refreshing. This dessert truly speaks to my love for combining flavors and aesthetics!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Irresistibly fluffy strawberry mousse between moist cake layers
Adorable heart shape perfect for celebrations
A beautiful blend of flavors and colors that impresses every time

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The choice of fresh strawberries is crucial in this recipe, as their natural sweetness and vibrant flavor define the mousse. Look for ripe strawberries that yield slightly when squeezed, which will give you the best puree. If strawberries are out of season, you can substitute with frozen strawberries, but ensure to thaw and drain excess moisture to prevent the mousse from becoming watery.

Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness in your cake. If you’re prepping for a dairy-free version, swap in a plant-based butter and almond milk. When measuring flour, be sure to spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off to avoid packing it down, which can lead to a denser cake.

Perfecting the Bake

When baking, always keep an eye on the cakes during the last few minutes of baking time. Ovens can vary significantly, so check for doneness a few minutes before the 15-minute mark. A toothpick should come out clean, and the edges should start pulling away from the pan, indicating that the cake is ready to be removed.

Allowing the cakes to cool completely is vital for easy assembly. If they are still warm, the mousse will melt when layered, resulting in a gooey mess instead of tidy layers. Once cooled, you might want to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap if you need to store them for a few hours before assembly.

Garnishing and Serving Tips

For an elegant finish, consider adding a drizzle of chocolate ganache or a sprinkle of crushed nuts over the top of the strawberry mousse. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds an additional layer of flavor and texture. Fresh mint leaves can also create a lovely contrast and freshness.

When serving, I recommend slicing with a sharp, warm knife for a clean cut, especially if the mousse has set well. This will showcase the beautiful layers and heart shape of the cake, making it perfect for celebrations like anniversaries or Valentine’s Day. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator, but best enjoyed fresh within two days.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before you start:

Cake Ingredients

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

Strawberry Mousse Ingredients

2 cups fresh strawberries, pureed
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp gelatin
1 tbsp water
1/4 cup fresh strawberry pieces for garnish

Make sure all the ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Mini Heart Cake:

Preheat Oven

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

Prepare the Cake Batter

In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and milk.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared heart-shaped pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Make the Strawberry Mousse

Dissolve the gelatin in warm water and let it cool. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Gently fold in the strawberry puree and cooled gelatin until fully combined.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cool, place one heart layer on a serving plate. Spread half of the strawberry mousse on top, followed by the second layer. Top the cake with the remaining mousse and garnish with fresh strawberry pieces.

Allow the cake to chill for at least 1 hour before serving for the best texture.

Pro Tips

For an added touch, drizzle some strawberry sauce over the top before serving. This will not only enhance the flavor but also add a stunning visual element. Make sure to use high-quality fresh strawberries for the best results!

Make-Ahead Tips

This Mini Heart Cake can be made ahead of time, with each component prepared separately. You can bake the cakes a day in advance, wrap them in plastic wrap, and store them at room temperature. The mousse can be made a few hours ahead or the night before; just ensure it's refrigerated until you're ready to assemble.

If you choose to freeze the cake layers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then foil to prevent freezer burn. Allow to thaw in the fridge overnight before use. The texture will remain moist, and you can assemble the cake the day of your event.

Variations to Try

Feel free to experiment with flavors in the mousse. Substituting half of the strawberry puree with raspberries or blueberries can create a delightful berry medley. You could even infuse a hint of citrus by adding a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the mousse for a refreshing twist.

For a richer cake experience, consider drizzling a light layer of simple syrup over the cake layers before adding the mousse. This will keep the cake moist and enhance the sweetness, especially if using less ripe strawberries.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your mousse doesn't set properly, ensure that the gelatin is fully dissolved and cooled before incorporating it into the whipped cream. Mixing too rapidly or too aggressively can deflate the cream. Gently fold ingredients to maintain the light and airy texture that is characteristic of a good mousse.

Should any cracks develop on your cake layers after baking, don't fret. A thin layer of mousse can act as a 'frosting', covering up imperfections and providing a delicious solution. If you find cracks when slicing, this can also be your cue to ensure your knife is warm and clean to achieve better slices.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries for the mousse?

Yes, frozen strawberries can be used, but make sure to thaw and strain them to remove excess moisture.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

→ Can I make this cake in advance?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers a day in advance and assemble it the next day.

→ What can I substitute for gelatin?

You can use agar-agar as a vegetarian alternative to gelatin in this recipe.