The Valentine’s Heart Red Velvet Cake is a delightful treat that combines the rich, velvety texture of classic red velvet with a charming heart shape perfect for celebrating love. This cake features the signature deep red color and moist crumb you expect from a red velvet, all topped with creamy, smooth cream cheese frosting. It’s sweet, tender, and irresistibly festive, making it a great way to show someone you care.
I love making this cake because it feels special without being too complicated. The heart shape adds a playful touch that always makes people smile, and the frosting is just the right balance of tangy and sweet. Whenever I bake it, I like to add a few extra decorations like red sprinkles or even fresh strawberries on top for a little something extra. It’s a simple way to turn a classic into a celebration.
This cake is perfect for a cozy Valentine’s Day dessert, but honestly, I’m happy to make it any time I want to bring a bit of joy to the table. I often slice it up to share with friends and family, and it never fails to get compliments. If you’re looking for a sweet, heartfelt treat with a fun twist, this Red Velvet Heart Cake is the one I’d pick every time.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This gives structure to your cake. For a lighter texture, you can try cake flour instead. It makes the crumb softer.
Vegetable oil: It keeps the cake moist. If you want a richer flavor, use melted butter, but oil really helps with that tender crumb.
Buttermilk: It adds tanginess and reacts with baking soda for rise. No buttermilk? Use regular milk plus 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice.
Red food coloring: This gives the classic red velvet look. Liquid, gel, or powder form all work. Gel is more vibrant and uses less.
Cream cheese: The star of the frosting. Use full-fat for creamy texture and flavor. If dairy-free, try a vegan cream cheese alternative.
How Can I Shape a Perfect Heart Cake Without a Heart Pan?
If you don’t have a heart-shaped pan, you can make one from two round cakes:
- Bake two 9-inch round cakes.
- Cut one cake in half.
- Arrange the halves next to each other pointing down to form the bottom point of the heart.
- Place the whole round cake above the halves to create the rounded top of the heart.
- Trim edges slightly if needed and press pieces gently to join before frosting.
This trick is easy and saves buying a special pan. Just level the cakes first for smooth stacking and even height.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Two 9-inch round cake pans – perfect for baking layers to make your heart shape by arranging them.
- Mixing bowls – you’ll need at least two, one for dry and one for wet ingredients.
- Electric mixer or stand mixer – helps beat the cream cheese frosting smooth and fluffy.
- Cooling racks – essential to cool cakes evenly and prevent sogginess.
- Offset spatula – makes spreading frosting smooth and easy, especially on round edges.
- Piping bag with round tip – for writing “Love” and making small frosting decorations.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap cream cheese frosting with whipped mascarpone for a lighter, creamier topping.
- Add a handful of crushed nuts like pecans or walnuts to the batter for a crunchy twist.
- Mix in some orange zest to the batter or frosting for a fresh citrus note that brightens the flavor.
- For a chocolate boost, fold mini chocolate chips into the batter before baking.
Valentine’s Heart Red Velvet Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon fine salt
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons (1 ounce) red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cake takes about 15 minutes to prepare, 25 to 30 minutes to bake, plus cooling time of about 1 hour. Frosting and assembly take another 20-30 minutes. Plan on at least 2 hours total from start to finish, including chilling time for the crumb coat.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cake Batter:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour two 9-inch round pans, or use a heart-shaped pan if you have one. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. In another bowl, whisk the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla extract until well combined. Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just blended. Avoid overmixing.
2. Bake the Cake:
Divide the batter evenly between the pans. If you’re creating a heart shape without a special pan, use two round cakes and shape them after baking (cut and arrange). Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
3. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together in a large bowl until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar on low speed until fully mixed. Add the vanilla extract, then beat on medium-high speed until the frosting is light and fluffy.
4. Assemble the Cake:
If needed, level the cooled cakes so layers are flat. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top. Add the second cake layer. Cover the entire cake with a thin crumb coat of frosting, then chill for 15-20 minutes to set.
5. Final Touches:
Apply a final layer of frosting around the sides and top of the cake. Press some reserved cake crumbs gently on top to decorate. Pipe small rosettes or dollops of frosting around the edges for a pretty finish. Use some frosting to pipe the word “Love” on top to celebrate Valentine’s Day.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Keep the cake chilled until you’re ready to serve. Slice, share, and enjoy this rich, creamy, and festive red velvet heart cake with your loved ones!
Can I Use a Different Shape Pan for This Cake?
Absolutely! If you don’t have a heart-shaped pan, bake two 9-inch round cakes and cut one in half to form the heart shape. Then arrange and frost as described. It’s an easy way to get that lovely heart design without special equipment.
How Should I Store Leftover Red Velvet Cake?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. The cream cheese frosting keeps best when chilled. Let the cake come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Can I Make the Cake or Frosting Ahead of Time?
Yes! Bake the cake layers one day ahead and keep them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature. You can also prepare the frosting a day in advance—just store it covered in the fridge and beat it again a bit before frosting if needed.
What Can I Use If I Don’t Have Buttermilk?
Use 1 cup of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice stirred in. Let it sit for 5 minutes to curdle, then use in place of buttermilk. This simple swap adds the tang and acidity needed for the perfect red velvet rise and flavor.
