Mini Heart Cake with Strawberry Mousse

Name: Mini Heart Cake with Strawberry Mousse
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/2 cup butter, softened; 2 eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 2 cups fresh strawberries, pureed; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 tsp gelatin dissolved in 2 tbsp water; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Celebration Meals

I absolutely adore making these mini heart cakes as they bring a personal touch to any celebration. Each bite bursts with the sweetness of strawberries combined with a light, fluffy mousse that simply dances on your taste buds. The heart shape adds a charming flair, perfect for romantic occasions or just to brighten someone’s day. This dessert is not only beautiful but also surprisingly simple to prepare, allowing me to showcase my baking skills without much hassle. Trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds!

Created by

Belinda Fraser

Last updated on 2026-01-13T07:31:36.542Z

When I decided to create these mini heart cakes, I was inspired by my love for strawberries and the joy they bring during springtime. The combination of a soft sponge cake layered with the smooth, airy strawberry mousse truly elevates this dessert. I found that allowing the mousse to set in the fridge helps enhance its flavors, making every slice a delightful experience.

While experimenting with the recipe, I learned that incorporating fresh strawberries into the mousse not only added natural sweetness but also a vibrant color that makes the heart-shaped cakes even more appealing. This little tip is key to achieving both flavor and presentation!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich and fruity flavor of fresh strawberries
Adorable heart shape perfect for gifting
Light and airy mousse texture that melts in your mouth

      

Mastering the Mini Cake Technique

When making the mini heart cakes, ensuring you have the right heart-shaped baking pan is crucial. A silicone pan can work wonders, as it allows you to gently pop out the cakes without sticking. Alternately, a metal pan can be used, just remember to grease it well to prevent any adhesion. After baking, let the cakes cool completely on a wire rack, as this helps maintain their structure while you prepare the mousse.

For a light and airy texture, don't skip the step of creaming the butter and sugar. This process introduces air into the mixture, which is key for a fluffy cake base. If you notice your batter is too thick, adding a splash of milk can help achieve the right consistency. Conversely, over mixing at this stage can lead to denser cakes; mix only until combined.

Strawberry Mousse Secrets

For the best flavor, use ripe, sweet strawberries for the mousse. I recommend selecting berries that are fragrant and deeply colored; this ensures a rich strawberry taste in the final dessert. If strawberries aren’t in season, consider using frozen strawberries instead. Just thaw and drain them before pureeing to achieve the right texture and sweetness.

Remember to whip the heavy cream just until soft peaks form. Overwhipping can lead to a grainy texture, which isn’t desirable for a smooth mousse. When you fold in the puree, do so gently to maintain the air you've just whipped into the cream. This step is crucial for achieving that delightful, melt-in-your-mouth quality characteristic of a good mousse.

Ingredients

Cake Base

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

Strawberry Mousse

2 cups fresh strawberries, pureed
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp gelatin dissolved in 2 tbsp water
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Steps to Make Mini Heart Cake

Prepare the Cake Base

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients until just mixed. Pour the batter into a heart-shaped baking pan and bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Make the Strawberry Mousse

While the cake is baking, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Gently fold in the strawberry puree and the dissolved gelatin, ensuring everything is well combined. Chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes or until it thickens slightly.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cake has cooled, slice it into smaller heart shapes if necessary. Layer the strawberry mousse generously on top of each heart cake. Optionally, garnish with fresh strawberry slices or additional whipped cream.

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding a few drops of lemon juice to the strawberry mousse, which helps to enhance the overall taste and brightness of the dessert.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These mini heart cakes can be baked a day ahead. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh. The mousse, however, is best prepared on the day you plan to serve the dessert to maintain its lightness. If you're short on time, you can whip the cream and puree the strawberries separately a few hours in advance and combine them just before serving.

If you plan to store assembled cakes, keep in mind that the moisture from the mousse can make the cake soggy over time. If you need to prepare ahead, layer mousse on individual heart cakes just before serving. Alternatively, keep the mousse and cakes separate in storage. Assembly holds up well for a small gathering, ensuring every slice remains delightful.

Garnishing and Serving Suggestions

For an elegant touch, consider garnishing your mini heart cakes with a dusting of powdered sugar before serving. Additionally, a sprig of mint or chocolate shavings can elevate the visual appeal and add a pop of contrast. If you love textures, crushed nuts or a sprinkle of granola can also add a crunchy element to the soft mousse and cake.

Serving these cakes with a side of extra strawberry puree or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can enhance the overall experience. It's a great way to balance the richness of the mousse with something creamy or fruity. You might also experiment with different fruit purees, like raspberry or blueberry, to switch it up for special occasions!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries for the mousse?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain excess water before pureeing.

→ How long can I store the mini heart cakes?

The cakes are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

→ Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.

→ What if I don’t have a heart-shaped pan?

You can bake the batter in a regular round cake pan and then cut it into heart shapes using a cookie cutter.