Homemade Little Heart Cakes are the perfect nostalgic treat for Valentine’s Day, birthday parties, or any special occasion. These delightful mini cakes are soft, fluffy, and coated in a smooth white chocolate shell, just like the classic store-bought version. With a rich, creamy marshmallow filling, these heart-shaped cakes are a labor of love and a fun baking project for all ages!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Nostalgic and fun – A homemade version of the beloved snack cakes from childhood.
Perfect for Valentine’s Day – A sweet and festive treat for loved ones.
Soft and fluffy texture – Made with white cake mix and sour cream for a tender crumb.
Creamy marshmallow filling – The filling adds a delicious, gooey contrast to the cake.
Customizable – Change the colors, flavors, or decorations for different occasions.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

½ cup egg whites
10 oz marshmallow fluff
½ teaspoon almond extract
½ cup flour
4 tablespoons heavy cream or Crisco
1 box Pillsbury white cake mix
2 cups powdered sugar
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup sugar
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
¼ cup oil
48 oz Ghirardelli white melting wafers
1 cup butter
½ cup sour cream
1 cup water
Red food dye

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the cake batter – In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, flour, sugar, salt, egg whites, sour cream, oil, water, vanilla, and almond extract. Beat until smooth.
Bake – Pour the batter into a greased sheet pan and spread evenly. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely.
Make the filling – Beat the butter, marshmallow fluff, powdered sugar, and heavy cream (or Crisco) together until smooth and fluffy.
Cut out heart shapes – Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out as many hearts as possible from the cooled cake.
Assemble the cakes – Spread a layer of marshmallow filling on one heart-shaped cake and sandwich with another. Repeat with the remaining hearts.
Melt the white chocolate – In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the Ghirardelli white melting wafers in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
Coat the cakes – Dip each heart cake into the melted chocolate, covering completely. Place on a wire rack to set.
Decorate – Mix red food dye with a small amount of white chocolate to create pink or red accents. Drizzle over the cakes or add festive sprinkles.
Let them set – Allow the chocolate coating to harden before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 36 mini cakes
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

Chocolate version – Use chocolate cake mix and dark chocolate coating for a rich, decadent twist.
Strawberry hearts – Add strawberry extract and a few drops of pink food coloring to the cake batter.
Gluten-free option – Use a gluten-free cake mix for a celiac-friendly treat.
Extra festive decorations – Use heart-shaped sprinkles, edible glitter, or piped designs to customize the look.
Different flavors – Swap the almond extract for lemon, coconut, or raspberry extract for a fun twist.

Storage/Reheating

Room temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigeration – Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving.
Freezing – Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! These cakes store well in the fridge for a few days, making them perfect for prepping in advance.

What can I use instead of marshmallow fluff?

You can use a whipped buttercream or cream cheese frosting for a different texture and flavor.

Do I have to use white chocolate for the coating?

No, you can use milk or dark chocolate if you prefer a different flavor profile.

How do I keep the chocolate coating smooth?

Dip the cakes carefully and let excess chocolate drip off before placing them on a wire rack to set.

Can I use homemade cake instead of a cake mix?

Yes! A simple white or vanilla sponge cake recipe will work just as well.

How do I prevent the cakes from sticking when dipping?

Use a fork or dipping tool and gently tap off excess chocolate before setting them on parchment paper.

Can I make these in different shapes?

Absolutely! Use any cookie cutter shape to customize them for different holidays or occasions.

What size cookie cutter should I use?

A 2-inch heart cutter works best for bite-sized cakes, but you can adjust based on preference.

How do I make them extra soft and moist?

Adding sour cream and egg whites helps keep the cake light and fluffy. Don’t overbake!

Can I add jam or fruit filling?

Yes! Spread a thin layer of strawberry or raspberry jam inside for a fruity surprise.

Conclusion

Homemade Little Heart Cakes are a delicious, fun, and nostalgic treat that brings back childhood memories. Whether you’re making them for Valentine’s Day, a birthday party, or just because, these adorable cakes are sure to be a hit. With a creamy marshmallow filling, a smooth chocolate shell, and endless customization options, they are the perfect homemade version of a classic favorite. Try them today and share the love!