Heart-shaped strawberry red cake is a stunning, moist, and flavorful dessert perfect for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or special celebrations. This cake combines the sweetness of strawberries with a hint of vanilla and a striking red color. With its soft texture and luscious strawberry-infused frosting, it is as beautiful as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Romantic & Festive – Perfect for Valentine’s Day, weddings, or anniversaries.
Delicious Strawberry Flavor – Fresh strawberry puree adds natural sweetness.
Soft & Moist Texture – Buttermilk ensures a tender crumb.
Easy to Customize – Can be made as a layer cake, sheet cake, or cupcakes.
Show-Stopping Presentation – The heart shape and vibrant red color make it visually stunning.

Ingredients

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

For the Cake:

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Unsweetened cocoa powder (a small amount for depth)
Granulated sugar
Unsalted butter (softened)
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Fresh strawberry puree
Buttermilk
Red food coloring (gel-based for vibrant color)

For the Frosting:

Unsalted butter (softened)
Powdered sugar
Cream cheese (optional for extra richness)
Fresh strawberry puree
Vanilla extract
Heavy cream (for smoother texture)

For Decoration (Optional):

Fresh strawberries (sliced)
White chocolate shavings
Edible gold or sprinkles

Directions

1. Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a heart-shaped cake pan.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Stir in vanilla extract and strawberry puree.
Gradually add dry ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, mixing until just combined.
Mix in red food coloring until the desired shade is reached.

2. Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the heart-shaped cake pan.
Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

3. Make the Frosting

Beat butter until creamy.
Gradually add powdered sugar and mix well.
Add cream cheese (if using) and continue mixing.
Stir in fresh strawberry puree and vanilla extract.
If needed, add heavy cream for a smooth, spreadable consistency.

4. Assemble and Decorate

Spread a layer of frosting over the cooled cake.
Decorate with fresh strawberry slices, white chocolate shavings, or sprinkles.
Chill for 30 minutes before serving for the best texture.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8–10 slices
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Chilling Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Variations

Gluten-Free Version – Use a gluten-free flour blend.
Dairy-Free Option – Use plant-based butter, almond milk, and dairy-free frosting.
Extra Strawberry Flavor – Add strawberry extract for a more intense taste.
Chocolate Strawberry Cake – Add melted dark chocolate to the batter for a richer version.
Layered Cake – Make two heart-shaped cakes and add a frosting layer in between.

Storage/Reheating

Room Temperature: Store covered for up to 1 day.
Refrigeration: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cake layers for up to 2 months. Thaw before frosting.
Serving Tip: Let the cake sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of puree?

Yes, but blending the strawberries into a puree ensures even distribution of flavor.

How do I achieve a vibrant red color without too much food coloring?

Using strawberry puree along with gel-based food coloring helps achieve a rich red hue.

Can I make this cake without cocoa powder?

Yes, but a small amount of cocoa powder deepens the red color and enhances the flavor.

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

Use a round cake pan and cut the cake into a heart shape using a template.

Can I use store-bought strawberry frosting?

Yes, but homemade frosting provides a fresher and more natural flavor.

How can I prevent my cake from drying out?

Use buttermilk for moisture and avoid overbaking.

Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes, bake the cake a day ahead and frost before serving.

How do I get smooth frosting for decorating?

Use a spatula or piping bag, and chill the frosting slightly before applying.

Can I make cupcakes with this batter?

Yes, divide the batter into cupcake liners and bake for 18–20 minutes.

How do I prevent my cake from sticking to the pan?

Grease and flour the pan well or use parchment paper for easy removal.

Conclusion

Heart-shaped strawberry red cake is a romantic and delicious dessert that combines the rich flavor of strawberries with a soft, moist cake. Whether for a special celebration or a sweet surprise, this cake is sure to impress with its vibrant color, beautiful presentation, and delightful taste. Enjoy every bite of this love-filled treat!

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These Heart-Shaped Strawberry Red Cakes are made with flaky puff pastry, creamy vanilla filling, and juicy fresh strawberries. Lightly dusted with powdered sugar, they make the perfect romantic treat for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or special celebrations!

Author: Mariem
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6–8 pastries 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: French-inspired

Instructions

Prepare the strawberries: Slice fresh strawberries and toss with sugar if you want them slightly sweeter. Set aside.
Make the vanilla cream filling: Beat cream cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Chill until ready to use.
Preheat oven: Set to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Shape the pastry: Roll out the puff pastry and cut into heart shapes using a cookie cutter or a knife. Place on the baking sheet.
Brush with egg wash: Whisk the egg with water and lightly brush over the pastry for a golden finish.
Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and puffed. Let cool completely.
Assemble: Spread a layer of vanilla cream on each heart-shaped pastry, then top with sliced strawberries.

Notes

Add a drizzle of honey or chocolate for extra indulgence.
Use store-bought whipped cream for a quicker version.
Serve chilled for a refreshing treat!