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Top-down view of a marbled pink heart shaped cake decorated with sprinkles and buttercream frosting.
Sophy

Easy Heart-Shaped Cake

A delightful and visually appealing cake perfect for Valentine's Day or any special occasion. This easy-to-make heart-shaped cake combines a moist vanilla-almond flavored cake with a vibrant marbled buttercream frosting, making it both delicious and Instagram-worthy.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 16 servings
Course: Baking
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

  • 1 box white cake mix plus ingredients called for on the box
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons almond extract
  • Red and orange food coloring
  • Sprinkles optional

Method
 

Prepare the Cakes:
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease and flour a square cake pan and a round cake pan.
  3. Prepare the cake mix according to the package instructions.
  4. Pour the batter into the square pan and the round pan, dividing evenly.
  5. Bake as per the package directions. Once baked, allow the cakes to cool completely.
Assemble the Heart Shape:
  1. Place the square cake on a flat surface, oriented as a diamond.
  2. Cut the round cake in half horizontally to create two half-moon shapes.
  3. Attach the half-moons to the top left and right sides of the square cake, forming a heart shape.
  4. Gently press the pieces together to adhere.
Prepare the Frosting:
  1. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
  2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and almond extract, beating until smooth and fluffy.
  3. Divide the frosting into three portions.
  4. Tint one portion with red food coloring and another with orange food coloring, leaving the third portion white.
Decorate the Cake:
  1. Spread a thin layer of white frosting over the entire cake.
  2. Drop spoonfuls of the red and orange tinted frostings onto the cake.
  3. Use an offset spatula to swirl the colors together, creating a marbled effect.
  4. Pat sprinkles onto the sides of the cake for added decoration.
  5.  
Chill and Serve:
  1. Cover the cake and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
  2. Before serving, let the cake stand at room temperature for 30 minutes to soften slightly.

Notes

Food Coloring: Adjust the amount of food coloring to achieve the desired shade of pink and orange.
Sprinkles: Feel free to use any sprinkles of your choice to personalize the cake.
Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator.