Mini Heart Cake with Almond Sponge

Name: Mini Heart Cake with Almond Sponge
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 hearts
Ingredients: 1 cup almond flour; 3 large eggs; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 tsp almond extract; 1/2 tsp baking powder; Pinch of salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1-2 tbsp milk; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Daily Favorites

I absolutely adore making these Mini Heart Cakes with Almond Sponge for special occasions, or simply to brighten up an ordinary day. The delicate almond flavor and soft, moist texture create a delightful treat that brings a smile to anyone who tastes it. Each mini cake is a labor of love, combining simple ingredients to create something truly special. I love how these heart-shaped cakes are versatile, perfect for anniversaries or just because, making every bite feel like a celebration.

Created by

India Rutherford

Last updated on 2026-01-06T14:37:35.284Z

When making my Mini Heart Cakes with Almond Sponge, I discovered that using almond extract instead of just ground almonds really enhances the flavor. The secret is letting the sponge cake rest for a few minutes after baking, allowing it to lock in moisture. This small step can make all the difference in achieving a tender crumb that melts in your mouth.

I often pair these cakes with a light frosting or fresh berries, which adds a gorgeous contrast in flavor and makes for a stunning presentation. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity; even beginners can create a café-quality dessert right in their own kitchen!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Delicate almond flavor that enchants every palate
Perfectly moist sponge that melts in your mouth
Stunning presentation ideal for any celebration

      

Understanding Almond Flour

Almond flour is the star ingredient of this Mini Heart Cake, contributing to its unique texture and delicate flavor. Unlike regular flour, almond flour adds moisture and a tender crumb, making it essential for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth quality. When selecting almond flour, look for finely ground varieties to ensure a smooth batter and even bake. If you're allergic to nuts, you can substitute with sunflower seed flour, but be aware this may alter the cake's color slightly due to a green reaction when baking.

It's crucial to measure almond flour accurately, as too much can lead to a crumbly texture. For best results, use the spoon-and-level method: spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. This helps avoid packing the flour, which can give your cake a denser texture than intended.

Frosting Tips for Success

The frosting for these Mini Heart Cakes can take your dessert to the next level. Use room-temperature butter for the frosting to ensure a creamy consistency; if your butter is too cold, you’ll end up with lumps. Beat the butter until it is pale and fluffy before adding sugar, as this creates a light texture. If you want a deeper almond flavor in your frosting, consider adding an extra 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract in addition to the vanilla.

When adding milk to your frosting, do so gradually, especially if you prefer a thicker consistency for piping decorations. A great way to ensure the right texture is to start with one tablespoon of milk and increase it only if the frosting feels too stiff. This gives you better control over its spreadability and helps prevent runny frosting that may slide off your cakes.

Serving and Storage Ideas

These Mini Heart Cakes can be served as is or dressed up for special occasions. To elevate your presentation, serve them on a decorative platter with fresh berries or edible flowers, which not only add color but also contrast beautifully with the almond flavor. Consider pairing these cakes with a light whipped cream on the side to enhance the sweetness and provide a contrasting texture.

If you have leftovers, store the Mini Heart Cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, wrap them individually and freeze for up to three months. Allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving again, and consider reapplying a fresh layer of frosting for a just-made taste.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for the best results:

For the Almond Sponge

1 cup almond flour
3 large eggs
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp almond extract
1/2 tsp baking powder
Pinch of salt

For the Frosting (optional)

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1-2 tbsp milk
1 tsp vanilla extract

Mix well and follow the instructions to create your masterpiece!

Instructions

Follow these steps carefully:

Prepare the Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy. Gradually add the almond flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Finally, fold in the melted butter and almond extract until just combined.

Bake the Cakes

Grease and flour your heart-shaped cake pans. Divide the batter evenly between them and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Make the Frosting

In a bowl, beat softened butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until reaching your desired consistency. Adjust with more milk or sugar if necessary.

Assemble and Decorate

Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of frosting on top of one cake and stack the second on top. Frost the top and sides as desired. Decorate with fresh berries or edible flowers for a beautiful touch.

Enjoy this delightful treat with friends or family!

Pro Tips

For added moisture, consider brushing the cakes with a simple syrup before frosting them. You can also replace the frosting with whipped cream for a lighter touch.

Ingredient Versatility

While this recipe focuses on almond flour and a classic buttercream frosting, there are plenty of ways to customize. For instance, you can replace the granulated sugar in the almond sponge with coconut sugar for a deeper flavor. Just keep in mind that the color and moisture level might change slightly, so adjust baking times accordingly if you notice the cakes browning faster than expected.

If you're looking for a dairy-free option, try using coconut oil in place of butter, both in the sponge and frosting. This swap will give your cake a subtle coconut flavor while keeping the texture just as delightful and moist. Just make sure to let the oil cool to room temperature before mixing to avoid any clumping.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your cakes are doming too high or cracking on top, it could be a sign that the oven temperature is too high. Always use an oven thermometer to check for accuracy, as even a slight difference can affect baking results. Bake at the recommended 350°F (175°C) and consider rotating your pans halfway through to ensure even baking.

In case your frosting turns out too runny, don’t panic! You can easily thicken it by adding more powdered sugar until you achieve your desired consistency. On the other hand, if the frosting is too thick, add a little more milk, mixing thoroughly after each addition to avoid making it too loose.

Scaling the Recipe

If you’d like to make a larger cake for gatherings, you can scale this recipe up by multiplying the ingredient amounts accordingly. Keep in mind that a larger cake may require adjustments in baking time—start checking for doneness at least 10-15 minutes earlier than the original recipe suggests, as larger cakes often bake more slowly in the center.

Conversely, if you're making this for small gatherings or just a sweet treat for one, consider halving the ingredients. It’s a great way to enjoy a freshly baked cake without any wastage. Remember to adjust baking times as well, since smaller cakes will bake faster!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these cakes in advance?

Yes, you can bake the cakes and store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days before decorating.

→ Can I substitute almond flour?

Yes, but keep in mind that the flavor and texture might differ. You can use ground walnuts or regular flour.

→ How can I make these gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Check that your almond flour is certified gluten-free as well.

→ What other flavors work well with almond sponge?

Lemon or orange zest can add a refreshing twist that complements the almond flavor beautifully.