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Whip up some sweet memories with these DIY heart-shaped treats. Every mouthful delivers soft vanilla cake with a fluffy marshmallow middle, wrapped in pretty pink candy coating—they're just right for showing love on Valentine's Day.
These cute little cakes take you back to favorite childhood snacks but let you make them fresh at home. The fun of baking and sharing makes the whole experience even sweeter.
Must-Have Ingredients
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): Makes the soft cake structure
- Granulated sugar (1½ cups): Adds just-right sweetness
- Unsalted butter (1 cup): Gives moistness and flavor
- Large eggs (4): Helps cakes hold together
- Buttermilk (1 cup): Creates super softness
- Pure vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Boosts taste
- Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Makes cakes rise nicely
- Fine sea salt (½ teaspoon): Cuts through sweetness
- Marshmallow fluff (7 oz): Makes the dreamy filling
- Unsalted butter (1 cup): Gives filling its creaminess
- Powdered sugar (2 cups): Thickens and sweetens
- Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds yummy taste
- Fine sea salt (pinch): Brings out all flavors
- Pink candy melts (24 oz): Creates the outer shell
- White candy melts (4 oz): For pretty patterns on top
- Coconut oil (2 tablespoons): Makes coating nice and smooth
Tasty Preparation Steps
- Get Your Cake Ready:
- Put parchment in pan. Whip butter till creamy, slowly add sugar. Mix in eggs one by one. Switch between adding flour mix and buttermilk. Tap to pop bubbles.
- Cook Till Done:
- Pour mix into pan, level the top. Bake until it's golden and doesn't jiggle.
- Whip Up Filling:
- Beat butter until puffy. Slowly mix in fluff and sugar. Add vanilla and salt, beat until super fluffy.
- Finish With Coating:
- Dunk frozen cake sandwiches in pink coating. Drizzle white on top for decoration.
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Watching your timing and temps will make these treats turn out just right. Each part builds toward making snack cakes that look and taste amazing.
Ways To Serve
Stack them on fancy plates with some fresh berries and mint. Put one by each person's spot with a little note for parties. Make heart shapes on the table for a pretty centerpiece.
Different Options
Switch vanilla for almond or rose flavors. Put fruit flavor in the filling. Pick another color for coating. Add a layer of chocolate for cocoa fans.
Keeping Them Fresh
Store in sealed boxes with paper between each layer. They'll stay good for 2 days on the counter or 7 days in the fridge. You can freeze uncoated cakes for a month.
These Valentine's Day goodies bring happiness both when you make them and share them. Seeing someone smile when they bite into your homemade version makes all your work worthwhile.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can these be made ahead of time?
- Definitely! Store them in a sealed container for a few days, or freeze them if you need them to last longer.
- → Why do ingredients need to be room temperature?
- It helps everything mix smoothly, giving you soft and evenly baked cakes.
- → Can I use different candy melt colors?
- Of course! Use whatever colors you like to match the occasion.
- → What’s the point of freezing the cakes before coating?
- It makes them sturdy, so they’re easier to coat without breaking apart.
- → Can I change the shape of these cakes?
- Absolutely! Hearts are fun, but try stars, circles, or any shape for other occasions.