Description
This meticulously engineered heart cake uses geometric principles to create a perfect romantic shape without the need for specialized pans. A tender yellow cake base meets a silky American buttercream for a dessert that is as structurally sound as it is delicious.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Granulated sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Almond extract
- Large eggs, room temperature
- All-purpose flour
- Cornstarch
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Whole milk
- Powdered sugar
- Gel food coloring
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease one 8-inch square pan and one 8-inch round pan, lining the bottoms with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, vanilla, and almond extract on high speed for 3 to 5 minutes until pale and aerated.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition to maintain a stable emulsion.
- Whisk the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt together in a separate bowl.
- With the mixer on low, add the flour mixture in three parts and the milk in two parts, alternating between them until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 45 to 50 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 205°F-210°F.
- Cool the cakes in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- Prepare the buttercream by beating butter and vanilla, then gradually adding powdered sugar and milk until reaching a fluffy consistency; tint as desired.
- To assemble, rotate the square cake 45 degrees, cut the round cake in half, and attach the halves to the top left and top right sides of the square with frosting.
- Apply a thin crumb coat of frosting to the entire cake, chill for 20 minutes, then apply the final layer of decorative buttercream.
Notes
For the smoothest assembly, ensure the cake layers are completely cold before cutting; chilled cake is much firmer and less prone to tearing. If you prefer a less sweet frosting, you can add a pinch of salt to the buttercream to balance the powdered sugar.
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 50 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American