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Whip up some nostalgic delight with these DIY heart-shaped treats. Every mouthful gives you fluffy vanilla cake with a soft, cloud-like marshmallow middle, all wrapped in delicious pink candy coating—making them just right for showing love on Valentine's Day.
These cute little cakes will take you back to your childhood favorites but let you make them exactly how you want at home. There's something extra special about baking and sharing treats you've made yourself.
Must-Have Components
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): Makes the soft cake structure
- Granulated sugar (1½ cups): Gives just the right sweetness
- Unsalted butter (1 cup): Adds moisture and richness
- Large eggs (4): Provides texture and depth
- Buttermilk (1 cup): Keeps everything super soft
- Pure vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Boosts the taste
- Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Makes it rise properly
- Fine sea salt (½ teaspoon): Cuts through sweetness
- Marshmallow fluff (7 oz): Gives that dreamy center
- Unsalted butter (1 cup): Makes filling extra decadent
- Powdered sugar (2 cups): Firms up and sweetens
- Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds yummy taste
- Fine sea salt (pinch): Rounds out the flavors
- Pink candy melts (24 oz): Creates the outer shell
- White candy melts (4 oz): For pretty patterns on top
- Coconut oil (2 tablespoons): Helps make coating smooth
Step-by-Step Method
- Get the Cake Ready:
- Put parchment in your pan. Whip butter till it's airy, slowly mix in sugar. Add eggs one by one. Mix in flour and buttermilk bit by bit. Tap the pan to get rid of bubbles.
- Cook It Right:
- Pour your mix into the pan and even it out. Bake until it turns golden and doesn't wobble.
- Whip Up the Center:
- Beat butter until it's super light. Slowly blend in fluff and sugar. Add vanilla and salt, then keep mixing till it's puffy.
- Finish With Coating:
- Dunk your frozen cake combos into pink coating. Add white zigzags on top for style.
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Watching temps and timing closely will get you that perfect bite in these throwback goodies. Each part builds toward making something that looks like it came from a bakery.
Ways to Present
Stack them on pretty cake stands with some strawberries and mint leaves. Make table settings pop by putting one next to a handwritten note. Arrange them in heart shapes to create a table centerpiece.
Mix It Up
Switch vanilla for almond or rose flavors. Put fruit flavor in the filling. Pick different colored coatings. Add a layer of chocolate ganache if you're a chocoholic.
Keeping Fresh
Store with wax paper between layers in sealed containers. They'll stay good for 2 days on the counter or a week in the fridge. If you haven't coated them yet, they'll freeze nicely for a month.
These Valentine's throwback treats don't just feel good to make but bring happiness when shared. Seeing someone's face light up when they taste your homemade version makes all the work totally worth it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
- For sure! Seal them tight in a container for a few days, or freeze them if you want them to last longer.
- → Why is room temperature important for ingredients?
- It helps everything mix evenly, giving you softer and smoother cakes.
- → Can I pick different candy colors?
- Of course! Use any color you like to fit your party or event theme.
- → Why chill the cakes before coating them?
- It keeps them firm, so they hold their shape and get a smooth coating.
- → Can I make other shapes?
- Totally! Hearts are great, but stars, circles, or any shapes work too.