Name: heart-shaped cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1.5 cups sugar; 0.75 cups unsalted butter (softened); 4 large eggs; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 0.5 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup milk

Okay, picture this: I’m Valentine’s Day morning, a soft pink sunrise peeking through the curtains, and the aroma of warm air. Vanilla and raspberries wafting from the kitchen. That’s the scene when I bring out this beautiful scene.What is a heartI love you. It’s a tradition. It’s similar to marble cake in concept, but with a much more tender crumb, berry berries and an intense flavor. What is the shape of a swirl that screams romance? What is self-love? Trust me, this isn’t just any cake. It’s a showstopper, and it’ is surprisingly simple to make. What is the easiest way to make a layer cake?

What is Sweetheart Swirl Cake?

Think of it as a vanilla-infused dream with a bright, tangy raspberry hug. The Sweetheart Swirl Cake is, at its heart, a moist and delicate vanilla cake that’s been swirled with a homemade raspberry puree. It’s essentially a marble cake gone totally romantic. The name? Well, it’s because the cake is baked in a Heart-shaped cake.What is the perfect gift for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or any occasion where you want to show your love? What is the best way to show appreciation for teachers or caregivers?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Why do you love a cake?Flavor Explosion:The delicate vanilla cake is perfectly balanced by the tart and sweet raspberry swirl. Is it too sweet or too tart?Ridiculously EasyWhat is the best way to make a cake? I’ve made it with my toddler and it still turned out great!Budget Friendly The ingredients are pantry staples. You probably have most of them already!
• So Versatile: Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or just enjoy it as is with a cup of tea. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

What I love most about this is that it’s a crowd-pleaser. Everyone always raves about it, and it’s so rewarding to see their faces light up. It’s right up there with my Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe (another classic!), but with a touch more elegance. Plus, it feels so special because of the shape – a What is a heartWhat makes everything better doesn’t it?

How do I make Sweetheart Swirl Cake?

Quick Overview

You’ll start by whipping up a simple vanilla cake batter. Then, you’ll make a quick raspberry puree and swirl it into the batter before baking it in a What is a heart pan. The key is to not overmix the batter after swirling, which keeps the cake tender and light. I promise, even if you’re not a seasoned baker, you can totally nail this!

Ingredients

For the Main Batter:
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: I always use unbleached for the best flavor.
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Feel free to reduce this slightly if you prefer a less sweet cake.
• 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: This is what gives the cake its lift, so don’t skimp!
• 1 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Make sure it’s soft – almost melty – for the best texture.
• 1 cup milk: I’ve tested this with almond milk and it actually made it even creamier! But regular milk works great too.
• 2 large eggs: Bring them to room temperature for better incorporation.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Use the good stuff – it makes a difference!

For the Filling:
• 12 ounces fresh or frozen raspberries: If using frozen, thaw them slightly first.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adjust to taste depending on the sweetness of the berries.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the flavor and helps thicken the puree.

For the Glaze:
• 1 cup powdered sugar: Sift it to avoid lumps!
• 2-3 tablespoons milk: Add it gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Optional, but it adds a nice touch.

How do I follow step

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a baking dish.What is a heartI sometimes use baking spray with flour in it, which is a lifesaver! How do I make a cake that doesn’t stick? What is it like to bake a heart-shaped cake and then have it stick to the pan?

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisking is important to evenly distribute the baking powder. I always do this step first to make sure there are no pockets of baking powder in the batter.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Set aside. Beat in the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. How do you make an eggy cake?

Step 4: Combine

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. How do you not overmix? Overmixing can result in a tough cake. I usually stop mixing when there are still streaks of flour and then gently fold them in with a fork.

Step 5: Prepare Filling

In a saucepan, combine the raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the berries break down and the mixture thickens slightly. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Let the puree cool slightly before using. I like to use a potato masher to help break down the berries.

Step 6: Layer & Swirl

Pour about half of the cake batter into the prepared heart-shaped cake pan. Dollop spoonfuls of the raspberry puree over the batter. Then, pour the remaining cake batter over the puree. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the puree into the batter. Don’t overdo it – you want to see distinct swirls of raspberry, not just a pink cake! This is where you get to be creative, so have fun with it!

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. I always start checking for doneness around the 30-minute mark because oven temperatures can vary. If the top of the cake is browning too quickly, you can tent it with foil.

Step 8: Cool & Glaze

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once the cake is cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract (if using) until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cake. I like to let the glaze drip down the sides for a rustic look.

Step 9: Slice & Serve

Slice the cake and serve immediately. It’s delicious on its own, but even better with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. I also love serving it with fresh raspberries for an extra pop of color and flavor.

What to Serve It With

This heart-shaped cake is incredibly versatile and can be served in so many ways:
For Breakfast: Pair it with a strong cup of coffee or a latte. It’s a sweet treat to start the day! For a special presentation, dust the plate with powdered sugar and arrange a few fresh raspberries around the cake.
For Brunch: Serve it alongside other brunch favorites like scrambled eggs, bacon, and fruit salad. Offer a selection of beverages, such as mimosas, orange juice, and iced tea.
As Dessert: This cake is the perfect ending to any meal. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A drizzle of raspberry sauce would also be amazing!
For Cozy Snacks: Enjoy a slice with a cup of hot cocoa or tea on a cold evening. It’s the ultimate comfort food. I sometimes add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the cocoa for an extra cozy touch.

My family loves this cake with a simple vanilla bean ice cream. My grandma always made it with a dollop of homemade whipped cream and a sprinkle of toasted almonds. No matter how you serve it, it’s sure to be a hit!

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Sweetheart Swirl Cake

Want to take your Sweetheart Swirl Cake to the next level? Here are a few of my top tips:

Raspberry Prep: If using frozen raspberries, make sure to thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before making the puree. This will prevent the puree from being too watery.
Mixing Advice: Don’t overmix the batter! Overmixing will result in a tough cake. Mix until just combined, and then gently fold in any remaining streaks of flour with a spatula.
Swirl Customization: Get creative with your swirling! Try different patterns to create a unique look. You can also add a few drops of food coloring to the raspberry puree for a more vibrant swirl.
Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have raspberries, you can use other berries such as strawberries, blueberries, or blackberries. You can also substitute the milk with almond milk, soy milk, or even yogurt.
Baking Tips: Keep an eye on the cake while it’s baking. If the top is browning too quickly, you can tent it with foil.
Glaze Variations: For a richer glaze, try using Cream Cheese instead of milk. You can also add a few drops of food coloring to the glaze for a more festive look.

One time, I accidentally used salted butter instead of unsalted butter, and the cake was way too salty! I learned my lesson – always double-check your ingredients!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Here’s how to keep your Sweetheart Swirl Cake fresh and delicious:
Room Temperature: You can store the cake at room temperature for up to 2 days, covered tightly. This will help prevent it from drying out.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, you can store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container.
Freezer Instructions: You can also freeze the cake for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. To thaw, place it in the refrigerator overnight.
Glaze Timing Advice: I recommend glazing the cake right before serving, as the glaze can become sticky if stored for too long.

I usually slice the cake before freezing it, so I can just grab a slice whenever I want a sweet treat!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, you can! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. I recommend using a blend that contains xanthan gum, as this will help bind the ingredients together and give the cake a similar texture to a traditional cake. You may need to adjust the amount of liquid slightly, as gluten-free flours can absorb more moisture. I usually start by adding an extra tablespoon or two of milk.

Do I need to peel the raspberries?

Oh goodness, no! You absolutely do not need to peel the raspberries. Just give them a quick rinse and they are good to go.

Can I make this as muffins instead?

Absolutely! To make muffins, simply fill muffin liners about 2/3 full with the batter and swirl in the raspberry puree. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-20 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. You’ll get about 12-15 muffins from this recipe. Muffins make a great on the go breakfast or lunchbox addition.

How can I adjust the sweetness level?

If you prefer a less sweet cake, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the batter by 1/4 cup. You can also use a natural sweetener such as honey or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar. Keep in mind that natural sweeteners can affect the texture of the cake, so you may need to experiment to find the right balance. I have never tried honey or maple syrup personally, but I have reduced sugar and think it tastes just as delicious.

What can I use instead of the glaze?

If you’re not a fan of glaze, you can simply dust the cake with powdered sugar. You can also make a cream cheese frosting or a chocolate ganache. Or, you can just serve the cake plain – it’s delicious on its own!

Final Thoughts

This Sweetheart Swirl Cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s a gesture of love, a celebration of simple joys, and a darn good excuse to bake something beautiful. The combination of vanilla and raspberry is simply irresistible, and the heart-shaped cake is just the perfect finishing touch. If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my other cake recipes. Happy baking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Leave a comment below and let me know if you tried it and what you think! Share your photos too – I love seeing your creations!