Mini Heart Cake with Pistachio Vanilla Frosting

Name: Mini Heart Cake with Pistachio Vanilla Frosting
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup milk; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1/4 cup ground pistachios; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons milk

Highlighted under: Modern Collection

I absolutely adore baking, and creating this Mini Heart Cake with Pistachio Vanilla Frosting has quickly become one of my favorite projects. There’s something so delightful about mini cakes that make them feel extra special, especially when they’re made with a buttery vanilla base and topped with a lush pistachio frosting. Whether it’s for a celebration or simply treating myself, this recipe never fails to impress and satisfy those sweet cravings. Plus, the vibrant green frosting adds a pop of color that’s simply irresistible!

Created by

Lottie Pennington

Last updated on 2026-01-14T04:53:35.023Z

While making the Mini Heart Cake, I decided to use a combination of almond and vanilla extracts to enhance the flavor profile. The result was a cake that was rich but not overwhelming. Along the way, I learned that using room-temperature ingredients really makes a difference in batter texture and helps create an even rise while baking.

For the frosting, I ground pistachios into a fine powder and folded it into the buttercream. Not only did it add a lovely nutty flavor, but the texture was silky smooth. Remember to taste as you go to balance the sweetness—this helps achieve that perfect pistachio hint!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        A delightful fusion of sweet vanilla and nutty pistachio flavors.
Perfectly moist cake that melts in your mouth.
Visually stunning, ideal for celebrations and special occasions.

      

Perfecting the Cake Texture

Achieving the right cake texture is essential for a memorable Mini Heart Cake. Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature; this ensures it incorporates smoothly with the sugar for a light and airy batter. When combining dry ingredients with wet, use a gentle folding technique rather than vigorous mixing. This helps to retain air in the mixture, resulting in a beautifully moist cake that has a tender crumb once baked.

Keeping an eye on the baking time is crucial. Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking the cake for doneness at the 20-minute mark. Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If it comes out wet, give it a few more minutes. Overbaking can lead to a dry cake, so err on the side of caution.

Elevating the Frosting Flavor

The pistachio frosting brings a unique richness to this cake, and the key to perfecting its flavor lies in the quality of ingredients. Use fresh, unsalted pistachios for a vibrant color and optimal flavor. Ground them finely to avoid a gritty texture in your frosting; I often pulse them in a food processor until they resemble a fine flour. This ensures even distribution throughout the frosting.

Another tip for achieving a silky smooth frosting is to beat the softened butter well before incorporating the powdered sugar. This step creates a creamy base that can hold the ground pistachios without becoming grainy. If you find your frosting is too thick, gradually add more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. The frosting should be spreadable but still hold its shape.

Serving and Storage Tips

Once your Mini Heart Cake is assembled, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. This allows the frosting to set a bit and enhances the flavors as they meld. For added visual appeal, consider garnishing the top with a few whole pistachios or edible flowers. Not only does this elevate the cake’s look, but it also adds a textured contrast to each bite.

If you're not serving the cake right away, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to three days. Be mindful that refrigeration can slightly firm up the frosting; simply bring it back to room temperature before slicing for a more pleasant texture. This cake also freezes beautifully; wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and they’ll keep in the freezer for up to a month.

Ingredients

Gather all the ingredients before you start baking. This will streamline the process and ensure you don’t miss anything!

For the Cake

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup ground pistachios
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons milk

Having everything ready will make the baking experience more enjoyable. Don't forget to preheat your oven!

Instructions

Before we dive into the baking process, make sure your oven is preheated to 350°F (175°C) for optimal baking conditions.

Prepare the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract just until combined. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until fully incorporated.

Bake the Cakes

Grease and flour your heart-shaped cake pans. Pour the batter evenly into the pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once done, let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Frosting

In a stand mixer, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until combined. Add the ground pistachios, vanilla extract, and milk. Beat on high for about 2-3 minutes until fluffy and smooth. If the frosting is too thick, add a bit more milk!

Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes have completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of pistachio frosting on top. Carefully place the other layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting. Decorate as desired with additional ground pistachios.

After frosting, let the cake sit for a few minutes to set the frosting. This will allow you to achieve cleaner slices when cutting.

Pro Tips

For the best flavor, allow the frosted cake to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving, which helps the frosting soften slightly.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking for gluten-free options, you can swap the all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Just verify that it includes xanthan gum to maintain the cake's structural integrity. Additionally, for a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter and milk alternatives; almond or oat milk works particularly well without compromising on flavor.

For those who want to reduce sugar, consider using a sugar substitute that measures cup-for-cup like erythritol or coconut sugar. Just remember that some substitutes may alter the texture slightly. You may need extra moisture if using a sugar substitute that doesn't absorb liquids as well.

Variations to Try

Get creative by adding flavor twists to your cake batter. A teaspoon of almond extract or citrus zest can elevate the vanilla flavor profile deliciously. You might also fold in mini chocolate chips or dried fruit for added texture and sweetness, making each slice uniquely delightful.

For a holiday-themed treat, consider swapping the pistachio frosting for a red or green buttercream, or even creating a mocha version with espresso powder. Combine your favorite flavors for the frosting with this cake base, allowing a myriad of options for every taste preference and occasion.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of nuts for the frosting?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground almonds or walnuts for a unique flavor.

→ How should I store the cake?

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

→ Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes! You can bake the cakes a day in advance and frost them on the day you plan to serve.

→ What if I don't have heart-shaped pans?

You can use regular round pans and simply trim the edges to create heart shapes after baking!