Mini Heart Cake with Mocha Frosting

Name: Mini Heart Cake with Mocha Frosting
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup buttermilk; 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 cup brewed coffee, cooled; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar; 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 tablespoon brewed coffee; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I love creating desserts that are both charming and delicious, and this Mini Heart Cake with Mocha Frosting is a perfect example. With its tender crumbs and rich mocha flavor, this petite cake is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. Perfectly sized for sharing or a romantic occasion, each bite is a delightful blend of chocolate and coffee. I guarantee that your loved ones will feel extra special when you serve them this sweet creation!

Created by

Rowan Tate

Last updated on 2026-01-14T01:52:15.005Z

Working on this Mini Heart Cake with Mocha Frosting was an absolute joy. I first experimented with different ratios of coffee to chocolate to achieve the perfect balance. The key is to use brewed coffee that’s not too strong, as it brings out the chocolate without overpowering it. After a few trials, I found the ideal blend that left everyone asking for seconds!

As I decorated the cake, I realized the importance of letting the frosting chill a bit before spreading. It gave me a smoother finish and made it much easier to work with. I can’t recommend this technique enough—it truly makes a difference in presentation and taste!

        Why You'll Love This Cake
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with a creamy mocha frosting
Adorable heart shape that's perfect for gifting
Light texture that pairs beautifully with coffee

      

Achieving the Perfect Cake Texture

For a tender and moist Mini Heart Cake, it’s crucial to accurately measure your ingredients. Sifting the flour and cocoa powder can also help eliminate lumps and ensure a light texture. Make sure to fold the wet and dry ingredients gently; overmixing can result in a dense cake. Look for the batter to just come together—small lumps are fine, as they will disappear during baking.

Another tip to keep in mind is the use of buttermilk. Its acidity not only helps tenderize the flour proteins but also contributes a subtle zing to the flavor profile. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can create a substitute by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk and letting it sit for about 5-10 minutes.

Frosting Tips for a Flawless Finish

When making the mocha frosting, ensure your butter is at room temperature for the best consistency. Cold butter can lead to a lumpy frosting, so make sure to soften it thoroughly until creamy. During the mixing process, add the powdered sugar gradually to avoid a cloud of dust and to ensure a smoother blend with the cocoa powder.

For an extra touch, consider adding a splash more of brewed coffee to the frosting if you'd like to intensify the mocha flavor. Just be careful not to overdo it; too much liquid can make your frosting too thin. Ensure it’s spreadable and smooth, ideally achieving a glossy finish as you beat it.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

This Mini Heart Cake can be made ahead of time, making it a fantastic choice for special occasions. Once cooled, it can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. If you’d like to prepare it further in advance, consider wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerating it, where it will keep for up to a week. Just be sure to frost it closer to serving for the freshest flavor.

When it comes to serving, this cake shines as a centerpiece for intimate gatherings or romantic dinners. Pair it with freshly brewed coffee or a glass of dessert wine to elevate the experience. To add a visual flourish, sprinkle some cocoa powder or finely chopped chocolate shavings over the frosting right before serving—this not only enhances the look but adds an extra layer of texture.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create your Mini Heart Cake with Mocha Frosting:

For the Cake

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup brewed coffee, cooled

For the Mocha Frosting

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tablespoon brewed coffee
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Make sure to have these ingredients ready before starting your baking adventure!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delightful Mini Heart Cake:

Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a heart-shaped cake pan with non-stick spray. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, mix the buttermilk, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and coffee.

Combine the wet and dry ingredients and mix until just blended.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Mocha Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing until incorporated. Add brewed coffee, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.

Beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.

Frost the Cake

Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the mocha frosting evenly over the top and sides. Decorate as desired and enjoy your beautiful creation!

Once you finish these steps, you’ll have your Mini Heart Cake ready to impress!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, sprinkle some chocolate shavings on top of the cake before serving. You can also pair it with fresh berries for a delightful contrast.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking to make this Mini Heart Cake gluten-free, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix. Just ensure that the mix contains a binding agent to mimic the texture of regular flour. Alternatively, almond flour can also be used but will yield a denser cake, which might differ from the original lightness.

For a dairy-free version, use almond milk or soy milk in place of buttermilk along with a dairy-free butter alternative for the frosting. The flavors may subtly change, but the end result will still deliver delicious mocha notes. You can also incorporate plant-based cream cheese into the frosting for a tangy twist.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

A common issue with baking mini cakes is uneven rising. To combat this, make sure to fill the heart-shaped pan evenly and avoid overfilling; it should only be about two-thirds full. If you notice that the edges of the cake are browning too quickly, you can cover the pan loosely with aluminum foil halfway through baking to prevent burning while allowing the center to cook through.

If your frosting ends up too runny, don’t despair! This can often happen if too much liquid or not enough sugar is added. Simply whisk in more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. If it's too thick, you can add a drop of brewed coffee to adjust. Remember, achieving the right texture for the frosting is key!

Scaling the Recipe Up or Down

If you want to prepare a larger version of this heart cake for a bigger gathering, simply multiply the ingredients by two. For a 9-inch round cake, keep the baking time in mind as it will likely require an additional 10-15 minutes in the oven. Test for doneness with a toothpick, ensuring it comes out clean.

Conversely, if you only wish to make a single mini cake, you can divide the recipe by half. Use a ramekin or a smaller baking dish to make a delightful single-serving treat. Baking time will likely decrease, so keep an eye on it in the oven, checking for doneness at around 15 minutes.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes, you can bake the cake a day ahead and store it in an airtight container. Frosting is best done on the day of serving.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

→ Can I substitute any ingredients?

Yes, you can use almond milk instead of buttermilk and any non-dairy butter for a dairy-free version.

→ What can I use instead of a heart-shaped pan?

You can use a regular round cake pan, and simply cut the cake into heart shapes after baking if you don't have a heart-shaped pan.