Heart-Shaped Celebration Cake

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Heart-Shaped Celebration Cake.

1. Step 1

   Begin by preheating your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C).

2. Step 2

   Prepare both an 8-inch square pan and an 8-inch round pan by greasing them generously and lining the bottoms with parchment paper.

3. Step 3

   Don’t forget to grease the paper and give it a light dusting of flour for easy release.

4. Step 4

   In a spacious mixing bowl, grab your electric mixer and beat together sugar, softened butter, vanilla extract, and almond extract on high speed until the mixture transforms into a light and fluffy delight.

5. Step 5

   Introduce the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated before adding the next.

6. Step 6

   In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt.

7. Step 7

   Gradually blend this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, alternating with milk.

8. Step 8

   Start with one cup of the dry mix, followed by half a cup of milk, mixing until just combined.

9. Step 9

   Repeat this process until your batter is smooth and all ingredients are harmoniously united.

10. Step 10

    Divide the luscious batter between the prepared pans and slide them into the preheated oven.

11. Step 11

    Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean.

12. Step 12

    Once baked, let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

13. Step 13

    While the cakes cool, whip up the frosting.

14. Step 14

    In a large bowl, beat softened butter and vanilla extract with an electric mixer on medium speed until well blended.

15. Step 15

    Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing after each addition, and incorporate milk as needed until your frosting reaches a fluffy, spreadable consistency.

16. Step 16

    Set aside 1/3 cup of frosting and divide it into two small bowls.

17. Step 17

    Tint one portion dark pink with red food coloring and the other a vibrant orange-pink using a mix of red and yellow food coloring.

18. Step 18

    Keep the remaining frosting a lovely light pink by adding just a touch of red food coloring.

19. Step 19

    To assemble your cake, place the square cake on a work surface, rotating it to form a diamond shape.

20. Step 20

    Spread a bit of light pink frosting on the top left and right sides of the diamond.

21. Step 21

    Slice the round cake in half horizontally to create two half-moon shapes, then attach these to the top left and right sides of the diamond, gently pressing them together.

22. Step 22

    Cover the entire assembled cake with the remaining light pink frosting.

23. Step 23

    For a decorative touch, drop spoonfuls of the dark pink and orange-pink frosting onto the cake, then use an offset spatula to swirl them together for a marbled effect.

24. Step 24

    Finish by patting sprinkles onto the sides of the cake for a festive flair.

25. Step 25

    Cover the cake and chill it in the refrigerator for up to three days.

26. Step 26

    Before serving, allow it to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then slice into 16 delightful pieces.

27. Step 27

    Enjoy the sweet moments that follow!.