Pink Velvet Heart Cake

Name: Pink Velvet Heart Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 slices
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups sugar; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon cocoa powder; 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil; 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 2 tablespoons red food coloring; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon white vinegar; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1-2 tablespoons milk (as needed)

Highlighted under: Sweet Treats & Homemade Desserts

I absolutely adore making this Pink Velvet Heart Cake for special occasions. The vibrant color and rich flavor never fail to impress my friends and family. Each slice reveals a beautiful pink hue, which I find delightful! This cake is beautifully moist and has just the right amount of sweetness, making it perfect for any celebration. Plus, the cream cheese frosting adds a tangy twist that complements the cake perfectly. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe–it’s as fun to make as it is to eat!

Created by

Lena

Last updated on 2026-01-18T13:12:50.487Z

When I first experimented with making a pink velvet cake, I wanted something that stood out, not just in flavor but also in visual appeal. The cake's rich color and velvety texture were a hit the moment I served it. I learned that mixing the dry ingredients separately adds a lighter texture, which is key for that melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Another crucial tip is to ensure that your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature before making the frosting. It helps to achieve that silky smooth consistency that you want to spread on top of the cake. Each time I make this cake, I enjoy discovering ways to enhance its charm and flavor!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        A stunning pink color that brightens any occasion
Incredibly moist texture that feels luxurious
Uniquely flavored with a hint of cocoa and vanilla

      

Understanding Key Ingredients

Each component of the Pink Velvet Heart Cake plays a vital role in achieving its signature texture and flavor. The combination of all-purpose flour and cocoa powder creates a delicate crumb that’s both light and moist. The buttermilk adds acidity, which not only reacts with the baking soda to help the cake rise but also lends a subtle tang and richness that balances the sweetness. If you don't have buttermilk on hand, a mixture of regular milk and a splash of vinegar can work in a pinch.

The red food coloring is essential for that signature pink hue, helping to create a visually stunning cake that stands out at any gathering. If you're concerned about artificial dyes, consider using beet juice or natural food coloring, which can achieve a similar effect without added chemicals. Just remember that the amount might vary, so start with a small quantity and adjust until you reach your desired shade.

To achieve that perfect moist texture, incorporating oil rather than butter is crucial. Vegetable oil, with its liquid form at room temperature, ensures even moisture distribution throughout the cake. However, if you prefer a slightly different flavor, you can substitute a light olive oil or coconut oil. Just be cautious with flavored oils, as they can affect the cake's overall taste.

Frosting Tips for Success

The cream cheese frosting is the star of the show and must be smooth and easy to spread. When preparing the frosting, ensure your cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature. This step helps achieve a creamy consistency and prevents lumps. If your frosting turns out too runny, adding more powdered sugar gradually can help fix the consistency without compromising the flavor. Aim for a thick yet spreadable texture that can hold its shape when piped.

When frosting the cake, it's best to apply a crumb coat first, which is a thin layer of frosting that seals in any loose crumbs. After the first layer has set, generally about 20-30 minutes in the fridge, you can apply a thicker layer to achieve a smooth finish. For a decorative touch, using a spatula or a bench scraper can create visually pleasing patterns in the frosting.

If you want to get creative, consider flavoring your frosting with citrus zest or a splash of almond extract to complement the cake's flavor profile. Adding crushed berries or a bit of cocoa powder to the frosting can also create a delightful twist. For those with dietary restrictions, substitute dairy cream cheese with vegan cream cheese alternatives, ensuring it remains at room temperature for ease of mixing.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create your Pink Velvet Heart Cake:

For the Cake

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 tablespoons red food coloring
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon white vinegar

For the Frosting

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-2 tablespoons milk (as needed)

These simple ingredients come together beautifully to create a memorable cake!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Pink Velvet Heart Cake:

Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch heart-shaped cake pans. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.

In another bowl, whisk together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar. Gradually combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients until smooth.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Make the Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing well. If the frosting is too thick, add a little milk to reach your desired consistency.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes have completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top. Place the second layer on top and frost the sides and top of the cake. Decorate as desired.

Enjoy your beautifully decorated Pink Velvet Heart Cake!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, add some fresh berries or edible flowers on top for a stunning presentation.

Storing and Serving

This Pink Velvet Heart Cake can be stored at room temperature for up to three days, or it can be refrigerated for about a week. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container to maintain its moistness. If you prefer to freeze the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to two months, and should be thawed in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

For serving, consider presenting the cake with fresh strawberries or raspberries on the side to enhance the pink theme and add a touch of freshness. A sprinkle of edible glitter or a few heart-shaped sprinkles can also elevate its visual appeal, especially for special occasions like Valentine’s Day or anniversaries. I like to serve it with a dollop of whipped cream to add an extra layer of indulgence.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your cake doesn’t rise as expected, it’s possible that your baking soda is too old to provide the needed lift. Always check the expiration date and perform a test by adding a little vinegar to a small amount of baking soda; it should fizz actively. Additionally, be careful not to overmix the batter after adding the wet and dry ingredients, as this can lead to a dense cake.

In case you find your cake has domed in the center, simply use a serrated knife to level the top before frosting. This will help ensure an even layer of frosting and a polished appearance. If the cake cracks while baking, reducing the temperature slightly can help, allowing for a more gradual rise. Remember to rotate the cake pans halfway through baking for even cooking.

Creative Variations

Feel free to customize the flavor profile of your Pink Velvet Cake by adding a tablespoon of almond extract to the batter for a nutty flavor twist. Alternatively, you could incorporate zested citrus, like lemon or orange, which adds a refreshing brightness that complements the sweetness beautifully. Swap in different food colorings to experiment with colors beyond pink, creating a festive or seasonal vibe.

If you’re a chocolate lover, consider replacing a portion of the all-purpose flour with cocoa powder for a more decadent chocolate velvet variation. This will create a rich, chocolatey cake that pairs wonderfully with the cream cheese frosting. You can also incorporate layers of ganache between the cake layers for an extra indulgent treat.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different food coloring?

Yes, you can use any color of your choice, but red is traditional for pink velvet.

→ What can I substitute for buttermilk?

You can mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes.

→ How should I store the cake?

Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake before frosting. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.