Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cake bakes evenly.

Grease and flour a heart-shaped cake pan. This prevents the cake from sticking.

In a medium bowl, sift together 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.

Set aside this mixture for later use.

In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 cup of unsalted butter until creamy and smooth.

Gradually add 2 cups of granulated sugar, beating until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.

Add 4 large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Mix in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract until fully combined.

Alternate adding the flour mixture and 1 cup of whole milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.

If desired, add a few drops of red food coloring and mix until the batter is evenly colored.

Pour the batter into the prepared heart-shaped cake pan, spreading it evenly.

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

In a large bowl, beat 1 cup of unsalted butter until creamy.

Gradually add 4 cups of powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition.

Add 1/4 cup of heavy cream and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.

If desired, add food coloring to achieve your desired frosting color.

Frost the cooled cake using a spatula or piping bag for a smooth finish.

Add heart-shaped sprinkles, edible glitter, and assorted candy decorations to create a festive and personalized look.

Pro Tips and Variations for Designing Your Heart Cake

As you embark on creating your heart cake, here are some expert tips and delightful variations to make your baking experience even more enjoyable:

Level Your Cake: Use a serrated knife or a cake leveler to trim the top of your cake layers for an even surface. This ensures a stable and professional-looking finish.

Smooth Frosting: For a sleek appearance, use an offset spatula to smooth the frosting. Dip the spatula in warm water and wipe it clean before smoothing the frosting for a flawless look.

Even Layers: If you’re making multiple layers, use a piping bag to distribute the batter evenly. This helps achieve uniform thickness and even baking.

Crumb Coat: Apply a thin layer of frosting (crumb coat) and let it set in the fridge for 15-30 minutes before adding the final layer of frosting. This helps lock in crumbs and creates a smooth base for decoration.

Chill Before Cutting: If your cake tends to crumble while cutting, chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes before slicing. This firms up the cake and makes cutting easier.