Berry Delight Heart Cake

Name: Berry Delight Heart Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; ½ cup milk; 2 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ½ tsp salt; 1 cup strawberries, sliced; 1 cup blueberries; 1 cup raspberries; 1 cup whipped cream; Powdered sugar for dusting

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely adore making this Berry Delight Heart Cake! It's an indulgent dessert that's bursting with flavor from fresh berries and a rich, moist cake. Each bite feels like a celebration, whether I'm hosting a party or enjoying a quiet evening at home. The heart shape adds a charming touch, making it perfect for special occasions. Plus, it's surprisingly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients that I often have on hand. This cake has quickly become a favorite in my household, and I'm excited to share it with you!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-18T15:49:27.981Z

When I first attempted to create this Berry Delight Heart Cake, I wanted something that was not only delicious but also visually stunning. After experimenting with different berry combinations, I discovered that using a mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries created a wonderful balance of tartness and sweetness. The real magic happens when you layer the berries between the fluffy cake layers, allowing their juices to seep in and enhance the flavors throughout.

To get the best results, I recommend using fresh, ripe berries as they truly make this cake sing. Additionally, letting the cake cool completely before icing is vital, as it prevents the frosting from melting too quickly. Trust me, the wait is worth it when you see the vibrant colors and taste the delightful mix of flavors!

        Why You'll Love This Cake
        A stunning heart shape that’s perfect for any occasion
Bursting with the freshness of mixed berries
Rich, moist texture that keeps everyone coming back for more

      

Perfecting the Heart Shape

The heart shape of this cake isn’t just for aesthetics; it can be a bit tricky to achieve the perfect cut. When greasing your heart-shaped pan, be sure to cover all corners thoroughly, as batter can stick in these areas. Additionally, using parchment paper can help with a clean release after baking. Letting the cake cool in the pan completely is crucial, as it reduces the risk of breakage when turning it out onto a wire rack.

To ensure the sides of the heart cake look clean, I recommend using a serrated knife for trimming any doming that might occur while baking. This helps the halves fit together neatly when you assemble the cake. If you're unsure about your knife skills, a cake leveler can be very helpful. It allows for an even cut without any mess, giving you a professional finish.

Berry Selection and Preparation

Choosing the right berries is key to achieving that burst of flavor in your cake. I like to pick ripe, in-season berries for the best taste. If they're slightly overripe, use them for the filling where they can shine instead of just garnishing. Ensure to wash and gently pat dry the berries to maintain their shape. For strawberries, slice them just before assembling the cake to avoid excess moisture running into the whipped cream.

If you're looking to customize your Berry Delight Heart Cake, consider using seasonal fruits like peaches or cherries in lieu of berries. They can add a different flavor profile while still complementing the whipped cream beautifully. For a slightly tangy note, incorporating some lemon zest into the whipped cream can enhance the overall flavor without overpowering the berries.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create your Berry Delight Heart Cake.

Cake Ingredients

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
½ cup milk
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp salt

Filling and Topping

1 cup strawberries, sliced
1 cup blueberries
1 cup raspberries
1 cup whipped cream
Powdered sugar for dusting

Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to bake and assemble your cake.

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a heart-shaped cake pan.

Mix the Batter

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until smooth.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared heart-shaped pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Prepare the Berries

Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. While the cake cools, prepare your berries by washing and slicing the strawberries.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cake is cool, slice it in half horizontally. Spread a layer of whipped cream on the bottom half and top with a mixture of the berries. Place the top half of the cake back on and frost the entire cake with more whipped cream.

Serve and Enjoy

Dust with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy your beautiful Berry Delight Heart Cake with friends and family!

Always let the cake cool thoroughly to preserve its structure and flavor.

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice to the berries before layering them in the cake. This enhances the brightness and complements the sweetness of the cake beautifully.

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Berry Delight Heart Cake leftover, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Be mindful that the whipped cream may soften over time, so it's best enjoyed within two to three days. If you anticipate having leftovers, consider only frosting the portion you plan to eat immediately to maintain freshness. Slice and set aside the remainder for assembly later.

For longer storage, you can freeze the unassembled cake layers. Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They typically hold up for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy, simply thaw the layers in the fridge overnight before assembling with whipped cream and berries.

Scaling the Recipe

Should you want to make a larger cake, scaling up this recipe is quite straightforward. You can double the ingredients to fill a larger pan, ensuring to adjust your baking time accordingly. A good tip is to start checking the doneness around the original time, which is 25–30 minutes, then extending as needed. An additional 10–15 minutes might suffice for a larger cake, but keep an eye out for that golden top.

Conversely, you can cut the recipe in half if you want to make a smaller cake. Using smaller cake pans or even cupcakes is a fun way to serve individual portions, especially for events where you might want to offer a variety of desserts. Just remember to adjust the baking times down to about 15-20 minutes for smaller sizes.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh?

Yes, but be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture.

→ How can I make this cake gluten-free?

Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

→ Can I prepare the cake batter in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the batter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

→ What’s the best way to store leftovers?

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