Mini Heart Cake with Pistachio Vanilla Frosting

Name: Mini Heart Cake with Pistachio Vanilla Frosting
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 mini cakes
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup sugar; 1/2 cup butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup milk; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1/4 cup butter, softened; 1/4 cup pistachios, ground; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 tbsp milk

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I absolutely adore baking, and this Mini Heart Cake with Pistachio Vanilla Frosting is one of my favorites. The moment I tasted the delicate flavors of pistachio combined with the creamy vanilla frosting, I knew I had to share this recipe. The sweetness of the cake beautifully complements the nutty notes of the frosting, making it a perfect treat for special occasions or simply to enjoy alongside a cup of tea. Trust me, this delightful mini cake will bring a smile to anyone's face!

Created by

Seraphina Moore

Last updated on 2026-01-14T08:21:35.215Z

When I first experimented with the idea of a mini heart cake, I knew I wanted to incorporate pistachios due to their unique flavor and texture. After a few trials, I discovered that toasting the pistachios enhances their nuttiness, making the frosting utterly irresistible. I love how these mini cakes create an intimate dessert experience, perfect for sharing!

This recipe also holds a personal connection for me; it was inspired by a celebration I attended where heart-shaped desserts stole the show. I modified it to suit my taste preferences, and now it often makes an appearance during family gatherings!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Decadent pistachio flavor combined with light vanilla notes
Adorable heart shape perfect for gifting or special occasions
Easy to transport for celebrations or potlucks

      

Perfecting the Cake Texture

Achieving the right texture in a cake is essential, especially for this Mini Heart Cake. Be careful not to overmix the batter once you incorporate the dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to a denser cake rather than the light and airy texture we desire. Mix until just combined to maintain those lovely air bubbles that give the cake its lift.

The choice of butter is also crucial for flavor and texture. Opt for unsalted butter to control the salt level in your cake. Make sure it is softened correctly; if it's too cold, it won’t cream well with the sugar, leading to a less airy cake. If you’re short on time, you can microwave the butter for 10-second intervals until soft but not melted.

Frosting Perfection

When preparing the pistachio vanilla frosting, ensuring that your butter is at room temperature is key to achieving a smooth, glossy finish. If you find your frosting too thick, you can gradually add a little extra milk, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired spreadability. Conversely, if it's too runny, simply add a bit more powdered sugar to thicken it up.

The ground pistachios add not just flavor but also texture to the frosting. I recommend grinding them finely but not to a powder; a slight graininess gives the frosting character. If you want to control the nutty flavor even further, try using blanched pistachios to avoid bitterness from the skins.

Ingredients

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

Cake Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt

Frosting Ingredients

1 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup pistachios, ground
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp milk

Once you have these ingredients ready, you'll be all set to make your delightful mini cakes!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to bake your Mini Heart Cake:

Preheat the Oven

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

Mix the Batter

In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually incorporate this into the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, until smooth.

Bake the Cakes

Pour the batter into the prepared molds and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Prepare the Frosting

While the cakes cool, make the frosting by creaming together the softened butter and powdered sugar. Mix in the ground pistachios, vanilla extract, and enough milk to reach your desired consistency.

Frost the Cakes

Once the cakes are completely cool, carefully remove them from the molds and frost them generously with the pistachio vanilla frosting.

Enjoy your mini hearts with friends and family!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, garnish the frosted cakes with chopped pistachios or a drizzle of chocolate.

Make-Ahead Tips

This Mini Heart Cake can be made ahead of time, making it a convenient option for busy schedules or special events. You can bake the cakes a day in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature, ensuring they retain their moisture. Just remember to cool them completely before sealing them away.

The frosting can also be prepared ahead of time. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and bring it back to room temperature before using it. If it thickens too much in the fridge, whip it again with a little bit of milk to restore its creamy consistency.

Serving Suggestions

For an adorable presentation, consider serving these mini cakes on decorative plates or in cute cupcake boxes, especially if they are for gifts or events. A sprinkle of crushed pistachios on top of the frosting not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a delightful crunch when enjoyed.

Pair this cake with a light herbal tea or a cappuccino to complement the nutty and sweet flavors. If you’re feeling festive, you can also drizzle a bit of melted white chocolate over the frosted cakes for an extra touch of indulgence.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use unsalted butter?

Yes, unsalted butter can be used; just add a pinch of salt to the frosting to balance the flavors.

→ How long do these cakes last?

The mini cakes can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for a week.

→ Can I make this cake as a full-sized cake?

Absolutely! Just adjust the baking time to about 30-35 minutes using a 9-inch round cake pan.

→ What if I don't have pistachios?

You can substitute pistachios with any other nuts, like walnuts or almonds, for a different flavor profile.