Mini Heart Cake with Chocolate Mousse

Name: Mini Heart Cake with Chocolate Mousse
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 6 mini cakes
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup milk; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips; 2 cups heavy whipping cream; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Fresh berries; Chocolate shavings

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I love making these Mini Heart Cakes with Chocolate Mousse for special occasions. They're not only adorable in their heart shape, but the combination of rich chocolate mousse and the delicate cake is irresistible. I always find that these little cakes are a perfect way to show love, whether it's for a celebration or simply to indulge a sweet tooth. Plus, they're surprisingly simple to create, making them a great treat for both novice and experienced bakers alike.

Created by

Veronica Miles

Last updated on 2026-01-12T03:13:24.183Z

When I first tackled the challenge of baking these Mini Heart Cakes, I was surprised at how the combination of flavors and textures came together so beautifully. The rich, velvety chocolate mousse serves as a luxurious contrast to the light, airy cake. It was the perfect fusion that impressed my friends at our last gathering!

One important tip I learned is to allow the mousse to chill properly before assembling. This helps it maintain its shape when layered with the cake, giving you that professional finish. It’s details like this that elevate your baking from ordinary to extraordinary!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh orange zest
Creamy texture that melts in your mouth
Perfect for celebrations or as a sweet indulgence

      

Choosing the Right Ingredients

The quality of chocolate you use in the mousse is paramount. Opt for high-quality semisweet chocolate chips with at least 60% cocoa for a rich flavor. If you're feeling adventurous, try dark chocolate for a more intense taste. Be mindful of the butter as well; using unsalted butter allows you to control the sweetness and saltiness in your cake more precisely.

For the best results, let your eggs and milk come to room temperature before mixing them into the batter. This helps to create a smoother batter and contributes to a lighter cake texture. If you're pressed for time, place cold eggs in warm water for about 10 minutes to bring them to the right temperature.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your cake layers domed during baking, it's best to level them with a serrated knife before assembling. This not only allows for better stacking, but it also ensures even layers making it easier to spread the mousse. Keep an eye on your cakes while they bake; check at the 20-minute mark to avoid dry cakes.

Should your mousse seem too thick to spread, gently fold in a small amount of whipped cream to lighten it. Avoid beating your cream too long, or you might end up making butter instead of mousse! A light, airy mousse will enhance the overall delicacy of the mini cakes.

Serving and Storage Tips

These Mini Heart Cakes hold up well in the refrigerator for up to three days. To store, simply place them in an airtight container to maintain their moisture and texture. If you plan to make them ahead, consider preparing the cake layers in advance and freezing them. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to a month.

For serving, consider a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce or a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top for an elegant presentation. You can also customize the toppings based on the occasion—try crushed nuts for a crunch or a citrus glaze for a zingy finish. Just remember that fresh decorations like berries should be added right before serving to maintain their freshness.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

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

For the Chocolate Mousse:

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

For Decoration:

Fresh berries
Chocolate shavings

Instructions

Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract. In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.

Bake the Cakes

Grease and flour mini heart-shaped cake pans. Pour the batter into the prepared pans, filling them about two-thirds full. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely in the pans before transferring them to a wire rack.

Make the Chocolate Mousse

While the cakes are cooling, melt the chocolate chips in a microwave or over a double boiler. Allow to cool slightly. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla, continuing to whip until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the melted chocolate into the whipped cream until fully incorporated.

Assemble the Mini Cakes

Once the cakes are cool, carefully slice each cake in half horizontally to create layers. Start with the bottom layer, then spread a generous amount of chocolate mousse over it. Place the top layer back on and repeat for each cake. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Decorate and Serve

After chilling, carefully remove the cakes from the pans. Decorate with fresh berries and chocolate shavings for an elegant touch. Serve these delightful Mini Heart Cakes to your loved ones and enjoy!

Pro Tips

Be sure to chill the mousse well to achieve the perfect consistency. You can also experiment with different flavors of cake or mousse to create your own variations.

Variations to Consider

You can switch up the flavor of the cake by incorporating spices like cinnamon or a splash of almond extract into the batter for a unique twist. Alternatively, try adding a hint of orange or lemon zest to the mousse for a refreshing contrast that complements the rich chocolate beautifully.

If you're looking for a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream for the mousse. This alternative reduces the overall fat content while adding a tangy flavor. Just remember to whip the yogurt lightly before folding in the melted chocolate to prevent it from becoming too dense.

Occasions for These Cakes

These Mini Heart Cakes are fantastic for Valentine's Day or anniversaries, but don’t reserve them just for special occasions. They can brighten up any gathering, from a casual brunch to a baby shower. Their bite-sized form makes them easy to serve and share, ensuring that everyone gets a taste of the luscious chocolate and cake.

Consider pairing these cakes with a complementary beverage, such as a rich coffee or a fruity iced tea. This not only enhances the dessert experience but also provides guests with a delightful array of flavors to enjoy alongside their mini treats.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these cakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cakes a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. Assemble and add mousse the day you plan to serve.

→ What can I substitute for eggs?

You can use unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg as a substitute for eggs in this recipe.

→ Is the mousse stable enough to hold its shape?

Yes, as long as it's refrigerated properly, the mousse will hold its shape well when layered with the cake.

→ Can I use dark chocolate instead of semisweet?

Absolutely! Dark chocolate will give the mousse a richer flavor if you prefer.