If you’re craving a show-stopping dessert that feels like a warm hug in cake form, the Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Layer Cake with Berries Recipe is exactly what you need. This delightful cake blends the rich, velvety texture of classic red velvet with the freshness of vibrant berries, all presented in a charming heart shape perfect for celebrations or just because. The luscious cream cheese frosting ties every bite together with its creamy tang, making this recipe a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Trust me, once you try this, it will quickly become a favorite to bake and share!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is key to nailing the perfect Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Layer Cake with Berries Recipe. Each component serves a delicious purpose—flour and cocoa powder build the soft cake base, while buttermilk and vinegar create that signature tender crumb and subtle tang. The cream cheese frosting adds a luscious, creamy layer that complements the berries’ freshness perfectly.
- All-purpose flour (2 ½ cups / 315g): The foundation of your cake, providing structure and softness.
- Cocoa powder (2 tablespoons): Adds a mild chocolate depth without overpowering the red velvet flavor.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cake rise beautifully, ensuring a light crumb.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup / 226g, softened): Adds richness and moisture to the cake layers.
- Granulated sugar (1 ¾ cups / 350g): Sweetens the batter and helps with that tender crumb.
- Large eggs (2, room temperature): Bind the ingredients and give structure to the cake.
- Buttermilk (1 cup / 240ml, room temperature): Keeps the cake incredibly moist while adding a subtle tang.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Infuses warmth and enhances the overall flavor profile.
- White vinegar (1 tablespoon): Reacts with baking soda for lift and adds to that classic red velvet tang.
- Red food coloring (2 tablespoons): Gives the cake its signature vibrant red hue.
- Cream cheese (6 oz / 450g, cold): The star ingredient in the frosting, lending creaminess and a gentle tang.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup / 226g, room temp): Makes the frosting silky and spreadable.
- Powdered sugar (4 cups / 500g, sifted): Sweetens the frosting and ensures smoothness.
- Vanilla extract (1 ½ teaspoons): Adds extra depth to the frosting flavor.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness of the frosting perfectly.
- Fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries): Provide natural sweetness and a beautiful, refreshing topping.
- Optional: Edible flowers, red velvet crumbs, and mint leaves for stunning decoration.
How to Make Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Layer Cake with Berries Recipe
Step 1: Make the Cake Layers
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepping your pans—grease and line two or three heart-shaped cake pans, or use round pans that you’ll cut into hearts later. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside because it’s about to meet the wet ingredients. In a large bowl, cream your softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes. Then, add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition for a smooth batter. Stir in the vanilla extract, red food coloring, and white vinegar to bring that classic red velvet color and subtle tang alive. Now, add the dry flour mixture in three parts, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour. This method gives your cake that tender crumb everyone loves. Pour the batter evenly into your pans and pop them in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely before assembling, and don’t forget to level the tops if needed—it makes stacking so much easier and neater!
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
The frosting is where the magic of creamy indulgence happens. In a large bowl, beat the cold cream cheese on its own for about 30 seconds until smooth. Then add your room-temperature butter and beat again until the mixture is fluffy and well combined—this usually takes 2 to 3 minutes. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, continuing to beat until you get a silky, creamy consistency. Stir in the vanilla extract and a small pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. Transfer this luscious frosting to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip so you can create beautiful dollops for assembling your cake layers.
Step 3: Assemble the Cake
Choose a flat surface or cake board and place your first heart-shaped cake layer down. Pipe large dollops of cream cheese frosting across the top, creating a soft, fluffy layer of sweetness. Gently place the second cake layer on top and repeat this frosting step. If you made three layers, add the third layer and top it with one final generous dollop of frosting. Now comes the fun part: top your cake with a luscious mix of fresh berries—strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries all work beautifully here. For an extra special touch, sprinkle with some red velvet cake crumbs or decorate with edible flowers and fresh mint leaves. Tip: chilling the cake layers before stacking can help reduce crumbling. And if you don’t have heart-shaped pans, simply cut round cakes into hearts with a serrated knife for the perfect shape. You might also love adding a hint of lemon zest to your frosting for a bright, citrusy twist!
How to Serve Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Layer Cake with Berries Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh berries are the star garnish for the Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Layer Cake with Berries Recipe. They add a burst of juicy sweetness and vibrant color that perfectly complements the creamy frosting. Don’t hesitate to get creative by sprinkling some edible flowers or additional cake crumbs on top for a romantic, rustic feel.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with light, refreshing sides like a simple mixed green salad with vinaigrette or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. If serving during brunch or a party, consider accompanying it with sparkling beverages like rosé or a fresh berry lemonade to keep the vibe fresh and festive.
Creative Ways to Present
If you really want to wow your guests, serve individual heart-shaped cake slices on pretty plates garnished with a few berries and a mint leaf. You can also create mini versions of this cake by using smaller pans for adorable single servings. Another idea is to layer the cake in a clear glass trifle bowl with berries on every layer for a stunning visual treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep your Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Layer Cake with Berries Recipe fresh by storing leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Bring it to room temperature before serving to enjoy the frosting’s smooth richness at its best.
Freezing
This cake freezes well if you wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to one month. When ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge before bringing it to room temperature for serving.
Reheating
Since this cake tastes best cool or at room temperature, avoid reheating it. Instead, let it sit out for 30 to 60 minutes after refrigeration to soften the frosting for a perfect slice.
FAQs
Can I use regular round pans instead of heart-shaped pans?
Absolutely! Just bake the cakes in round pans and use a serrated knife to carefully cut them into heart shapes once cooled. It’s a great way to make the recipe work with what you have.
Do I need to use red food coloring?
The iconic red color of this cake comes from red food coloring, so it’s recommended for the classic look. However, you can reduce the amount or use natural alternatives like beet juice for a milder color.
What can I substitute for buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes before using. This mimics buttermilk’s acidity and moisture perfectly.
How do I prevent the cake from crumbling when assembling?
Chilling the cake layers for at least 30 minutes before frosting helps firm them up and reduces crumbling. Also, level the cake layers carefully for a stable stack.
Can I make this cake vegan?
This classic recipe uses eggs, dairy butter, and cream cheese, making it non-vegan. However, you can experiment with vegan substitutes like plant-based butters, cream cheese alternatives, and flax eggs, but keep in mind that texture and flavor might vary.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so heartwarming about the Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Layer Cake with Berries Recipe that makes it perfect for any special moment or just to treat yourself. From its tender crumb to the creamy frosting and fresh berry topping, every bite is a celebration of flavor and love. Trust me, once you bake and share this cake, it will quickly become your go-to dessert for making memories. So, preheat that oven and let’s get baking!
Print
Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Layer Cake with Berries Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 to 12 slices (2 mini cakes or 1 large cake)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This delightful Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Layer Cake with Berries is perfect for special occasions or romantic celebrations. Featuring rich, moist red velvet cake layers tinted with cocoa and red food coloring, it is generously frosted with smooth, creamy cream cheese frosting. Topped with a vibrant mix of fresh strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, and optional edible flowers and mint leaves, this cake combines classic flavors with an elegant presentation that is sure to impress.
Ingredients
Red Velvet Cake
- 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring (gel or liquid)
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 6 oz (170g) cream cheese, cold
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 4 cups (500g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Topping
- Fresh strawberries, halved
- Raspberries
- Blueberries
- Blackberries
- Optional: edible flowers, red velvet cake crumbs, mint leaves
Instructions
- Make the Cake Layers: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line 2 to 3 heart-shaped cake pans or round pans if you plan to cut out heart shapes later. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt; set this dry mixture aside. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, which takes about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then stir in vanilla extract, red food coloring, and white vinegar. Incorporate the dry flour mixture in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely before assembly, leveling the tops if necessary.
- Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the cold cream cheese until smooth, about 30 seconds. Add the room temperature butter and beat together until fluffy and well combined, approximately 2 to 3 minutes. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar while beating until the frosting is smooth and creamy. Stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Transfer the frosting to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip for easy application.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving board or plate. Pipe large dollops of the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Gently place the second layer over the frosted one and repeat the frosting step. If using three layers, add the third layer and frost again. Finish with a final layer of frosting dollops on top. Decorate with a generous mix of fresh berries. Optionally, sprinkle with reserved red velvet cake crumbs, edible flowers, and mint leaves for an elegant touch. Chill the cake before serving to firm up the frosting and reduce crumbling. For a citrus twist, feel free to add lemon zest into the frosting mix.
Notes
- Chilling the cake layers before stacking helps reduce crumbling during assembly.
- If you don’t have heart-shaped pans, bake in round pans and use a serrated knife to cut the cake into heart shapes once cooled.
- Add lemon zest to the cream cheese frosting to introduce a fresh, citrusy flavor.
- Store the assembled cake in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
- Ensure all ingredients like eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature for optimal texture.
