These Valentine Heart Petit Fours are soft vanilla cake layers filled with fluffy cream, dipped in smooth pink icing, and finished with elegant white drizzle. They’re perfect for Valentine’s Day parties, bridal showers, baby showers, or anytime you want a pretty, bakery-style dessert made at home. Don’t worry, they look fancy but are very doable with simple steps.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
They look like bakery desserts but are homemade.They’re perfect for Valentine’s Day and special occasions.The pink icing and heart shape make them extra cute.They can be made ahead of time.They’re soft, sweet, and not too heavy.
Ingredients
Vanilla cake mix (or homemade vanilla cake)
Eggs, oil, and milk (as required for cake mix)
Heavy whipping cream
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract
White chocolate or vanilla candy melts
Pink gel food coloring
White candy melts or white icing for drizzle
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Bake the Cake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).Prepare and bake the vanilla cake according to package directions in a 9×13-inch pan.Let the cake cool completely.
Step 2: Cut Heart Shapes
Use a small heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut hearts from the cooled cake.Set aside scraps.
Step 3: Make the Filling
Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
Step 4: Assemble Petit Fours
Spread or pipe whipped cream onto half of the heart cakes.Top with another heart cake to make a sandwich.Gently press together.
Step 5: Chill
Place assembled cakes in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up.
Step 6: Prepare the Icing
Melt white chocolate or candy melts according to package instructions.Add pink food coloring until desired shade.
Step 7: Dip the Cakes
Dip each cake into pink icing, letting excess drip off.Place on parchment paper to set.
Step 8: Decorate
Drizzle melted white candy melts over the top in a swirl pattern.Let set completely.
Variations
- Use strawberry or raspberry filling instead of whipped cream
- Add almond extract to the cake for extra flavor
- Use chocolate cake instead of vanilla
- Decorate with sprinkles instead of drizzle
Tips
- Freeze cake hearts briefly for easier dipping
- Use a fork or skewer to dip cleanly
- Work quickly when icing so it doesn’t harden
- Let icing set fully before stacking
Serving Suggestions
- Serve chilled or at room temperature
- Add to a Valentine dessert table
- Pair with tea or coffee
- Package in boxes for gifting
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, they can be made one day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze petit fours?
Yes, freeze before icing for best results.
What icing works best?
Candy melts or white chocolate with food coloring work best.
Do I need a heart cutter?
Yes, for the heart shape shown, but squares also work.
How long do they stay fresh?
They stay fresh for up to 3 days refrigerated.
Conclusion
These Valentine Heart Petit Fours are soft, elegant, and perfect for celebrating love. With their delicate layers, creamy filling, and glossy pink coating, they’re sure to impress without being complicated.