Mini Heart Cake with Chocolate Mousse

Name: Mini Heart Cake with Chocolate Mousse
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3 large eggs; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 200g dark chocolate, chopped; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt; Fresh berries; Mint leaves; Shaved chocolate

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely adore making these mini heart cakes, as they're the perfect sweet treat to express love on special occasions. Whether it's Valentine's Day or an anniversary, these delightful cakes always bring smiles to the table. The combination of a soft, airy cake paired with a rich chocolate mousse creates a heavenly experience in every bite. Plus, the individual heart shape makes them feel extra special, and I love how easy they are to assemble. You'll feel like a pastry chef in no time!

Created by

Hallie Foster

Last updated on 2026-01-12T01:43:17.689Z

When I first attempted this recipe for mini heart cakes, I was surprised by how approachable it was. The key is to ensure your eggs are at room temperature, which helps the cake rise beautifully. I also experimented with different toppings, and fresh berries add the perfect touch of tartness to balance the rich chocolate flavor.

One of my favorite aspects of this recipe is how versatile it is. You can use different flavored mousses or even a layer of fruit jam to customize it. Each time I make it, I discover a new combination that makes my heart skip a beat!

        Why You'll 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

      

Understanding the Cake Texture

The cake for this mini heart dessert is designed to be light and fluffy, thanks to the combination of whipped eggs and melted butter. Be careful not to overmix the batter; this will help avoid a dense texture. Once you achieve a pale and smooth mixture, then it’s time to pour it into the molds. This delicate balance ensures each cake provides a soft bite that contrasts beautifully with the creamy mousse.

For optimal baking, ensure your oven has reached 350°F (175°C) before you put the cakes in. Baking at the right temperature is crucial, as it allows the cakes to rise properly and develop a golden top. Check for doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached, indicating your cakes are ready without being overbaked.

Creating Flawless Chocolate Mousse

The star of this recipe, the chocolate mousse, requires attention to detail to achieve that silky texture. When melting the dark chocolate, use a double boiler method, ensuring that the bottom bowl doesn’t touch the water. This prevents the chocolate from seizing or burning. If you find the chocolate too thick after melting, you can thin it with a small amount of warmed cream to help it combine smoothly with the whipped mixture.

Incorporating the whipped cream into the chocolate is a key step. Employ gentle folding motions instead of vigorous stirring, which could deflate the whipped cream. Your goal is to maintain airiness, which grants the mousse its luscious lightness. Once well mixed, refrigerate the mousse for an hour if you’re looking for a firmer texture that holds its shape beautifully when served.

Perfecting Your Presentation

Presentation elevates these mini heart cakes to a new level. After assembling, chilling is imperative; it helps the mousse set and meld with the cake. If you want to achieve a sharper finish on the mousse, consider using a spatula to smooth the top before chilling. This makes the final serving look polished and professional, as you would find in a bakery.

For garnishing, I recommend a mix of fresh berries and mint leaves. Not only do they add visual appeal, but they offer a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate. You can also try varying the toppings according to seasonal fruits or personal preference. Sliced strawberries, raspberries, or even edible flowers can provide delightful pops of color, creating a stunning dessert that tastes as good as it looks.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Mousse:

200g dark chocolate, chopped
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

For Topping:

Fresh berries
Mint leaves
Shaved chocolate

Instructions

Steps

Prepare the Cake Mix

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In another mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until fluffy, then incorporate the melted butter and vanilla. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined.

Bake the Cakes

Pour the batter into heart-shaped cake molds and bake for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow them to cool before removing from the molds.

Make the Chocolate Mousse

Melt the dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt until soft peaks form. Gradually fold the melted chocolate into the whipped cream until well combined.

Assemble the Cakes

Once the cakes are cooled, slice off the tops if necessary and fill them with the chocolate mousse. Replace the tops and cover the entire cake with mousse. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Garnish and Serve

Before serving, garnish with fresh berries, mint leaves, and chocolate shavings for an added touch of elegance.

Enjoy your Mini Heart Cakes!

Pro Tips

For a unique twist, try infusing the mousse with orange or raspberry zest to complement the chocolate. Also, don’t overmix the batter to keep the cakes light and fluffy.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want to make this recipe gluten-free, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Look for brands that include xantham gum to help replicate the structure of conventional flour—the result will still yield a lovely light texture for the cake.

For dairy-free options, replace the heavy cream with coconut cream and the unsalted butter with a dairy-free margarine. The chocolate remains a crucial player for the flavor, so opt for a dairy-free dark chocolate to ensure the mousse remains indulgent without compromising on taste.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These mini heart cakes can be made a day ahead of time, which is perfect for special occasions. After assembling, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they can maintain their freshness and flavors. Just be sure to add fresh garnishes right before serving to ensure optimal presentation.

If you have any leftover mousse, it can be stored in the fridge for up to three days in a sealed container. Use it as a cream topping for other desserts, like brownies or cupcakes, to avoid wasting any delicious chocolate goodness. This versatility makes the mousse a fabulous addition to your repertoire.

Scaling the Recipe Up or Down

This recipe easily scales for larger gatherings or smaller intimate dinners. To make a larger batch, simply multiply the ingredients by the number of mini heart cakes you desire, adjusting the baking time slightly as needed; larger cakes may require a few extra minutes in the oven to ensure they bake thoroughly.

Conversely, if you want to make a smaller batch, dividing the quantities accurately is key. Using kitchen scales can help ensure precision, especially when working with finer ingredients like flour and sugar. This way, you still capture the joyous experience of baking without overwhelming yourself with leftovers.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the cakes ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the cakes a day in advance and store them in an airtight container until you're ready to assemble and serve.

→ What type of chocolate is best for the mousse?

I recommend using high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa for a rich and satisfying flavor.

→ Can I use a different size baking pan?

Absolutely! Just adjust the baking time as needed, and keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overbake.

→ Is there a non-dairy substitute for the mousse?

You can try using coconut cream or a vegan chocolate mousse recipe if you're looking for a dairy-free alternative.