Red Velvet Cake Hearts with Cream Cheese Filling Recipe

From the moment I first stumbled upon this recipe for Red Velvet Cake Hearts with Cream Cheese Filling, I knew I had to try it. Valentine’s Day was just around the corner, and the idea of adorable, heart-shaped treats seemed like the perfect way to celebrate. Let me tell you, these weren’t just cute; they were absolutely divine! The soft, moist red velvet cake, with its subtle cocoa notes and vibrant color, was a dream. But the real star of the show was the luscious cream cheese filling. It was tangy, sweet, and utterly irresistible, creating a perfect balance to the richness of the cake. My family devoured them in minutes, and even declared them better than any store-bought Valentine’s treat we’ve ever had. The process was surprisingly simple, especially using a cake mix as a base, making it a fun baking project even for a busy weeknight. If you are looking for a show-stopping dessert that’s both festive and incredibly delicious for Valentine’s Day, or any day you want to spread a little love, look no further. These Red Velvet Cake Hearts are guaranteed to steal hearts and satisfy sweet cravings!

Ingredients

To create these delightful Red Velvet Cake Hearts with Cream Cheese Filling, you’ll need a selection of readily available ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Let’s delve into each ingredient and understand its significance in this recipe:

• 1 18.25-ounce box red velvet cake mix: The foundation of our heart-shaped treats, a red velvet cake mix provides convenience and consistent results. Opting for a boxed mix significantly simplifies the baking process, especially for those who may be newer to baking or are short on time. Red velvet cake mix is specifically formulated to deliver that characteristic slightly tangy, cocoa-infused flavor and vibrant red hue that we all know and love. When selecting your cake mix, consider brands known for quality and flavor. Some mixes might be slightly more moist or have a richer red color than others. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also explore different brands to find your personal favorite. While this recipe utilizes a mix for ease, for the truly ambitious baker, making a red velvet cake from scratch is also an option. However, for consistent results and time efficiency, a good quality box mix is an excellent choice. Ensure you have the correct size box – 18.25 ounces is the standard size for most cake mixes and will provide the right amount of batter for our sheet cake base.
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened: The creamy, tangy heart of our filling, cream cheese is absolutely essential for that signature cream cheese frosting flavor. Softening the cream cheese is a critical step. Cold cream cheese will be difficult to incorporate smoothly and can result in a lumpy filling. To soften cream cheese effectively, you can leave it at room temperature for about 30-60 minutes, depending on the temperature of your kitchen. Alternatively, you can gently microwave it in short 10-15 second intervals, checking frequently to ensure it doesn’t melt. Over-microwaving can lead to a runny consistency that is not ideal for frosting. Using full-fat cream cheese will yield the richest and most flavorful filling. However, if you are looking to reduce the fat content, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese. Be aware that reduced-fat cream cheese may have a slightly different texture and flavor, and the filling might not be quite as rich. Brands like Philadelphia are well-known for their quality cream cheese, but any good quality brand will work perfectly. Make sure you are using block cream cheese and not cream cheese spread, as the spreadable variety has a different consistency and is not suitable for frosting.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Butter adds richness, flavor, and structure to our cream cheese filling. Unsalted butter is preferred in baking recipes because it allows you to control the total amount of salt in the recipe. Salted butter contains varying levels of salt, which can sometimes lead to unpredictable results in baking. Like cream cheese, butter also needs to be softened for optimal mixing. The same softening methods apply – room temperature softening or gentle microwaving. Softened butter should be pliable but not melted. It should yield easily to pressure but still hold its shape. Using softened butter ensures that it creams together smoothly with the cream cheese and confectioners’ sugar, creating a light and fluffy filling. If you only have salted butter on hand, you can use it, but you may want to omit or reduce any additional salt called for in the recipe (though in this particular recipe, no additional salt is added to the filling). High-quality butter will contribute to a richer flavor in your filling, so consider using a good brand if possible.
• 1½ cups confectioners’ sugar: Also known as powdered sugar or icing sugar, confectioners’ sugar provides sweetness and structure to the cream cheese filling. Its fine texture allows it to dissolve smoothly into the cream cheese and butter mixture, creating a silky frosting. It’s important to use confectioners’ sugar and not granulated sugar, as granulated sugar will result in a grainy filling. Sifting the confectioners’ sugar before adding it to the mixture is highly recommended. Sifting removes any lumps and ensures a smoother frosting. If you don’t have a sifter, you can whisk the confectioners’ sugar thoroughly to break up any clumps. The amount of confectioners’ sugar can be adjusted slightly to your preference. If you prefer a less sweet filling, you can start with slightly less sugar and add more to taste. Conversely, if you like a sweeter filling, you can add a bit more confectioners’ sugar. However, be mindful that adding too much confectioners’ sugar can make the filling overly stiff.
• Garnish: confectioners’ sugar (optional): A dusting of confectioners’ sugar is an elegant and simple way to finish off these Red Velvet Cake Hearts. It adds a touch of sweetness and visual appeal, especially against the vibrant red of the cake. This garnish is entirely optional, and you can get creative with other garnishes as well. Consider using red or pink sprinkles for a festive Valentine’s Day touch, or a drizzle of melted white chocolate for added sweetness and visual contrast. Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries would also be beautiful and complement the red velvet flavor. A light dusting of cocoa powder could enhance the chocolate notes of the red velvet cake. Ultimately, the garnish is a matter of personal preference and can be tailored to the occasion and your desired presentation.

Instructions

Let’s embark on the delightful journey of creating these Red Velvet Cake Hearts with Cream Cheese Filling. Follow these step-by-step instructions carefully to ensure baking success and achieve those adorable, delicious heart-shaped treats:

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Nutrition Facts

(Please note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.)

• Servings: 12 Hearts
• Calories per serving (per heart): Approximately 350-400 calories

This estimate is based on standard ingredients and assumes one heart-shaped sandwich per serving. The calorie count can fluctuate slightly depending on the specific brand of cake mix, cream cheese, butter, and confectioners’ sugar used, as well as the amount of cream cheese filling applied to each heart.

For a more precise nutritional breakdown, you can use online nutritional calculators and input the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you used. Keep in mind that this is a dessert and is intended to be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Preparation Time

Let’s break down the time commitment for making these delightful Red Velvet Cake Hearts:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • This includes time for preheating the oven, preparing the baking pan (spraying and lining with parchment paper), gathering ingredients, preparing the cake batter as per the box mix instructions, and softening the cream cheese and butter.
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • This is the baking time for the sheet cake in the oven. It’s crucial to monitor the cake and check for doneness around the 15-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
• Total Time: 33 minutes
  • This is the sum of the prep time and cook time. However, it’s important to note that this total time does not include cooling time. The cake needs to cool completely before cutting out the hearts and assembling the sandwiches. Cooling time can add an additional 1-2 hours, depending on room temperature, for the cake and assembled hearts to fully cool and chill. Factor in this additional cooling time when planning your baking schedule.

How to Serve

These Red Velvet Cake Hearts with Cream Cheese Filling are incredibly versatile and can be served in numerous delightful ways. Here are some ideas to spark your imagination:

• Valentine’s Day Dessert Centerpiece: Arrange the Red Velvet Cake Hearts beautifully on a platter to create a stunning centerpiece for your Valentine’s Day dessert table. Garnish the platter with fresh raspberries, strawberries, or edible flowers for an extra touch of elegance.
• Romantic Dinner Finale: Serve a heart or two per person as a sweet and romantic ending to a Valentine’s Day dinner or any special occasion dinner. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.
• Party Treats: These heart-shaped treats are perfect for parties! They are easy to eat, visually appealing, and always a crowd-pleaser. Arrange them on tiered dessert stands or platters for an eye-catching display at birthdays, anniversaries, or holiday gatherings.
• Homemade Gifts: Package a few Red Velvet Cake Hearts in cute boxes or cellophane bags tied with ribbons to create adorable and thoughtful homemade gifts for friends, family, or coworkers. They are a sweet gesture that shows you care.
• Dessert Table Variety: Include these Red Velvet Cake Hearts as part of a larger dessert table spread. They pair well with other Valentine’s Day themed desserts like chocolate-covered strawberries, sugar cookies, or mini cupcakes.
• With Beverages: Enjoy these cake hearts with a variety of beverages. They are delicious with a cup of hot coffee or tea, a glass of cold milk, or even a sparkling rosé for a festive touch.
• Chilled or Slightly Warmed (briefly): Serve the Red Velvet Cake Hearts chilled straight from the refrigerator for a refreshing treat. Alternatively, for a slightly softer filling, you can let them sit at room temperature for a short period before serving, or very briefly warm them in the microwave (a few seconds only) to slightly soften the cake. Be careful not to overheat them, as the filling can melt.
• Plating Ideas:
  • Dusting: A simple dusting of confectioners’ sugar is always elegant.
  • Berry Accents: Garnish plates with fresh raspberries or sliced strawberries for color and flavor contrast.
  • Sauce Drizzle: Drizzle a light raspberry sauce or white chocolate sauce around the hearts for added visual appeal and flavor complexity.
  • Mint Sprig: A small sprig of fresh mint can add a touch of freshness and visual interest to the plate.

Additional Tips for Baking Success

To ensure your Red Velvet Cake Hearts with Cream Cheese Filling are absolutely perfect, here are five helpful tips to keep in mind:

1. Don’t Overbake the Cake: Overbaking is the enemy of moist cake. Bake the sheet cake just until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Overbaked red velvet cake can become dry and crumbly, which is not ideal for these delicate heart sandwiches. Err on the side of slightly underbaked if you are unsure, as the cake will continue to set slightly as it cools.
2. Properly Soften Ingredients: Softened cream cheese and butter are essential for a smooth and lump-free cream cheese filling. Take the time to soften these ingredients properly at room temperature or using gentle microwave bursts. Cold ingredients will not cream together smoothly and can result in a grainy or lumpy filling.
3. Use Good Quality Cream Cheese: The quality of your cream cheese directly impacts the flavor of the filling. Opt for a good quality, full-fat cream cheese for the richest and most flavorful results. While reduced-fat cream cheese can be used, it may alter the texture and richness of the filling slightly.
4. Get Creative with Garnishes: While confectioners’ sugar is a classic and simple garnish, don’t be afraid to get creative! Sprinkles, melted chocolate, fresh berries, cocoa powder, or even edible glitter can add a festive and personalized touch to your Red Velvet Cake Hearts. Tailor your garnish to the occasion and your personal preferences.
5. Make Ahead and Store Properly: These Red Velvet Cake Hearts are ideal for making ahead of time. They can be assembled and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. In fact, chilling them overnight can even enhance the flavor and texture as the flavors meld together. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to prevent them from drying out and to maintain the freshness of the cream cheese filling.

FAQ Section: Ingredients

Here are some frequently asked questions specifically about the ingredients used in this Red Velvet Cake Hearts recipe:

Q1: Can I make this cake from scratch instead of using a cake mix?

A: Yes, absolutely! While this recipe utilizes a cake mix for convenience, you can certainly make a red velvet cake from scratch. You will need to find a reliable red velvet cake recipe online or in a cookbook. When making it from scratch, ensure you use good quality cocoa powder and buttermilk for the authentic red velvet flavor and texture. Once you have baked your from-scratch red velvet cake in a 15×10 inch sheet pan and it has cooled, you can proceed with cutting out the hearts and making the cream cheese filling as described in the recipe.

Q2: Can I use low-fat cream cheese to reduce the calorie count?

A: Yes, you can substitute low-fat or reduced-fat cream cheese. However, be aware that using low-fat cream cheese may slightly alter the texture and richness of the cream cheese filling. The filling might not be as creamy and decadent as when made with full-fat cream cheese. It may also be slightly tangier. If you are prioritizing calorie reduction, it is a viable option, but expect a slight difference in the final result.

Q3: Can I substitute margarine for butter in the cream cheese filling?

A: While margarine can be used as a butter substitute in some baking applications, it is generally not recommended for cream cheese frosting. Butter contributes significantly to the flavor and texture of the frosting. Margarine may result in a filling that is less flavorful and potentially greasy or less stable in texture. For the best flavor and texture, stick with unsalted butter.

Q4: Can I use a different size cookie cutter for the heart shapes?

A: Yes, you can use a different size heart-shaped cookie cutter. However, keep in mind that using a larger cookie cutter will yield fewer hearts from the sheet cake, and you may need to adjust the number of servings accordingly. A smaller cookie cutter will yield more hearts, but they will be smaller and may be more delicate to handle. The 2-inch size is a good balance, but feel free to experiment with sizes based on your preference and desired presentation.

Q5: Can I add flavorings to the cream cheese filling?

A: Absolutely! You can customize the cream cheese filling with various flavorings to enhance or complement the red velvet cake. Vanilla extract is a classic addition that enhances the overall sweetness. A touch of lemon zest or lemon extract can add a bright, citrusy note that balances the richness of the cream cheese. For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of cocoa powder or a pinch of cinnamon. Experiment with different extracts and flavorings to create your own signature cream cheese filling variation. Just be sure to add flavorings gradually and taste as you go to achieve your desired flavor profile.