Description

Create a stunning heart-shaped centerpiece using standard square and round pans with this clever geometric baking hack. Infused with a sophisticated blend of almond and vanilla, this tender cake features a beautiful marbled frosting that tastes as good as it looks.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs, room temperature
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp almond extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup whole milk
Red and yellow food coloring
Buttercream frosting
Assorted sprinkles

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease one 8-inch square pan and one 8-inch round pan.
Cream the softened butter and sugar until pale and fluffy, then beat in eggs one by one, followed by the vanilla and almond extracts.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt.
Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry mix, until just combined.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Allow cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Place the square cake on a serving board in a diamond orientation; cut the round cake exactly in half and place the two semi-circles against the top left and right sides of the square.
Use a small amount of frosting to seal the seams where the cakes meet to form the heart shape.
Tint portions of frosting with food coloring, apply a base layer to the cake, and swirl darker dollops with an offset spatula for a marbled effect before adding sprinkles.

Notes

To ensure a perfectly symmetrical heart, use a ruler to find the exact center of your round cake before cutting. If you have time, chilling the cake layers for 30 minutes before assembly makes the ‘geometric surgery’ much easier and prevents excess crumbling.

Prep Time: 25 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American