Description
This clever heart-shaped cake utilizes a professional carving technique and the hot milk method to achieve a tender, lemon-infused sponge without specialty molds. Finished with a silky pink cream cheese frosting, it provides a stunning, high-quality dessert that is perfect for romantic celebrations or surprise treats.
Ingredients
- 240g All-Purpose Flour
- 200g Large Eggs
- 350g Granulated Sugar
- 240ml Milk
- 56g Unsalted Butter
- 67g Vegetable Oil
- 2 tbsp Lemon Zest
- 563g Full-fat Cream Cheese
- 375g Powdered Sugar
- Vanilla Extract
- Baking Powder
- Salt
- Pink Food Coloring
- Maraschino Cherries
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 335°F (168°C) and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, sugar, and vanilla for 2 to 5 minutes until the mixture is thickened and light gold.
- Gently fold in the flour, salt, and baking powder on low speed until just combined.
- Heat the milk and lemon zest in a saucepan until small bubbles form, then stir in the butter and oil until melted.
- Slowly pour the warm milk mixture into the batter while mixing on low speed.
- Divide the batter between the prepared pans and bake for 33-45 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool the cakes for 15 minutes in the pans, then move to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Beat softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth; tint the majority of the frosting pink.
- Stack the layers with frosting, carve a point at the base of the rounds, and attach the cut curved pieces to the top to create a heart shape.
- Apply a thin crumb coat of frosting, chill for 30 minutes, then finish with a final layer of pink frosting and decorative piping.
Notes
For the cleanest edges when shaping your cake, use a long serrated knife and ensure the sponge is completely chilled before carving. If your kitchen is warm, you can refrigerate the frosting for 10 minutes to help it maintain its structure for detailed piping.
- Prep Time: 45 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American