Name: Cherry Berry Vintage Heart Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature; 2¼ cups granulated sugar; 4 large eggs, at room temperature; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup sour cream; ½ cup whole milk; Red gel food coloring (optional); 1 cup cherries, pitted (fresh or frozen); 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries); ¼ cup granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons cold water; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1½ cups unsalted butter, at room temperature; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3–4 tablespoons heavy cream; White royal icing (for decoration); Fresh berries (optional, for decoration)

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Cherry Berry Vintage Heart Cake embodies the sweetness of spring and the charm of classic desserts. This delightful cake is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes, making it perfect for celebrations or a cozy family gathering. In this guide, we’ll walk you through why this cake deserves a place in your kitchen and how you can create your very own Cherry Berry Vintage Heart Cake at home.

Why Make This Recipe

There are countless reasons to whip up this charming Cherry Berry Vintage Heart Cake. First and foremost, the combination of fresh cherries and mixed berries wrapped in soft cake and smooth frosting creates a symphony of flavors in every bite. Additionally, the heart shape adds a delightful touch, making this cake suitable for romantic occasions like anniversaries, Valentine’s Day, or even a heartwarming birthday party.

This cake is beautifully customizable. You can easily adjust the sweetness, swap out the fruit for seasonal choices, or even change the frosting to suit your preferences. Whether you’re having a formal gathering or a relaxed afternoon tea, the Cherry Berry Vintage Heart Cake is sure to impress your guests and, most importantly, satisfy your sweet cravings.

How to Make Cherry Berry Vintage Heart Cake

Creating your own Cherry Berry Vintage Heart Cake may sound daunting, but with the right ingredients and steps, it’s quite manageable. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is written to be friendly and straightforward, guiding you every step of the way.

Ingredients:

Cake Layers

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
2¼ cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs, at room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup sour cream
½ cup whole milk
Red gel food coloring (optional)

Cherry Berry Filling

1 cup cherries, pitted (fresh or frozen)
1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons cold water

Smooth Cream Frosting

4 cups powdered sugar
1½ cups unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3–4 tablespoons heavy cream

Decoration

White royal icing
Heart cake stencil or pans
Fresh berries (optional)

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two heart-shaped cake pans with parchment paper to ensure easy removal after baking.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside for later use.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the unsalted butter until it becomes soft and fluffy. Gradually add the granulated sugar, continuing to beat the mixture until it appears light and airy.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
Begin to alternate adding the dry flour mixture with the sour cream and milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overbeat the batter.
If you choose, add a few drops of red gel food coloring to achieve a pretty pink hue. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely in the pans before transferring them to a wire rack.
While the cakes bake, prepare the Cherry Berry Filling. In a saucepan, combine pitted cherries, mixed berries, sugar, and lemon juice. Stir in the cornstarch mixed with cold water and simmer over medium heat until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy. Set it aside to cool.
Now it’s time to make the frosting! In a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar while mixing, followed by the vanilla extract and heavy cream. Continue to beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
To assemble your cake, place one layer of the heart-shaped cake on your serving platter. Generously layer the Cherry Berry Filling on top. Place the second layer atop the filling.
Apply a crumb coat using a thin layer of frosting on the sides and top of the cake. Chill it in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to set. Finish by frosting the outside of the cake smoothly with the remaining frosting. Using royal icing, pipe vintage designs on the cake for a charming touch, and garnish with fresh berries if desired.

Pro Tips for Success with Cherry Berry Vintage Heart Cake

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and butter are at room temperature for optimal mixing. This helps create a fluffy batter and a tender cake.
Baking Time: Keep an eye on the baking time. Ovens can vary, so check your cake a few minutes early to avoid overbaking.
Berry Options: Feel free to experiment with different combinations of berries based on the season. Blackberries, raspberries, or even ripe peaches can add a unique twist.
Frosting Consistency: Maintain smoothness in your frosting by adjusting the heavy cream. If it’s too thick, add more cream; if too thin, add more powdered sugar.
Decorative Touches: Use edible glitter or gold dust for an extra touch of elegance when decorating your cake.
Taste Testing: Before serving, do a quick taste test and adjust the sweetness of the filling or frosting if necessary.

Flavor Variations for Cherry Berry Vintage Heart Cake

Chocolate Lovers: Brownies can be layered in place of one cake layer for a decadent twist, or use chocolate frosting instead of cream frosting.
Nutty Addition: Fold in chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts into the batter for additional texture and flavor.
Coconut Cream: Swap sour cream for coconut cream for a tropical flavor infusion, and add shredded coconut to the frosting.
Tropical Fruit: Instead of cherries and berries, try using diced pineapple, mango, and kiwi for a tropical flair.
Spice It Up: Add a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter, bringing warmth and depth to your cake.

Serving Suggestions for Cherry Berry Vintage Heart Cake

When serving your Cherry Berry Vintage Heart Cake, consider pairing it with:

Fresh Whipped Cream: Serve with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream for an extra treat.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the tartness of the berries beautifully.
Morning Coffee or Tea: Enjoy this cake as a delightful accompaniment to morning coffee or afternoon tea for a sweet pick-me-up.
Cheese Platter: Pair with a selection of mild cheeses for a unique dessert experience that balances sweetness with savory.

Storage and Freezing Instructions for Cherry Berry Vintage Heart Cake

Storing: Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to store it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week.
Freezing: You can freeze the cake by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then placing it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Thawing: To thaw the cake, transfer it to the refrigerator for several hours or overnight before serving. This helps maintain its moisture.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

| Nutrient | Amount |
|—————|—————-|
| Calories | 450 |
| Protein | 4g |
| Carbohydrates | 65g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 300mg |

FAQ About Cherry Berry Vintage Heart Cake

Can I use different types of flour?

Absolutely! While all-purpose flour is recommended for this recipe, you can try using cake flour for a lighter, fluffier texture or a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary preferences.

What can I substitute for sour cream?

If you don’t have sour cream on hand, plain Greek yogurt works well as a substitute. You could also use buttermilk if you would like a slightly different taste and texture.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the cake layers a day prior. Just store them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature or in the fridge. Frost the cake on the day you plan to serve it to keep it fresh.

Can I use frozen berries for the filling?

Yes, frozen berries work perfectly! Just ensure that they are thawed and drained before adding to the filling mixture to prevent excess liquid.

How can I make the decoration easier?

If piping intricate designs is intimidating, consider simplifying the decoration by spreading frosting smoothly and topping the cake with a colorful array of fresh berries and edible flowers for an effortless and stunning look.

Final Thoughts

The Cherry Berry Vintage Heart Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavor, texture, and visual appeal. Whether it’s a special occasion or a simple family gathering, this cake will undoubtedly impress your guests and create lasting memories. By following the straightforward instructions and tips laid out in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to creating a stunning heart-shaped cake that tantalizes the taste buds and warms the heart. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and dive into the joy of baking with this delightful recipe!

Cherry Berry Vintage Heart Cake