Intro
Hi, I’m Lina. As a busy mom, I love recipes that bring a little beauty into the everyday, something homemade that feels special without the stress. Whether it’s a quick treat like Pink Chocolate-Dipped Rice Krispie Treats or a showstopper like this Heart-Shaped Vanilla Bean Cake with Rose Buttercream, baking is my favorite way to celebrate love.
This cake is pure romance on a plate. Fluffy vanilla bean layers with a soft, buttery crumb, all wrapped in a light rose-scented frosting that’s both floral and sweet. It’s perfect for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, birthdays, or any day you want to say “I love you”, without needing a bakery.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Elegant & simple – classic vanilla flavor meets floral frosting.
- Beautiful presentation – heart-shaped design perfect for Valentine’s Day.
- Customizable – works with cupcakes, round cakes, or mini hearts.
- Make-ahead friendly – both cake and frosting can be prepped ahead.
- Naturally flavorful – real vanilla bean gives depth and aroma.
- Show-stopping centerpiece – soft pink frosting and rose petals for décor.
Ingredients Breakdown
All-Purpose Flour
The foundation for a soft, tender crumb. For an even lighter texture, sift before mixing.
Butter
Use unsalted butter for balance, it gives that rich bakery-style flavor.
Sugar
White sugar sweetens while helping create structure and moisture.
Eggs
Add richness and help the cake rise beautifully.
Milk or Buttermilk
Adds moisture and enhances tenderness; either works depending on what you have.
Vanilla Bean Paste or Whole Vanilla Bean
The star of this recipe! Real vanilla flecks give the cake its gorgeous speckled look and unmatched flavor.
Baking Powder & Salt
Balance and lift, simple, essential, perfect.
Rose Buttercream Frosting
Made with butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and just a hint of rose water for that dreamy, romantic aroma.
Pink Food Coloring (Optional)
A few drops turn this cake into a soft Valentine’s pastel masterpiece.
Step-by-Step Baking Guide
- Prepare the Pans
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch heart-shaped pans (or one and bake in two batches). - Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. - Cream Butter & Sugar
Beat softened butter and sugar for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy. - Add Eggs & Vanilla
Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla bean paste (or scrape in seeds from one vanilla pod). - Add Milk Alternately with Flour Mixture
Mix in dry ingredients and milk in alternating additions, starting and ending with the dry mix. - Bake
Pour batter evenly into pans and bake 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. - Cool
Let cakes rest 10 minutes, then remove from pans and cool completely before frosting. - Make the Rose Buttercream
Beat butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then vanilla and a small splash of rose water. Mix until fluffy and tinted light pink. - Assemble & Frost
Level cakes, stack with a layer of frosting between, then coat the top and sides. Use a spatula or piping bag for texture. - Decorate
Add dried rose petals, heart sprinkles, or fresh raspberries for an elegant finish.
Tips, Variations & Add-Ons
- No Rose Water? Add ½ tsp almond or raspberry extract instead.
- Floral Twist: Try lavender or orange blossom for a delicate flavor shift.
- Frosting Shortcut: For an even lighter version, mix half buttercream and half whipped cream.
- Make-Ahead: Bake cake layers one day ahead; frost before serving.
- Mini Version: Use a heart cookie cutter to create adorable individual servings.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this romantic dessert with a few of my favorite cozy SoolFood recipes:
- Serve after the creamy Cheesy Chicken Potato Casserole for the ultimate comfort dinner.
- Add a fun treat like Valentine’s Day Oreo Truffles (Pink & White) for your dessert table.
- Or keep the pink theme going with Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Cups.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Room Temperature: Keeps well up to 24 hours under a cake dome.
- Refrigerator: Store covered up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap unfrosted layers and freeze up to 2 months.
- Rose Water Tip: Always use food-grade rose water. It’s delicate but strong, so a little goes a long way.
Helpful FAQs
Can I make this without a heart-shaped pan?
Yes! Bake in a round pan and cut into a heart using parchment as a guide.
Can I use vanilla extract instead of vanilla bean?
Absolutely, use 1 tablespoon of good-quality vanilla extract.
Is rose buttercream too strong?
Not at all! Start with ¼ teaspoon of rose water and taste as you go.
Can I make it pink naturally?
Yes, a bit of beet powder or freeze-dried strawberry dust adds color without dyes.
Heart-Shaped Vanilla Bean Cake with Rose Buttercream – Elegant Valentine Dessert
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Heart-shaped vanilla bean cake topped with delicate rose buttercream, a romantic and elegant dessert for Valentine’s Day.
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
3 eggs
1 tbsp vanilla bean paste or 1 vanilla pod
3/4 cup milk or buttermilk
Rose Buttercream:
1 cup butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1/2 tsp rose water (food-grade)
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pink food coloring (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two heart-shaped pans.
2. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
3. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs and vanilla bean paste.
5. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk; mix until smooth.
6. Divide batter into pans and bake 25–30 minutes.
7. Cool completely before frosting.
8. Beat butter until smooth; add sugar, vanilla, and rose water for buttercream.
9. Tint pink if desired and frost cooled cakes.
10. Decorate with rose petals or berries.
Notes
Use high-quality vanilla for the best flavor.
Start with a small amount of rose water — it’s strong!
Cake layers can be baked ahead and stored overnight.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
This Heart-Shaped Vanilla Bean Cake with Rose Buttercream is the perfect blend of elegance and simplicity. With its soft crumb, floral frosting, and stunning heart design, it’s a true centerpiece dessert for Valentine’s Day or any celebration of love. Sweet, aromatic, and visually gorgeous, this cake is made to be shared with people you adore.