Caramel Stuffed Mini Heart Cakes

Name: Caramel Stuffed Mini Heart Cakes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 mini cakes
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup caramel sauce; Optional: sea salt for topping

Highlighted under: Fresh Baking Recipes

I absolutely love making these Caramel Stuffed Mini Heart Cakes for special occasions. The process of creating these delightful treats is both fun and rewarding, especially when you see the joy on everyone’s faces when they take that first bite. The combination of soft cake and gooey caramel is simply heavenly. Plus, the heart shape adds a personal touch that makes them perfect for anniversaries or Valentine's Day. Trust me; these cupcakes will become a staple in your baking repertoire!

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2026-01-18T15:42:27.894Z

As I was experimenting in the kitchen one afternoon, I decided to combine my love for caramel and cake into one delightful treat. I started with a simple vanilla cake recipe and decided to fill them with warm, decadent caramel. It was a match made in heaven! The result was not only visually appealing but incredibly tasty.

To make sure those little hearts truly stand out, I used a mini heart-shaped pan that helped create the perfect size for sharing. The secret is to chill the cakes slightly before adding the caramel, allowing everything to meld together beautifully. Trust me, you won't be able to stop at just one!

        Why You'll Love These Mini Cakes
        Cute heart shape perfect for romantic occasions
Rich, gooey caramel filling that oozes out with every bite
Light and fluffy cake texture that balances the sweetness

      

Baking Tips for Perfect Mini Heart Cakes

When baking these Caramel Stuffed Mini Heart Cakes, it’s essential to properly measure your flour. Too much flour can lead to a dry cake, while too little can make it overly dense. I recommend using a kitchen scale to ensure accuracy or spooning the flour into your measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife. This simple tip will help you achieve that light and fluffy texture that perfectly complements the rich caramel filling.

Make sure to cream the butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the mixture, resulting in a cake that rises beautifully. You should aim for a pale color and a texture that feels almost like whipped mousse. If your mixture hasn't reached this stage, keep beating for an additional minute. It might feel tedious, but it’s the key to a soft and airy cake consistency.

Mastering the Caramel Filling

The caramel filling is the star of these mini cakes, and using high-quality caramel sauce can elevate the flavor significantly. If you're short on time, store-bought caramel is perfectly acceptable. However, if you’re feeling adventurous, consider making your own. A homemade caramel sauce can be crafted by melting sugar and adding cream, which gives you more control over the flavor. Just be careful not to overheat it; aim for a rich amber color for the best taste.

If you prefer a salted caramel, sprinkling a small amount of sea salt on top of each dollop before covering with batter can enhance the flavor, balancing the sweetness beautifully. Keep in mind that everyone’s palate is different, so adjust the amount of salt to create the level of salted flavor that you enjoy most. Don’t be surprised if this filling option becomes a go-to for other baked goods as well!

Serving and Storing Your Mini Cakes

These mini heart cakes are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you need to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for about a week. To revive their fluffy texture, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds before serving. Drizzling extra caramel sauce just before serving not only adds flavor but also enhances their visual appeal, making them even more tempting.

For special occasions, consider garnishing these cakes with fresh berries or whipped cream for added color and freshness. This can provide a delightful textural contrast to the soft cake and gooey caramel. Additionally, these mini cakes are the perfect canvas for decorating; using edible glitter or chocolate shavings can turn them into show-stoppers for celebrations!

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your delicious caramel stuffed mini heart cakes.

For the Cake

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt

For the Caramel Filling

1/2 cup caramel sauce
Optional: sea salt for topping

Make sure to use high-quality caramel sauce for the best flavor!

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease the mini heart-shaped cake pan.

Mix the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, and mix well. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt, then gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients.

Fill the Cake Pan

Spoon the batter into the prepared heart-shaped cake pan, filling each cavity about halfway. Use a teaspoon to make a small indentation in the center of each filled cavity.

Add the Caramel

Fill the indentation in each mini cake with a generous dollop of caramel sauce. Top with more cake batter until nearly full.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serve

Once cooled, you can drizzle extra caramel on top and, if desired, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt for an added flavor contrast.

Enjoy these delightful mini cakes fresh or store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, feel free to add chocolate chips to the batter or whipped cream on the side when serving. These cakes are versatile and can be adapted to suit your tastes!

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

If you're looking to make these mini cakes gluten-free, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix. Just ensure that the mix contains xanthan gum, which helps mimic the elasticity of traditional flour. This adjustment allows everyone to enjoy these delightful treats without compromising the taste or texture.

To make these cakes dairy-free, use plant-based butter and a dairy-free caramel sauce made from coconut or almond milk. The flavors will still be rich and satisfying, and the texture will remain consistent with the original recipe. You’ll find that these substitutions work seamlessly without losing any of the joy these mini heart cakes bring.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find that your cakes are sticking to the pan, it could be due to insufficient greasing. I recommend using a non-stick spray or applying a layer of softened butter followed by a dusting of flour to ensure easy removal. If, however, you still encounter issues, running a small spatula around the edges of the cakes can help free them from the pan.

Another common issue can arise during baking, where cakes might dome up instead of being flat. This often happens from overmixing the batter or from baking at a temperature that's too high. To avoid this, mix just until the ingredients are incorporated and use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate heat levels. This will guarantee consistently perfect little hearts!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different filling instead of caramel?

Absolutely! You could try chocolate ganache or fruit preserves for variety.

→ How do I ensure the cakes don't stick to the pan?

Make sure to grease the pan thoroughly and use parchment paper if needed.

→ Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter in advance and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake.

→ What should I do if my caramel sauce is too thick?

You can gently warm it in the microwave for a few seconds to make it easier to drizzle.