Quick and Easy Cake: Simple Steps for an Impressive Treat

Ingredients

Cake Ingredients

60 grams (4 tablespoons) butter
60 grams (1/4 cup) sugar
60 grams (3 tablespoons) honey
1 egg
15 grams (1 tablespoon) sour cream (20%)
210 grams (1.5 cups) flour
1 teaspoon baking soda, vinegar or lemon juice

Cream Ingredients

120 grams (1/2 cup) heavy cream (33%)
400 grams (14 ounces) cream cheese
2 tablespoons powdered sugar

Equipment

Saucepan
Ideal for heating butter, honey, and sugar together. Ensure it has a thick bottom to prevent burning.
Mixing Bowls
Have a couple of sizes handy for mixing the egg, sour cream, and your lovely cream filling.
Whisk
An essential for smooth batters and creams. Electric whisks make the job quicker and fluffier!
Parchment Paper
A must for rolling out your dough and creating that perfect heart shape without sticking.
Heart-shaped Mold
Optional but helpful for an even, perfect heart shape each time.
Baking Sheet
Ensure it’s large enough to accommodate your heart-shaped dough.
Plastic Wrap
Helps to cover the dough and prevent it from drying out in the refrigerator.

Instructions

Step 1

Prepare the Cake

In a saucepan, add butter, honey, and sugar. Heat until butter melts, stirring occasionally. Once melted, turn off the heat.

Add baking soda combined with vinegar or lemon juice to the saucepan. Stir and let it cool for 10-15 minutes.

In a bowl, beat the egg and add sour cream. Whisk for 1-2 minutes and gradually add the cooled mixture from the saucepan, stirring continuously.

Slowly add the flour in 4-5 batches. Mix until the dough is ready.

Cover the dough with plastic wrap, pressing it against the surface to prevent air from entering. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours.

Step 2

Prepare the Cream

In a bowl, add cream cheese, heavy cream, and powdered sugar. Whisk starting on a low speed, then gradually increase to maximum speed.

Taste and add more powdered sugar if needed.

Step 3

Bake the Cake

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).

Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on parchment paper.

If not using a heart-shaped mold, fold the parchment in half and draw half a heart shape, cut it out, and place it on the dough. Carefully trim the dough around the shape.

Poke holes all over the dough with a fork to prevent bubbles and bake for 10-15 minutes, depending on thickness. Bake until lightly browned, around 10 minutes.

Step 4

Assemble the Cake

Place cream drops evenly spaced across the whole surface of the cake starting from the outer edge.

Repeat the process with the second and third layers.

Decorate the cake with berries, cookies, chocolate, or whatever you prefer.

Servings

Serving your heart-shaped pastry is half the fun! 🎂

For a stunning presentation, arrange the cake on a beautiful stand or a colorful platter. Add some fresh berries or edible flowers around the edge for an extra special touch. 🌸

Perfect for a romantic dinner: Pair your heart-shaped pastry with a glass of chilled champagne. The creamy filling and buttery cake base are a match made in heaven with bubbly! 🥂

Kid-friendly idea: Top the pastry with colorful sprinkles and mini marshmallows for a delightful, eye-catching treat that children will devour. 🍬

DIY dessert table: Create an interactive serving station where guests can add their toppings like chocolate chips, nuts, fruits, and syrups. This makes the serving process an activity everyone can enjoy! 🍓🍫

Variations

Gluten-Free Variation 🌾🚫

Simply substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend. Ensure your blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture. You can also use ground almonds for a nutty twist.

Vegan Variation 🌱❤️

Replace butter with a vegan margarine and use a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water) in place of the egg. Swap the sour cream with cashew cream and the heavy cream with coconut cream for the filling.

Faq

Do I need a heart-shaped mold to make this cake?
No, you can easily create a heart shape using parchment paper as a guide. Fold the parchment in half, draw half a heart, cut it out, and use this as a stencil on your dough.
How do I make sure my dough doesn’t stick when rolling out?
Lightly flour your rolling surface and rolling pin. Parchment paper underneath also helps prevent sticking and makes it easier to transfer to the baking sheet.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
The cake should be lightly browned and firm to the touch. Baking times can vary, so keep an eye on it around the 10-minute mark.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. Just bring it back to room temperature before rolling out.
How do I prevent the cream from being too runny?
Start by whisking the cream cheese and heavy cream on a low speed, then gradually increase it. Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature and not too warm.
Can I use other fillings instead of the cream?
Absolutely! You can use fruit jams, chocolate ganache, or even Nutella. Experiment and find your favorite!