If you’re looking for a dessert that effortlessly blends charm, flavor, and a touch of romance, the Mini Chocolate Covered Strawberry Heart Cakes Recipe is your new best friend. Picture bite-sized heart-shaped cakes bursting with sweet strawberry flavor, nestled between clouds of fluffy cream filling, and decadently topped with a luscious chocolate ganache that drapes over the edges in all the right ways. It’s a showstopper perfect for any occasion, especially when you want to share something special with the people you love. Trust me, these little cakes are as delightful to make as they are to eat!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a close-up of a white bowl filled with a thick, creamy mixture that is soft and fluffy in texture. A red spatula with a clear handle is partially dipped into the mixture, lifting some of it on one side, creating a visible scoop. The creamy mixture looks smooth but slightly uneven with some small lumps, suggesting a rich and soft consistency. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t be intimidated by this list—even though it seems detailed, each ingredient plays a superstar role in creating the perfect balance of texture, color, and unforgettable flavor. From the bright, tangy strawberry cake base to the silky chocolate topping, these essentials come together to craft magic.

5 tablespoons all-purpose flour: The foundation for the creamy filling, it thickens perfectly for that smooth texture you’ll love.
1 cup milk: Adds moisture and richness to your cream filling; any fat content works fine.
1 box strawberry cake mix: This is your star for that irresistible fruity base, pre-sweetened and fruity to keep things simple.
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Elevates the flavor with warm, aromatic notes that meld beautifully with the strawberries.
1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature: Adds richness and creaminess to the filling, making it utterly decadent.
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance all the flavors.
1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling, ensuring each bite feels indulgent.
1 cup heavy cream: For creating the silky chocolate ganache that crowns these cakes with pure luxury.
8 to 10 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips: The perfect chocolate partner, delivering a rich and velvety finish.
Fresh strawberries for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh, vibrant burst to decorate and complement the flavors beautifully.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Mini Chocolate Covered Strawberry Heart Cakes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cream Filling Base

Start by whisking the all-purpose flour into the milk in a small saucepan. Cooking this mixture over medium heat while stirring frequently until it’s thick ensures a luscious, pudding-like consistency. The goal is a texture so thick a spoon meets some resistance when running through it. Once perfectly thickened, remove it from heat and set aside to cool—placing it in the refrigerator helps speed this up. This careful preparation lays the foundation for your dreamy cream filling.

Step 2: Bake the Strawberry Cake Layer

Follow the package instructions on your strawberry cake mix to prepare the batter. Spray a half-sheet pan with cooking spray, then line the bottom with parchment paper for easy cake removal later. Baking it for 15 to 20 minutes until done will give you a stunningly moist and vibrant strawberry cake layer. Once baked, allow it to cool completely in the pan—patience here ensures your cakes hold their shape beautifully.

Step 3: Cut Out the Heart-Shaped Cakes

With the cake completely cooled, gently run a knife around the edges, then flip it onto a large board or parchment paper. Carefully peel off the bottom parchment layer. Using a 3-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out as many hearts as possible—around 26 is typical. Don’t toss those scraps; they’re perfect for quick trifle treats, turning nothing to waste into another delicious moment.

Step 4: Finish the Cream Filling

In a stand mixer bowl, combine vanilla, room temperature butter, salt, and sugar. Beat thoroughly for about 5 minutes until the sugar is well incorporated and the mixture starts to become fluffy. Then add the completely cooled flour and milk base and keep beating until the filling is light and fluffy like whipped cream. Transfer this heavenly filling into a piping bag for easy assembly.

Step 5: Assemble Your Heart Cakes

Line a baking sheet with foil, parchment, or waxed paper. Lay out half of your heart-shaped cake cutouts spaced apart. Pipe a generous dollop of the cream filling onto each heart, then top with another heart cutout to create a delightful sandwich. This layering of flavors and textures is where the magic truly shines. Pop the assembled cakes into the refrigerator while you prepare the chocolate topping.

Step 6: Make the Chocolate Ganache Topping

Heat the heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl until warm—about one to one and a half minutes on high should do it. Pour this warm cream over the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a medium bowl and let it sit for a couple of minutes to melt the chocolate. Whisk gently until you achieve a smooth, syrupy ganache. Spoon this over each cake, letting it cascade down the sides for that perfectly decadent look.

Step 7: Garnish and Chill

For an extra touch of elegance and freshness, top each mini cake with a slice of fresh strawberry. Then, let the cakes chill in the fridge until the chocolate ganache sets firmly. This final chilling not only enhances the texture but makes them ready for the big moment—sharing with friends and family.

How to Serve Mini Chocolate Covered Strawberry Heart Cakes Recipe

The image shows several heart-shaped donuts on a white marbled surface, each donut with a golden-brown base topped with a thick, smooth layer of dark chocolate glaze that shines in the light. Around some of the donuts, there are small dark chocolate drops, adding extra texture. The donuts are spaced evenly, giving a neat and appetizing look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh strawberries are classic, but don’t hesitate to add edible flowers, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a sprinkle of chopped pistachios for a pop of color and crunch. These little details make your Mini Chocolate Covered Strawberry Heart Cakes Recipe even more enchanting and invite smiles.

Side Dishes

Pair these delightful cakes with a light, fruity beverage like sparkling rosé or a strawberry lemonade. A simple scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream on the side also complements the rich cream filling and chocolate perfectly, balancing indulgence with freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your heart cakes on a tiered dessert stand for a charming presentation at parties or showers. Wrapping each cake in a delicate parchment square or placing them in individual mini cupcake liners can make them feel like charming little treasures. These presentation ideas elevate the experience and make every bite feel extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These mini cakes keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store them in an airtight container to maintain the cream filling’s fluffiness and prevent the chocolate ganache from drying out or picking up fridge odors. They’re perfect for prepping ahead of time for your celebrations.

Freezing

If you want to turn this into a convenient treat, freeze the assembled cakes (without the chocolate ganache) on a tray until solid, then transfer to an airtight container. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and add the chocolate ganache fresh. This way, you can enjoy them on demand without sacrificing any flavor or texture.

Reheating

Since these cakes are best served chilled, heating isn’t recommended. However, if you want to soften the chocolate ganache slightly, let them sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. This brings out the full chocolate aroma while keeping the cream filling beautifully intact.

FAQs

Can I make the cream filling without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! You can use a hand mixer or even whisk vigorously by hand, though it will require a bit more effort and time to get that fluffy, smooth consistency.

What kind of chocolate is best for the ganache?

Semi-sweet chocolate chips work wonderfully as they balance sweetness and richness. You could experiment with dark or milk chocolate if you prefer a different intensity.

Can I substitute the boxed cake mix with homemade strawberry cake?

Yes! A homemade strawberry cake can add an extra special touch, just make sure it’s firm enough to hold its shape when cut into hearts.

How many cakes does this recipe yield?

This recipe typically makes about 12 mini heart cakes, perfect for sharing at small gatherings or as intimate gifts.

Is it okay to leave out the fresh strawberry garnish?

Definitely! The cakes are delicious on their own, but fresh strawberry slices add freshness and a lovely contrast, so they’re highly recommended when possible.

Final Thoughts

From the very first bite to the last, the Mini Chocolate Covered Strawberry Heart Cakes Recipe offers a scrumptious journey of flavors and textures that seduce the senses. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, a special milestone, or just treating yourself, these heart-shaped delights are sure to become a beloved favorite. So go ahead—grab that strawberry cake mix and get ready to bake up some love!