Ingredients
Method
Step 1: Prepare the Heart Batter
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
- Mix 1/3 cup cake flour, 1 egg, 1 tbsp vegetable oil, red food coloring, and 2 tbsp sugar until smooth.
- Pipe small hearts using the batter onto parchment in a scattered pattern.
- Freeze the pan for 15 minutes.
Step 2: Make the Sponge Cake
- In a bowl, beat 3 eggs with remaining granulated sugar until pale and fluffy.
- In another bowl, sift cake flour, all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually fold dry ingredients into egg mixture.
- Add vanilla, white vinegar, vegetable oil, buttermilk, and milk, stirring gently.
- Pour batter over the frozen heart pattern in the prepared pan and smooth evenly.
Step 3: Bake and Roll
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until the cake springs back to the touch.
- Turn cake out onto a clean towel dusted with powdered sugar.
- Peel off parchment, then roll the cake gently (with towel) while warm.
- Let cool completely, rolled.
Step 4: Make the Filling
- Beat 1 cup butter, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1 tsp vanilla, and a touch of milk until smooth and fluffy.
- Unroll cooled cake, spread filling evenly, and re-roll without towel.
Notes
🌀 Variations
Chocolate Hearts: Add melted chocolate to heart batter for a rich twist. Berry Love: Add raspberry jam under the cream filling for a tart touch. Pink Lemonade: Swap cocoa for lemon zest and pink color for a citrusy version. No Dairy? Use plant-based milk and vegan butter for a dairy-free delight. 🧊 Storage & Reheating
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheating: Serve chilled or at room temp — no reheating needed! ❓ Top 10 FAQs
1. Can I use just all-purpose flour?
Yes, but the texture will be slightly less tender without cake flour. 2. How do I keep the cake from cracking?
Roll while warm and don’t overbake the sponge. 3. Can I use whipped cream instead of buttercream?
Yes, but it may be less stable for rolling or freezing. 4. Do I need food coloring?
No, it’s optional — but it gives the festive red finish. 5. Can I make this gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. 6. Can I bake it in a round pan instead?
Not for this style — it needs to be a thin sheet to roll properly. 7. What’s the best way to pipe hearts?
Use a piping bag with a small round tip and freeze them before baking. 8. How long can I leave it out?
No more than 2 hours at room temperature if filled with dairy. 9. Can I add fruit to the filling?
Yes — thin-sliced strawberries or jam are great options. 10. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use two pans and be sure to adjust baking time if needed.
🏁 Conclusion
If love could be baked, it would taste like this Hearts Roll Cake. 💝 With every slice, you get a burst of soft cocoa cake, silky filling, and sweet little hearts smiling back at you. It’s elegant, memorable, and truly made to share. Whether you're wooing a crush, spoiling your spouse, or treating yourself, this cake delivers on charm and flavor. 💗 Whip it up this Valentine’s Day — because love deserves cake. 🧁
Chocolate Hearts: Add melted chocolate to heart batter for a rich twist. Berry Love: Add raspberry jam under the cream filling for a tart touch. Pink Lemonade: Swap cocoa for lemon zest and pink color for a citrusy version. No Dairy? Use plant-based milk and vegan butter for a dairy-free delight. 🧊 Storage & Reheating
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheating: Serve chilled or at room temp — no reheating needed! ❓ Top 10 FAQs
1. Can I use just all-purpose flour?
Yes, but the texture will be slightly less tender without cake flour. 2. How do I keep the cake from cracking?
Roll while warm and don’t overbake the sponge. 3. Can I use whipped cream instead of buttercream?
Yes, but it may be less stable for rolling or freezing. 4. Do I need food coloring?
No, it’s optional — but it gives the festive red finish. 5. Can I make this gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. 6. Can I bake it in a round pan instead?
Not for this style — it needs to be a thin sheet to roll properly. 7. What’s the best way to pipe hearts?
Use a piping bag with a small round tip and freeze them before baking. 8. How long can I leave it out?
No more than 2 hours at room temperature if filled with dairy. 9. Can I add fruit to the filling?
Yes — thin-sliced strawberries or jam are great options. 10. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use two pans and be sure to adjust baking time if needed.
🏁 Conclusion
If love could be baked, it would taste like this Hearts Roll Cake. 💝 With every slice, you get a burst of soft cocoa cake, silky filling, and sweet little hearts smiling back at you. It’s elegant, memorable, and truly made to share. Whether you're wooing a crush, spoiling your spouse, or treating yourself, this cake delivers on charm and flavor. 💗 Whip it up this Valentine’s Day — because love deserves cake. 🧁