Hearts Roll Cake | The Perfect Valentine’s Day Dessert
Want to make something truly heartfelt this Valentine’s Day? Say hello to the Hearts Roll Cake — a soft, red cocoa sponge rolled with creamy filling and decorated with sweet, baked-in hearts. 💖 This romantic dessert is not only adorable but also downright irresistible.
Perfect for sharing with loved ones or surprising someone special, this cake roll blends beauty and flavor in one show-stopping centerpiece. With a rich red hue, tender crumb, and fluffy filling, it’s like love at first bite. 💕✨
Ingredients
🥚 Produits frais:
- 4 large eggs
🍫 Aides culinaires et épices:
- 120 g 1 cup cake flour
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 3 tbsp cocoa powder unsweetened
- 1 tsp red food coloring
- 46 tbsp granulated sugar yes, 46 tbsp = approx. 2 7/8 cups
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 5/8 tsp salt
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
🛢️ Huiles et vinaigres:
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp white vinegar
🧈 Produits laitiers:
- 2 cups butter 1 cup for batter, 1 cup for frosting
- 2 tbsp buttermilk
- 2 cups whole milk
Instructions
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. 🧁