Introduction
Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion to express your love through delightful treats, and what could be more charming than heart-shaped petit fours? These dainty, bite-sized cakes are not just visually appealing; they are bursting with flavor and a sumptuous richness that will make anyone’s heart flutter. Whether you’re celebrating with a special someone, friends, or even treating yourself, these little cakes are a labor of love that will surely sweeten the day.
Ingredients
- 1 box vanilla cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 lb fondant (white or colored)
- Food coloring (optional)
- Heart-shaped cookie cutter
- Coconut flakes or edible glitter for decoration
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours
Yield: 12-15 petit fours
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease as well as flour a 9×13 inch baking pan to ensure a beautiful release.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Stir thoroughly according to the package instructions until the batter is smooth and well blended.
- Pour the luscious batter into your prepared baking pan, and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma will fill your kitchen with warmth!
- Let the cake cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, carefully turn it out onto a wire rack to cool further.
- Once the cake is completely cool, slice it into two equal layers. Spread a generous layer of raspberry jam over the top of one layer before placing the second layer on top.
- To achieve a tidy rectangular shape, trim the edges of your layered cake, then use the heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out heart shapes from the layered cake.
- In a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s creamy and smooth. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, followed by the milk and vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting is beautifully spreadable.
- Using a spatula, frost the top of each heart-shaped petit four with the rich cream cheese frosting, creating a lovely layer of sweetness.
- On a clean surface, roll out the fondant until it’s thin and manageable. Cut out pieces that will elegantly cover each petit four.
- Carefully drape the fondant over each iced heart, smoothing it down gently and trimming any excess at the edges for a polished look.
- Lastly, have fun decorating your petit fours with coconut flakes or a sprinkle of edible glitter for that extra touch of magic!
- Allow the petit fours to sit for a few hours so the fondant can set perfectly before serving and enjoy the sweet anticipation!
Notes or Tips
For a touch of color, consider adding a few drops of food coloring to your fondant. Experiment with different colors to match your Valentine’s Day theme! You could also use different jams or fillings for a unique twist — think strawberry or even lemon curd. These petit fours make for stunning gifts when presented in pretty boxes or on decorative plates!
Cooking Techniques
Achieving the perfect petit fours is all about patience and attention to detail. Make sure your cake is completely cool before cutting and frosting, as this will ensure that your layers don’t crumble. When rolling out fondant, lightly dust your work surface with powdered sugar to prevent sticking. Lastly, don’t hesitate to personalize your petit fours with creative decorations that reflect your style and the love you poured into them!
FAQ
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cake a day in advance, or even make the decorated petit fours and store them in an airtight container for up to three days before serving.
What can I substitute for fondant?
If fondant isn’t your thing, you can use a simple chocolate glaze or even a buttercream frosting to coat and decorate your petit fours for a delicious alternative.
Conclusion
These Valentine’s heart petit fours are more than just sweet treats; they are a delightful expression of love and creativity. Each bite is a lovely combination of soft cake, luscious jam, cream cheese frosting, and a beautiful fondant shell. Whether you’re enjoying them yourself or gifting them, they are sure to spread joy and smiles all around. So, gather your loved ones, whip up this enchanting recipe, and let the celebration of love begin!