If you’re looking for the perfect sweet treat to share this Valentine’s Day, these heart-shaped petit fours are just the thing. These delicate, bite-sized cakes are layered with jam and coated in a silky glaze, making them as beautiful as they are delicious. Whether you’re making them for your special someone, a Galentine’s party, or just as a fun baking project, these petit fours are guaranteed to spread the love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Light and delicate: These mini cakes are soft, airy, and perfectly sweet.
Customizable flavors: Use your favorite jam or frosting between the layers.
Perfect for gifting: These adorable hearts make great homemade Valentine’s treats.
Fun to decorate: Get creative with different glazes, sprinkles, or drizzles.

Ingredients

Here’s a quick look at what you’ll need:

Pound cake (homemade or store-bought)
Raspberry or strawberry jam
White chocolate or candy melts
Powdered sugar
Milk or cream
Vanilla extract
Pink and red food coloring

Full list of ingredients is below.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Layers

If using store-bought pound cake, trim off the edges for a uniform look. Slice the cake into thin, even layers.

Step 2: Cut Out Heart Shapes

Use a small heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out as many cake hearts as possible.

Step 3: Add the Filling

Spread a thin layer of jam onto half of the cake hearts, then top with another heart to make a mini sandwich.

Step 4: Make the Glaze

In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add food coloring to create a soft pink or red glaze.

Step 5: Coat the Petit Fours

Place the cakes on a wire rack over parchment paper. Slowly pour the glaze over each heart, letting the excess drip off.

Step 6: Decorate and Let Set

Before the glaze sets completely, add sprinkles, drizzle with melted white chocolate, or pipe little designs on top. Let them dry for about an hour before serving.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Use firm cake: Pound cake works best since it holds its shape and doesn’t crumble.
Chill before glazing: Briefly freezing the heart cakes makes them easier to coat.
Thin the glaze if needed: If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk for a smoother pour.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Different flavors: Try apricot jam, lemon curd, or Nutella between the layers.
Chocolate coating: Swap the glaze for melted white or dark chocolate for a richer finish.
Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free pound cake to make this recipe allergy-friendly.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These petit fours are perfect for Valentine’s Day, baby showers, or afternoon tea. Serve them with:

A cup of tea or coffee
A glass of champagne for a fancy touch
A scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze unglazed petit fours for up to a month, then glaze before serving.
Reheat? No need! Just enjoy them straight from the fridge or at room temperature.

4 FAQs

Can I use cake mix instead of pound cake?
Yes, but make sure to bake it in a sheet pan so it’s firm and easy to cut.
How do I make the glaze more even?
Pour slowly and use a spoon to help coat the sides for a smooth finish.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare and glaze them a day in advance, then store them in the fridge until ready to serve.
What’s the best way to decorate them?
Drizzle with chocolate, add sprinkles, or use edible glitter for an extra festive touch.

Conclusion

These Valentine’s Heart Petit Fours are an elegant and delicious way to show some love. With their soft cake layers, fruity filling, and smooth glaze, they’re sure to impress. Make a batch and enjoy these bite-sized delights with someone special!

Adorable Valentine’s Heart Petit Fours – Bite-Sized Love

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Adorable Valentine’s Heart Petit Fours are delightful, bite-sized cakes perfect for expressing love on special occasions. These miniature layered cakes are coated in a sweet glaze and decorated to resemble charming hearts, making them an ideal treat for Valentine’s Day.

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour (plus cooling and setting time)
Yield: 24 petit fours 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: French
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg whites one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in the almond extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
Cut the Cake:
- Once cooled, carefully invert the cake onto a clean surface and remove the parchment paper.
- Using a small heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out heart shapes from the cake.
- Place the heart-shaped cake pieces on a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
Prepare the Glaze:
- In a heatproof bowl set over simmering water (double boiler), combine the sifted powdered sugar, light corn syrup, and almond extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and pourable.
- Divide the glaze into separate bowls if using multiple colors. Add a few drops of food coloring to each bowl and mix until the desired shades are achieved.
Glaze the Petit Fours:
- Pour the glaze over each heart-shaped cake, ensuring they are fully covered. The excess glaze will drip onto the baking sheet below.
- Allow the glaze to set slightly before adding decorations.
- While the glaze is still tacky, decorate with sprinkles, edible glitter, or small heart-shaped candies as desired.
Set and Serve:
- Let the glazed petit fours sit at room temperature until the glaze is completely set.
- Once set, carefully transfer the petit fours to a serving platter.
- Serve and enjoy these delightful bite-sized treats!

Notes

For added flavor, consider filling the petit fours by slicing each heart-shaped piece horizontally and adding a thin layer of raspberry jam or buttercream before glazing.
To achieve a smooth glaze, ensure the powdered sugar is sifted, and the mixture is warmed gently to maintain pourable consistency.
Store the petit fours in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.