How to Make a Heart-Shaped Cake Without a Special Pan

Want to bake something extra sweet for Valentine’s Day without running to the store for a special pan? Good news—you can create a beautiful heart-shaped cake using just a round cake pan and a square baking pan. It’s simple, budget-friendly, and perfect for a romantic treat.

Ingredients & Supplies

• 1 box cake mix (any flavor you love)

• 1 (9-inch) round cake pan

• 1 (9-inch) square baking pan

• 1 recipe white frosting (or your favorite frosting)

• 1 can cherry pie filling (or strawberries for a fresh twist)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1.) Prepare Your Pans

Grease and flour both the 9″ round and 9″ square baking pans to prevent sticking. Preheat your oven according to the cake mix directions.

2.) Mix & Bake

Prepare the cake batter as instructed on the package. Pour the batter evenly into both pans and bake as directed. Cool the cakes for about 10 minutes in their pans, then carefully remove them and let cool completely on a wire rack.

3.) Assemble the Heart

Place the square cake on your serving plate in a diamond shape (like a diamond playing card). Cut the round cake in half, and position each half against the top sides of the square to create a heart shape.

4.) Frost & Decorate

Frost the entire cake with white icing, making sure to smooth the seams where the cakes meet. Pipe a border around the outer edge to create a neat finish and to hold the cherry pie filling. Spoon the cherry filling into the center for a beautiful, glossy heart topping.

Tips for Extra Love

• Swap cherry pie filling for strawberries, raspberries, or chocolate ganache.

• Add pink or red food coloring to the frosting for a festive Valentine’s Day look.

• Sprinkle edible glitter or heart-shaped sprinkles for a show-stopping finish.

This easy DIY heart cake is proof that you don’t need fancy equipment to create something special. Whether it’s for a romantic dinner, a family celebration, or a fun kids’ baking project, this cake is sure to win hearts!