Mini Chocolate Heart Cakes (or Muffins!)

Mini Chocolate Heart Cakes (or Muffins!) – A Sweet Valentine’s Treat ❤️🍫

There’s something extra special about bite-sized desserts, and these Mini Chocolate Heart Cakes are no exception. Soft, rich, and full of deep chocolate flavor, these little cakes are the perfect treat for Valentine’s Day or any time you’re craving something sweet. They can be made in cute heart-shaped molds for a festive touch, or simply baked as chocolate muffins for an easy, everyday indulgence. With a tender crumb, just the right amount of sweetness, and melty chocolate chunks throughout, these little cakes are guaranteed to steal hearts!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich & Chocolatey: Deep cocoa flavor and melty chocolate chunks in every bite.

• Perfect for Valentine’s Day: Heart-shaped cakes make for a festive and adorable treat.

• Easy to Make: No complicated techniques—just mix, bake, and enjoy!

• Versatile: Make them as muffins for an everyday chocolate fix.

The Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (5 oz) all-purpose flour

• 6 tbsp (1.75 oz) cocoa powder

• 1 ½ tsp baking powder

• ¼ tsp baking soda

• ¼ tsp sea salt

• ¾ cup chocolate chunks or chocolate chips (plus extra for topping)

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

• 1 large egg

• 1 cup buttermilk

• 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Prep the Oven & Pan

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Grease a heart-shaped cake mold or line a muffin tin with paper liners.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt.

• Stir in the chocolate chunks so they are evenly distributed in the dry mixture.

3. Mix the Wet Ingredients

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, melted butter, egg, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until smooth.

4. Combine & Mix

• Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture, stirring gently until just combined (be careful not to overmix).

5. Fill & Bake

• Spoon the batter into the heart-shaped molds or muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.

• Sprinkle extra chocolate chunks on top for an extra melty finish.

• Bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

6. Cool & Enjoy

• Let the cakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

• Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate for an extra special touch.

Tips for Perfect Mini Chocolate Cakes

• Use Good Quality Cocoa Powder: A rich cocoa powder will give you the best chocolate flavor.

• Don’t Overmix: Stir just until the ingredients are combined for a soft, fluffy texture.

• Extra Chocolatey? Add an extra handful of chocolate chunks before baking!

• Serving Ideas: Enjoy warm with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of caramel.

• Double the recipe: These are perfect to freeze and enjoy later!

Make It Festive!

These Mini Chocolate Heart Cakes make for a sweet homemade gift for loved ones. Wrap them up in a little box with a ribbon, or serve them with fresh berries and whipped cream for an elegant dessert.

For an everyday treat, bake them as muffins and enjoy with a morning cup of coffee.

If you make this recipe, I’d love to see your creations! Tag me on Instagram @Weeknight_Homemaker and share your delicious mini cakes or muffins.

Happy baking!

Lauren 💕

The Weeknight Homemaker