Hidden Heart Loaf Cake
This Hidden Heart Loaf Cake is the perfect surprise bake for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or any special occasion! Featuring a soft and fluffy vanilla sponge made using the hot milk method, it hides a vibrant red heart at its center, creating a stunning effect when sliced. The trick? A partially baked vanilla base helps hold the hearts in place, ensuring a perfectly centered design every time. A true showstopper that’s easier to make than it looks!
Ingredients
For the Red Sponge (Heart Center)
- 120g butter (room temperature)
- 120g sugar
- 3 eggs
- 120g plain flour
- 10g baking powder
- Red food gel coloring
For the Vanilla Sponge
- 150g all-purpose flour
- 11/2 tsp baking powder
- 140g sugar
- 3 eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla paste
- 90ml milk
- 70g butter
Instructions
Make the Red Sponge (Heart Center)
1. Preheat your oven to 170°C . Grease and line Swiss roll tin/baking tray 25x30cm approx.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Add red food coloring and mix until you get a vibrant red batter.
5. Sift in the flour and baking powder, then gently fold into the mixture.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a skewer inserted comes out clean. Be careful not to over bake the sponge.
7. Let the cake cool completely, then cut out small heart shapes using a cookie cutter. Set aside.
Prepare the Vanilla Sponge
1. Preheat your oven to 170°C and grease a loaf pan 25 x 11.5 x 7 cm approx.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy.
3. Sift in the flour and baking powder, then gently fold it in.
4. In a small saucepan, heat the milk and butter until the butter melts and the mixture is warm (not boiling).
5. Add the vanilla paste and gradually pour the hot milk mixture into the batter, folding gently until fully combined.
6. Pour a thin layer (about 1.5 cm thick) of vanilla batter into the prepared loaf pan.
7. Bake for 8-10 minutes, just until the base is lightly set but not fully baked.
Assemble the Hidden hearts
1. Remove the loaf pan from the oven and gently press the red heart cutouts in a straight line down the center of the partially baked vanilla base.
2. Carefully pour the remaining vanilla batter over the hearts, ensuring they are fully covered.
3. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the vanilla cake (not the hearts) comes out clean.
Cool & Serve
1. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Slice to reveal the hidden heart inside and enjoy!