Easy Heart Marshmallow Cakes

Featured in Sweet Endings: Irresistible Desserts.

Craft these classic Valentine's Day cakes with ease at home! They're soft vanilla cakes stuffed with light marshmallow cream, wrapped in a pink candy shell. Though they require some effort, they turn out better than store-bought! The white candy drizzle gives them an authentic touch, perfect for special occasions or gifting.
A chef holding a plate of food.
Updated on Fri, 07 Mar 2025 05:22:14 GMT
Homemade Heart Marshmallow Treats Pin it
Homemade Heart Marshmallow Treats | linacooks.com

A beloved childhood treat reimagined - these homemade heart-shaped snack cakes feature delicate vanilla sponge filled with fluffy marshmallow cream and enrobed in perfect pink coating. Each bite brings back nostalgic memories while creating new ones with superior homemade ingredients.

The joy of recreating these cherished treats in your own kitchen is matched only by sharing them with loved ones. Each carefully crafted cake carries the same charm that made the originals so special.

Essential Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour (2 cups): Creates tender, delicate crumb
  • Granulated sugar (1½ cups): Perfect level of balanced sweetness
  • Unsalted butter (1 cup): Provides rich, buttery flavor
  • Large eggs (4): Adds structure and richness
  • Buttermilk (1 cup): Creates moist, tender texture
  • Pure vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances overall flavor
  • Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Ensures proper lift
  • Fine sea salt (½ teaspoon): Balances sweetness
  • Marshmallow fluff (7 oz): Creates classic filling texture
  • Unsalted butter (1 cup): Base for creamy filling
  • Powdered sugar (2 cups): Sweetens and thickens filling
  • Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances marshmallow flavor
  • Fine sea salt (pinch): Balances filling sweetness
  • Pink candy melts (24 oz): Creates smooth coating
  • White candy melts (4 oz): For decorative details
  • Coconut oil (2 tablespoons): Thins coating consistency

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Cake Base:
Line baking sheet with parchment. Beat butter until creamy, gradually add sugar. Add eggs one at a time. Alternate flour mixture and buttermilk. Remove air bubbles.
Bake to Perfection:
Spread batter evenly. Bake until golden and springy.
Prepare Marshmallow Filling:
Whip butter until light. Add marshmallow fluff, powdered sugar, vanilla and salt. Beat until fluffy.
Apply Finishing Touches:
Coat frozen assembled cakes in pink candy coating. Add white drizzle decoration.
Copycat Little Debbie Valentines Cakes Recipe Pin it
Copycat Little Debbie Valentines Cakes Recipe | linacooks.com

Quality ingredients and patient attention to detail make these treats truly special. Taking time with each step ensures picture-perfect results worth sharing.

Serving Suggestions

Display on tiered plates with fresh berries and mint. Create individual place settings for parties. Arrange in heart patterns for festive presentations.

Flavor Variations

Try almond or rose flavoring. Add strawberry to filling. Use different coating colors. Include chocolate ganache layer.

Storage Instructions

Keep in sealed container between parchment layers. Good for 2 days at room temperature, 1 week refrigerated. Freeze uncoated cakes up to 1 month.

Creating these treats brings joy beyond just baking - it's about sharing homemade happiness. The care put into each cake makes them truly memorable.

Elegant Copycat Little Debbie Valentines Cakes Pin it
Elegant Copycat Little Debbie Valentines Cakes | linacooks.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Is it okay to prepare these a few days ahead?
Sure! Keep them in a sealed container for a few days or freeze them if you need a longer storage option.
→ What’s the benefit of using ingredients at room temperature?
Room-temp ingredients mix better and lead to a more consistent, softer cake texture.
→ Can I try different-colored candy coatings?
Absolutely! You can use any color to suit a certain event or holiday.
→ What’s the reason for freezing the cakes before dipping?
Freezing firms them up, so they don’t fall apart while coating and you get an even candy layer.
→ Can I cut these in unique shapes?
Of course! You’re not limited to hearts—try any shape that fits the occasion!

Heart Marshmallow Cakes

A unique twist on beloved heart-shaped cakes! Packed with marshmallow cream and dipped in sweet pink chocolate.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
40 Minutes
Total Time
70 Minutes
By: Paolina

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Difficult

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (12 cakes)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Cake

01 1/2 cup soft, unsalted butter
02 1 cup granulated sugar
03 2 eggs, brought to room temperature
04 2 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla
05 1/2 cup buttermilk, warmed to room temperature
06 1/4 teaspoon table salt
07 1 teaspoon baking powder
08 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

→ Filling

09 1 cup room-temperature unsalted butter
10 1 cup marshmallow creme
11 3 cups powdered sugar
12 2 teaspoons vanilla flavoring

→ Coating

13 3 tablespoons coconut oil
14 2 tablespoons melted white chocolate
15 2 1/2 cups light pink candy melts

Instructions

Step 01

Heat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a half-sheet pan, place parchment paper inside, then grease that too.

Step 02

Blend together flour, salt, and baking powder with a whisk.

Step 03

Use a mixer to cream the butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla. Gradually combine the dry mix and buttermilk, switching between the two.

Step 04

Spread the batter evenly in your pan. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the edges just start to brown. Allow it to cool for 10 minutes, then chill for another 20 minutes.

Step 05

Beat marshmallow stuff and butter together until creamy. Add powdered sugar and mix in vanilla.

Step 06

Use a 4-inch heart-shaped cutter to press out shapes. Pipe the filling onto half of them, cover with the matching halves, and freeze for an hour.

Step 07

Combine the candy melts with coconut oil and melt. Dip the frozen cakes into the mixture, then refrigerate for 15 minutes to set.

Step 08

Add white chocolate designs on top with a piping bag. Chill until the decoration sets.

Notes

  1. This is a homemade take on Little Debbie’s Valentine's cakes.
  2. You can freeze them to keep longer.
  3. Make sure every ingredient is room temp!

Tools You'll Need

  • One 18x13-inch half-sheet pan
  • Mixer with electric components
  • 4-inch cookie cutter in a heart shape
  • Parchment for baking
  • Spreading spatula
  • Piping bags for decorating

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes dairy (buttermilk and butter).
  • Eggs are in this recipe.
  • Contains gluten/wheat due to the flour.