Dessert

Valentine’s Heart Petit Fours Recipe

ByMatteo Rossi February 19, 2026February 19, 2026

Introduction

These Valentine’s Heart Petit Fours are adorable, bite-sized treats perfect for celebrating love and sweetness. With a soft cake base, creamy frosting, and delicate pink icing, they make a charming dessert that’s as delightful to look at as to eat.

The image shows small heart-shaped cakes with light pink icing covering the top and sides. Each cake has thin, darker pink lines drizzled evenly across the top for decoration. The cakes sit on a white lace doily, placed on a white marbled surface. Around the cakes are fresh red raspberries scattered for contrast. The cakes have a smooth texture, and the base appears pale beige, likely a soft cookie or cake layer. The overall scene is soft and inviting, with gentle lighting highlighting the pastel colors. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
4 large eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ cup milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup cream cheese frosting (store-bought or homemade)
2 cups powdered sugar
¼ cup milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 drop pink gel food coloring
½ cup pink candy melts
Cupcake liners for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder. Gradually fold this mixture into the butter mixture along with milk and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth.
Step 4: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely.
Step 5: Once cooled, slice the cake horizontally in half. Spread a thin layer of cream cheese frosting between the two layers. Chill in the freezer for 10-15 minutes to firm up for easier cutting.
Step 6: Use a small heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut heart shapes from the layered cake. Press gently from the bottom to remove each heart cleanly.
Step 7: In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add a drop of pink gel food coloring and mix until you achieve a soft pastel pink tint.
Step 8: Place the heart-shaped cakes on a cooling rack set over a tray. Pour the pink icing over each heart, allowing it to drip down the sides. Let the icing set for 1-2 minutes.
Step 9: Melt the pink candy melts using a microwave-safe piping bag. Snip a small hole at the tip and drizzle over the iced hearts. Allow the drizzle to set completely.
Step 10: Place each petit four in a cupcake liner. Serve and enjoy these charming Valentine’s treats.

Tips & Variations

For a richer flavor, substitute half the milk with sour cream or yogurt.
Try using different colored candy melts for a festive look that suits other occasions.
If you don’t have a heart-shaped cutter, a small round cutter or knife can work, too.

Storage

Store the petit fours in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor. Due to the icing and frosting, freezing is not recommended as it may alter texture.

How to Serve

The image shows heart-shaped pink cakes with smooth, shiny icing and thin striped patterns on top. Each cake has two visible layers: a light pink upper layer with a glossy look and a thin beige base layer that looks soft and crumbly. The cakes sit on a white lace doily, which is placed on a white marbled surface. Around the cakes, there are fresh, bright red raspberries adding a pop of color to the scene. The focus is close-up, showing the texture and detail of both the cakes and the raspberries. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare them a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Just make sure to bring them to room temperature before serving.

What if I don’t have pink gel food coloring?

You can substitute with any red or pink liquid food coloring, but gel coloring is preferred for vibrant color without thinning the icing.

Matteo Rossi