Loving hearts

Love Hearts - Heart Cake

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 25 minutes
Servings: 12 hearts

This love heart cake is perfect for adding a touch of love and creativity to any special occasion. With a fluffy base filled with delicious strawberry pudding and topped with coconut and shimmering jelly, it’s a dessert that is sure to impress anyone who tastes it. Let’s embark on this quick and simple dessert-making adventure that can become the star of any meal.

Ingredients

For the heart base:
- 3 large eggs
- 6 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons oil (preferably sunflower or canola)
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 5 tablespoons flour
- 1 vanilla essence (or 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar)

For the pudding cream:
- 400 ml milk
- 1 packet of strawberry pudding powder
- 3 tablespoons sugar

For decoration:
- 1 packet of red gelatin (for jelly)
- 5-6 tablespoons shredded coconut

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the base
1. Start by preheating the oven to 180°C (moderate heat). Make sure you have a baking tray (preferably 20x30 cm) greased with oil and dusted with flour to prevent sticking.
2. In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with a mixer until you achieve a firm foam. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until the mixture becomes glossy and heavy. This is the secret to a fluffy base!
3. Add the egg yolks, oil, milk, and vanilla essence, gently mixing with a spatula or using the mixer on low speed.
4. In another bowl, combine the flour with the baking powder, then gradually incorporate them into the egg mixture, stirring carefully until you achieve a smooth batter.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared tray and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a cake tester inserted in the middle comes out clean. Allow the base to cool completely before cutting.

Step 2: Creating the hearts
1. Once the base has cooled, use a heart-shaped cutter (or a knife) to cut out hearts from the batter. You can do this directly in the tray or transfer the base to a work surface.
2. Cut each heart in half horizontally, creating a "lid" and a "base".

Step 3: Preparing the pudding
1. In a saucepan, bring 400 ml of milk to a boil. When the milk starts to boil, add the strawberry pudding powder and sugar. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens. This will be the delicious cream that fills the hearts.
2. Once the pudding is ready, let it cool slightly before using.

Step 4: Assembling the hearts
1. Using a spatula, fill each heart with pudding, making sure to fill the edges as well. Then, place the lid on top.
2. Roll each heart in shredded coconut until fully covered. This step will give them an attractive look and a rich taste.

Step 5: Finishing with jelly
1. Prepare the red gelatin according to the instructions on the package. Once it has cooled, pour a thin layer over each heart, allowing the jelly to settle evenly.

Practical tips
- Ingredient selection: Use quality ingredients, especially when it comes to eggs and milk. Fresh eggs will make the base fluffier.
- Pudding variations: You can experiment with other pudding flavors, such as vanilla or chocolate. You can also add fresh or dried fruits to the filling for an even more intense flavor.
- Storing the cake: These hearts keep well in the fridge for 2-3 days, but they will be best if consumed fresh.

Nutritional benefits
This cake is not only delicious but also a source of energy thanks to the eggs, which are rich in protein, and the milk, which provides calcium. The strawberry pudding adds essential vitamins and antioxidants. However, it’s best to consume in moderation due to the sugar content.

Serving suggestions
These love hearts are perfect for serving at parties, birthdays, or even on romantic evenings at home. Paired with a cup of aromatic coffee or fruit tea, they create a perfect indulgence moment.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use other types of flour? Yes, you can try whole wheat flour or almond flour, but the result will be different.
- How can I make these hearts sugar-free? You can replace sugar with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, but adjust the amount to taste.

Now that you know the steps and secrets behind these love hearts, all that’s left is to get cooking! Remember that cooking is an art form, and every cake you create is unique, just like you. Happy cooking!

 Ingredients: Base: 3 eggs, 6 tablespoons sugar, 3 tablespoons oil, 3 tablespoons milk, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 5 tablespoons flour, vanilla essence. Cream: 400 ml milk, 1 packet of strawberry pudding powder, 3 tablespoons sugar. Decoration: 1 packet of red gelatin for decoration, 5-6 tablespoons coconut.

 Tags:  cake pudding little hearts