Name: Adorable Valentine’s Heart Petit Fours: Bite-Sized Love
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: PT-483895H23M5S
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; ½ cup butter, softened; 3 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 ½ tsp baking powder; ½ cup milk; ½ cup fruit jam (raspberry or strawberry); 1 ½ lbs fondant (ready-to-use); Water or simple syrup (for moistening the cake); Pink food coloring (optional)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Valentine’s Day is all about spreading love, and what better way to do that than with these adorable Valentine’s Heart Petit Fours? These little bite-sized cakes are layered with sweet, tangy jam and covered in a beautiful, glossy fondant. Perfect for a romantic treat or a special gift for friends, these petit fours are as cute as they are delicious. Trust me, they’ll melt hearts faster than you can say “I love you”!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Not only are these Valentine’s Heart Petit Fours absolutely darling, but they are also incredibly delicious. With a soft sponge cake, a fruity jam filling, and smooth fondant, each bite is a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. They look so beautiful on any dessert table, and they’re a great way to show someone you care without having to spend hours in the kitchen. Plus, they’re just the right size for a bite of indulgence—no guilt, just pure joy!

Ingredients

Here are the key ingredients you’ll need to make these gorgeous Valentine’s Heart Petit Fours:

All-purpose flour
Granulated sugar
Butter
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Baking powder
Milk
Fruit jam (I love raspberry or strawberry)
Fondant (ready-to-use)
Water or simple syrup (for moistening the cake)
Pink food coloring (optional, for extra Valentine’s flair)

For the full list of ingredients and measurements, check below. But these are the essential items to get started on these beautiful heart-shaped treats.

Directions

Step 1: Bake the Sponge Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk the flour and baking powder together, then add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients alternately with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before moving on.

Step 2: Cut and Shape the Cake

Once your cake is completely cool, carefully remove it from the pan and place it on a cutting board. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the petit fours. Depending on the size of your cutter, you should get several adorable heart-shaped pieces from the cake. If you don’t have a heart-shaped cutter, you can always use a square cutter or just cut the cake into small squares—don’t worry, they’ll still be delicious!

Step 3: Add the Jam Filling

Once you have your heart-shaped cake pieces, gently slice each one in half horizontally to create two layers. Spread a thin layer of your chosen fruit jam (raspberry, strawberry, or apricot work beautifully) on the bottom layer of each petit four. Place the top layer back on top of the jam and press lightly to secure. This layer of jam adds a delightful fruity flavor that pairs perfectly with the cake.

Step 4: Prepare the Fondant

While your petit fours are cooling, roll out your fondant on a clean surface dusted with powdered sugar. If you want to add a pop of color, you can knead in a few drops of pink food coloring into the fondant. Roll it out to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut out heart shapes to cover each petit four, or simply drape the fondant over the whole cake, trimming the excess around the edges.

Step 5: Assemble and Decorate

Now it’s time to assemble! Place each petit four onto a cooling rack or a piece of parchment paper. Gently drape the fondant over each heart-shaped cake and smooth the edges down. If you have any leftover fondant, you can roll it out and cut out small hearts or other shapes to decorate the top of each petit four. For a little extra flair, you can use a bit of edible glitter, sprinkles, or even a drizzle of chocolate for decoration.

Step 6: Let the Fondant Set

Let the fondant set for a few hours so it hardens slightly and holds its shape. The cakes will look glossy and smooth once the fondant has set, and they’ll be ready to serve!

Expert Tips and Tricks

Don’t rush the cooling process: Make sure the cake is completely cool before cutting and assembling the petit fours. If the cake is too warm, it may crumble or fall apart when you slice it.
Use simple syrup: If you want to ensure your petit fours are extra moist, lightly brush the cake layers with a little simple syrup (equal parts water and sugar boiled together until the sugar dissolves) before adding the jam. This helps keep them soft.
Roll the fondant thin: You want the fondant to be thin enough that it doesn’t overwhelm the delicate sponge cake inside, but thick enough that it holds its shape when draped over the petit fours.
Work in batches: If you’re new to working with fondant, take your time. It’s okay to work on a few petit fours at a time, rather than rushing through the whole batch.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Flavored jams: Try using different fruit jams like blueberry, peach, or even lemon curd for a unique twist. The options are endless!
Buttercream frosting: Instead of jam, you can fill your petit fours with a light buttercream frosting for a richer option.
Vegan version: Substitute the butter with vegan butter, the eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water), and use non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk for a dairy-free treat.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These Valentine’s Heart Petit Fours are perfect for a sweet treat with your afternoon tea or as part of a romantic dessert spread. They’re also ideal for a Valentine’s Day party or to send as a thoughtful gift. If you’re looking to pair them with a drink, a light rosé or a fruity sparkling beverage would complement the delicate sweetness of these treats.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store these petit fours in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be refrigerated if you want them to stay fresh a bit longer, but be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture. Unfortunately, fondant doesn’t freeze well, so it’s best to enjoy them within a few days of making them.

FAQs

1. Can I make the cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake a day ahead and store it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature. Just assemble and decorate the petit fours the day you plan to serve them.

2. Can I use store-bought fondant?

Yes, store-bought fondant works just as well as homemade fondant for these petit fours. Just roll it out and shape it as directed.

3. How do I cut the petit fours neatly?

Using a sharp knife or a clean heart-shaped cookie cutter is key to cutting neat and clean petit fours. If the cake is soft, let it cool completely and use a serrated knife for the best results.

4. Can I make these petit fours without fondant?

You can! If fondant isn’t your thing, you can drizzle these petit fours with a simple glaze or dust them with powdered sugar for a more rustic look.

Conclusion

These Adorable Valentine’s Heart Petit Fours are the perfect way to show some love this Valentine’s Day. With their light sponge cake, sweet jam filling, and beautiful fondant coating, they are as delightful to look at as they are to eat. Whether you’re making them for a special someone or sharing them with friends, they’re sure to add a touch of sweetness and love to any occasion. So go ahead, grab your heart-shaped cutter, and get ready to make the most adorable little treats ever!

Adorable Valentine’s Heart Petit Fours: Bite-Sized Love

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 30 minutes (excluding cooling time)
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including cooling and assembly)
Yield: 16–20 petit fours 1x
Category: Dessert, Valentine’s Day Treats
Method: Baking, Assembly, Decorating
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These bite-sized Valentine’s Heart Petit Fours are a perfect combination of soft sponge cake, fruity jam, and glossy fondant. Ideal for romantic occasions, these heart-shaped treats will melt anyone’s heart with their cute appearance and delicious flavor.

Instructions

Bake the Sponge Cake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan. Cream together butter and sugar. Beat in eggs, followed by vanilla. Mix dry ingredients and add alternately with milk. Pour into prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes. Let cool completely.
Cut and Shape the Cake: Once cool, use a heart-shaped cutter to cut out petit fours.
Add the Jam Filling: Slice each heart-shaped piece in half horizontally. Spread a thin layer of fruit jam on the bottom layer, then place the top layer back.
Prepare the Fondant: Roll fondant to 1/8 inch thick. Cut out heart shapes or drape over the cakes.
Assemble and Decorate: Drape fondant over each petit four and smooth edges. Decorate with small fondant shapes or edible glitter if desired.
Let Fondant Set: Allow the petit fours to set for a few hours before serving.