Whimsical layered cake hearts stars

Featured in: Simple Sweet Treats

This French-inspired layered cake combines a tender sponge base with smooth buttercream frosting tinted in pink and yellow. Heart- and star-shaped sugar decorations add a whimsical touch, making it ideal for celebrations. Careful baking creates moist layers ready to be frosted and adorned. The balance of vanilla aroma and delicate sweetness enhances each bite.

Prepare by mixing dry and wet ingredients separately, then combining gently before dividing the batter into pans. After baking and cooling, create colorful buttercream and decorate with attention to detail. Optional edible glitter or pearls add sparkle, and for variety, incorporate cocoa powder to add a chocolate twist.

Updated on Thu, 04 Dec 2025 16:28:00 GMT
A layered Château de Princesse Cœurs et Étoiles cake, frosted with yellow buttercream and decorated with stars. Save to Pinterest
A layered Château de Princesse Cœurs et Étoiles cake, frosted with yellow buttercream and decorated with stars. | amberkettle.com

A whimsical, enchanting layered cake adorned with heart and star-shaped decorations& perfect for birthdays or magical celebrations.

This cake has become a favorite in our family for special occasions where its charming decorations always impress guests and bring smiles.

Ingredients

  • Sponge Cake: 250 g all-purpose flour 220 g granulated sugar 1 tbsp baking powder 1/2 tsp fine salt 125 g unsalted butter, softened 4 large eggs 180 ml whole milk 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • Buttercream Frosting: 250 g unsalted butter, room temperature 400 g powdered sugar, sifted 3 tbsp whole milk 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract Pink and yellow food coloring (gel preferred)
  • Decorations: Heart and star-shaped sugar decorations Edible glitter or pearls (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven:
Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and line two 20 cm (8-inch) round cake pans with parchment paper.
Mix dry ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Cream butter and sugar:
In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until pale and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla.
Combine ingredients:
Alternately add the flour mixture and milk to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
Prepare batter:
Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Smooth the tops.
Bake:
Bake for 30 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a rack to cool completely.
Make frosting:
For the buttercream, beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla, beating until smooth. Divide frosting tint one portion pink and another yellow.
Assemble cake:
Level cake layers if needed. Place one layer on a serving plate and spread with pink buttercream. Top with the second layer frost the entire cake with yellow buttercream.
Decorate:
Decorate with heart and star-shaped sugar decorations. Sprinkle with edible glitter or pearls if desired.
This whimsical Château de Princesse Cœurs et Étoiles dessert features layers of cake topped with sugary hearts. Save to Pinterest
This whimsical Château de Princesse Cœurs et Étoiles dessert features layers of cake topped with sugary hearts. | amberkettle.com

Baking this cake has created joyful moments at our family gatherings, especially when kids help decorate it with edible glitter and sugar shapes.

Notes

Edible flowers can add an extra magical touch.

Required Tools

2 round cake pans (20 cm / 8-inch) Electric mixer Mixing bowls Spatula Piping bags (optional for decorative frosting) Cooling rack

Allergen Information

Contains: Wheat (gluten), eggs, milk, butter (dairy). Decorations may contain additional allergens check labels for nuts or gluten traces. Always verify ingredient labels if serving to guests with allergies.

Enjoy the enchanting Château de Princesse Cœurs et Étoiles cake: a delicious French-inspired dessert for celebrations. Save to Pinterest
Enjoy the enchanting Château de Princesse Cœurs et Étoiles cake: a delicious French-inspired dessert for celebrations. | amberkettle.com

This enchanting cake is sure to wow your guests with its delightful flavors and charming decorations.

Recipe FAQs

How do I achieve fluffy sponge layers?

Beat butter and sugar until pale and fluffy before adding eggs incrementally. Alternately fold dry ingredients and milk gently to maintain airiness.

What is the best way to color buttercream frosting evenly?

Use gel food coloring for vibrant hues and mix thoroughly into softened buttercream to ensure smooth, consistent color.

Can I prepare decorations ahead of time?

Yes, heart and star sugar decorations can be arranged a day prior and stored in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

How to prevent cake layers from drying out?

Allow layers to cool completely before frosting, and store the finished cake covered in a cool place to retain moisture.

Are there suggested pairings for this dessert?

Try pairing with sparkling rosé for adults or fruity lemonade for children to complement the sweet and delicate flavors.

Whimsical layered cake hearts stars

An enchanting layered cake featuring heart and star decorations for festive celebrations and magical moments.

Prep duration
50 min
Time to cook
35 min
Total duration
85 min
Created by Molly Easton


Skill level Medium

Cuisine French-inspired

Makes 10 Portions

Dietary details Meat-free

What You'll Need

Sponge Cake

01 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 1 cup granulated sugar
03 1 tablespoon baking powder
04 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
05 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
06 4 large eggs
07 3/4 cup whole milk
08 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Buttercream Frosting

01 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
02 3 1/4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
03 3 tablespoons whole milk
04 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
05 Pink and yellow gel food coloring

Decorations

01 Heart- and star-shaped sugar decorations
02 Edible glitter or pearls (optional)

Directions

Step 01

Prepare pans and preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.

Step 02

Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 03

Cream butter and sugar: In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until pale and fluffy. Incorporate eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in vanilla extract.

Step 04

Combine wet and dry ingredients: Alternately add the flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Stir until just combined.

Step 05

Divide and bake batter: Pour batter evenly into prepared pans and smooth tops. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 06

Cool cake layers: Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 07

Prepare buttercream frosting: Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then milk and vanilla extract, beating until smooth. Divide and tint portions pink and yellow with gel food coloring.

Step 08

Assemble and frost cake: Level cake layers if necessary. Place one layer on a serving plate; spread pink buttercream evenly. Stack the second layer and cover the entire cake with yellow buttercream.

Step 09

Add decorative toppings: Adorn the cake with heart- and star-shaped sugar decorations. Optionally, sprinkle edible glitter or pearls for a magical finish.

Equipment needed

  • Two 8-inch round cake pans
  • Electric mixer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Spatula
  • Piping bags (optional)
  • Cooling rack

Allergy details

Be sure to look at every ingredient. If you have concerns, ask your healthcare provider.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, milk, and butter (dairy). Decorations may include nuts or gluten traces; verify labels for allergens.

Nutrition Info (one portion)

Information shown is for general reference. Please speak to your doctor for nutrition advice.
  • Energy: 435
  • Lipids: 23 g
  • Carbohydrates: 54 g
  • Proteins: 5 g