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“Love is All Around” Cake Roll

Heart-Patterned Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting

This heart-patterned cake roll with whipped cream cheese frosting is the perfect treat for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion. With its stunning heart design and fluffy texture, it’s a showstopper that’s both visually impressive and irresistibly delicious.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 Servings

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Parchment paper
  • Offset spatula
  • Piping bag or Ziploc bag
  • Baking sheet
  • Heart-shaped cookie cutter
  • Clean tea towel

Ingredients
  

  • Heart Paste Design:
  • 1 egg white
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter melted
  • Food coloring pink or red
  • Cake Roll:
  • 1 box vanilla or chocolate cake mix
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup water
  • Additional food coloring as needed
  • Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting:
  • 1 cup cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Heart Paste:
  • Mix egg white, sugar, flour, and melted butter until smooth.
  • Add food coloring to achieve the desired pink or red shade.
  • Transfer mixture to a piping bag.
  • Create the Heart Pattern:
  • Place a heart template under parchment paper on a baking sheet.
  • Pipe the heart design with the colored paste.
  • Freeze the pattern for at least 20 minutes.
  • Make the Cake Batter:
  • Prepare cake mix as directed, adding eggs, milk, and butter.
  • Divide the batter into two bowls. Color one portion to match the heart design.
  • Bake the Heart Insert:
  • Spread colored batter onto a square pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes.
  • Let cool and cut out heart shapes with a cookie cutter.
  • Assemble the Cake Roll:
  • Pour the remaining batter over the frozen heart pattern and bake.
  • While warm, invert the cake onto a powdered-sugar-dusted tea towel and roll it up gently.
  • Prepare the Frosting:
  • Beat cream cheese until fluffy.
  • Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
  • Fill and Roll:
  • Unroll the cooled cake, spread frosting evenly, and place the heart insert log.
  • Re-roll the cake, ensuring the design stays intact.

Notes

Freeze the heart design to prevent smudging when pouring the batter.
Roll the cake while warm to avoid cracking.
Use a serrated knife for clean slices.
Let the cake rest in the fridge for easier slicing.