Mini Valentine Cake Round Up

So today's post doesn't really qualify as a recipe, (unless you count a cake mix from a box, and store-bought frosting as a recipe) but I saw an adorable little valentine cake on Better Homes and Gardens a few years ago, and have been wanting to make one ever since then.

Blogging keeps me very busy, but it gives me the excuse to do many things that would otherwise continue to dwell on my to-do list.

I always use a cake mix for my cakes, but I usually doctor them up a bit.  I've don't ever use a white cake mix, but I wanted my valentine cake to be white, so that's what I went with.  I was already to doctor it up, but I noticed it called for water (not oil) and egg whites (not the whole egg).  I didn't dare change it up because I was worried it might ruin it.  I'm sure it would have been fine, but I didn't want to take any chances.  Okay, so now that I've made my cake, I just found a yummy recipe for an easy doctored-up white cake.  I should have checked on that a bit earlier.  It comes from Our Best Bites.  

I know I've mentioned this before, but all three of my boys' birthdays are within two days of each other.  Two years ago I got smart and decided to make mini cakes for my boys.  Nobody needs three big cakes in two days!  So, I went on a mini cake pan hunt in my mother-in-law's cupboards.  I ran across the perfect pan, only come to find out it wasn't a pan at all. It was a tin Jell-O mold (similar to these).  My kind mother-in-law let me test it out in the oven, and I'm happy to report all went well.  So, that's what I always use for my mini cakes, a Jell-O mold.  If you have on lying around, or happen to see one at your next thrift store run, pick it up and try putting a cake in it. 

So, once you have your small cake, you need something to display it on.  I love collecting cake stands!  They're the perfect way to display those special desserts.   And a little cake calls for a little cake stand.  My mom had this adorable pink one she let me borrow/have.  It's perfect for a valentine cake!  This is actually the only colored cake stand I own.  I love white ones, but I have to say the pop of color is really nice.  I might need to add a few more colorful stands to my collection.

Now for the decorations.  I'm not so good in the frosting department.   I can frost a cake, but that's about it.  I am a bit more comfortable in the crafty supplies department, so that's what I decided to use for my topping.  I found some tiny felt hearts at Michaels last year and attached them to a toothpick for my topper.  Next time you're in the holiday craft isle, see what you can find to use/double as a cake topper.  You'll be surprised at what you can find!  

Here's the original mini valentine cake that sparked my interest.  And guess what?  It wasn't even a recipe on BHG.  It was one of their images for a Valentine desktop wallpaper.  

Valentine Desktop Wallpaper from Better Homes & Garden

And here are a few more mini valentine cakes that I've seen recently.  I LOVE the ombre cakes, but don't know if I have the patience for them.  I guess I'll add them to my to-do list.

Mini Ombre Valentine's Day Cake from I Wash… You Dry

Mini Cakes With Ombre Layers from Dear Lillie

Pom Pom-Topped Valentine Cake from Twigg Studios

It's all in the details, I tell ya!  These cakes are all pretty simple and white.  But you find the right topper, add a few sprinkles, and serve them up on a beautiful platter, stand, or dish, and you have a work of art.  I love making the regular extra special.

Thanks so much for stopping by!  I hope you found a little something worth your time.

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