Cute Valentine’s Heart Cakes (Copycat Little Debbie)

So I’m at the store, grabbing snacks for the kids’ lunch boxes, and there they are: the pink heart cakes.

I swear they get cuter every year.

But every time I buy a box, they’re gone in a day.

Not even kidding. I figured if my kids are going to inhale these in under 24 hours, I might as well learn how to make them at home.

And turns out, they’re not hard at all.

You can whip these up with simple ingredients and a heart-shaped cookie cutter.

They’re sweet, nostalgic, and make the cutest Valentine’s treat for your kids, friends, or even for a classroom party.

In this post, I’ll walk you through how to make your own mini Little Debbie Valentine cakes, step-by-step.

You’ll get my exact tips for that glossy pink coating, fluffy cream filling, and perfectly soft cake layers.

Ingredients for Your Little Debbie Valentine Cakes

You’ll want to set these out before you start so everything goes smoothly.

For the Cake:

• 1 box white cake mix (plus eggs, oil, and water listed on the box)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (makes it taste more homemade)

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1–2 tablespoons heavy cream

For the Coating:

• 2 cups white chocolate chips or candy melts
• Red or pink gel food coloring
• Sprinkles (optional but super cute)

How to Make Heart Shaped Cakes (Step-by-Step)

1. Start with a Fluffy White Cake Base

Bake your cake in a large sheet pan so the layers stay thin and even.

2. Prepare the Pan

Grease a rimmed baking sheet and line it with parchment. Preheat your oven to 350°F.

3. Mix and Bake

Make the cake batter as directed, adding the vanilla for extra flavor. Pour it into your pan and bake for about 18–22 minutes or until the center springs back.

4. Cool It Completely

Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack. Don’t try to cut it while it’s warm.

5. Cut the Hearts

Once your cake is cool, use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to punch out even pairs. You’ll need two hearts for each mini cake.

6. Make the Cream Filling

Whip the butter until fluffy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and cream until smooth and spreadable.

7. Add the Filling

Spread a layer of cream on one heart and sandwich with a second. Gently press together.

8. Melt the Coating

Melt your white chocolate chips or candy melts in the microwave in 30-second intervals. Stir until smooth. Add a drop of food coloring and mix.

9. Dip or Spoon the Coating

Use a fork to lower each cake sandwich into the melted coating or spoon it over. Tap off the excess and place it on a rack to set.

Let them dry completely (around 30 minutes) for drizzle or while they are still wet, you can add sprinkles to set.

10. Decorate with Icing

Add cute Valentine’s drizzle design you desire.

Valentine’s Day Desserts are Here

Once you make these, you’ll want to do it every year.

They’re just that adorable.

And honestly, way more fun than a store-bought box.

You get that sweet cream center, soft cake layers, and the prettiest pink coating that just screams Valentine’s Day.

They’re easy enough for beginner bakers, and you can totally get the kids involved with the decorating part.

Let me know if you try them, and save a few, because these fly off the plate faster than you’d expect.