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Nostalgic 90s Conversation Heart Cake

nostalgic 90s conversation heart cake recipe - featured image

A light and fluffy vanilla cake decorated with classic 90s conversation hearts candy, perfect for parties and nostalgic dessert lovers. Easy to make with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2½ cups (310g) all-purpose flour
  • 2½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, room temperature (can substitute with almond milk)
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • 24 tbsp heavy cream or milk (for frosting)
  • Pinch of salt (for frosting)
  • 12 packs of classic conversation hearts candy

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Using an electric mixer, beat softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
  4. Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
  5. Reduce mixer speed to low. Add dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with milk, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
  6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth the tops.
  7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few crumbs.
  8. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then invert onto cooling racks to cool completely.
  9. For frosting, beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Add heavy cream or milk to reach desired consistency.
  10. Place one cake layer on serving plate. Spread a thick, even layer of frosting on top. Add second layer and cover entire cake with remaining frosting.
  11. Once frosting is slightly set (about 15 minutes in the fridge), gently press conversation hearts onto the cake surface.

Notes

Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cake light and fluffy. Use room temperature eggs and milk for best results. Chill frosting if too soft before spreading. Place conversation hearts after frosting sets to prevent melting or color bleeding. Store cake covered in fridge for up to 4 days or freeze up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: 90s cake, conversation heart cake, nostalgic dessert, vanilla cake, homemade cake, easy cake recipe, party cake, conversation hearts