Vintage heartcakes provide the ideal canvas to express both creativity and sentimentality. Not only do these sweet confections evoke feelings of nostalgia, but they can also spark interest in one’s interests and passions.
Bakers from around TikTok have been sharing viral versions of Lambeth-style cakes, combining elegant vintage techniques with contemporary innovation.
Ruffles
Vintage cakes – also referred to as Marie Antoinette cakes – are the latest cake trend. These coquettish creations, usually pastel pink and with layers of buttercream swirls and frills, are hyperfeminine confections almost too pretty to cut! A far cry from the unadorned, naked cakes of the early 2000s, these decadent creations take us back to France during its rococo period, which gave rise to floating cherubs, extravagant gowns, and extravagant chandeliers, according to food writer Lucy Cocoran of ELLE Australia food writer Lucy Cocoran.
Vintage heartcakes offer you and your baker the freedom to create precisely the cake design you desire, depending on your mood or that of the recipient. Choose between sweet floral patterns or romantic black-and-red Valentine themes; decorating these show-stoppers can go further still; some bakeries add edible glitter, sugar pearls, metallic mushrooms, and sparkly cherries for maximum effect!
If you’re feeling ambitious, try crafting a double-heart shape cake. For this project, two round cakes of equal sizes must be layered using frosting as guides; when that has been accomplished, use a serrated knife to mark identical lines on either side of its center point (this will serve as guides when cutting later on).
Use vintage heart techniques your Grandmother used to achieve this look, such as buttercream lace, basketweave, frills, and swirls piped from buttercream in multiple colors and patterns to achieve this retro aesthetic. Joseph Lambeth pioneered this technique that’s now popular among Kawaii artists from Japan and Korea, as well as retro 70s cake designers, cottagecore enthusiasts, and even gothic bakers alike.
An alternative way of adding color and vintage charm to your heart cake is with an ombre effect. Pipe a series of hearts and circles onto either side using a small star tip (at least 1M) in various shades of pink from light to dark for the desired result.
Fleur d’ lis
Vintage heartcakes often incorporate fleur delis, an iconic symbol of Louisiana. These pastel cakes with plenty of buttercream swirls and frills, often referred to as Marie Antoinette cakes, are unashamedly feminine and coquettish – making them an excellent Mother’s Day present!
To create a vintage heart cake, start by applying a thin layer of buttercream (the crumb coat) and chilling. Once firm, apply another coat before chilling again in the refrigerator.
Use a Wilton 18-star tip to pipe a reverse shell border around the edges of your cake, filling in any spaces between with dusty pink buttercream. Next, use the Wilton 32 small star tip for fleurs de lis. Finish it all off by scattering pearl cachous above rosettes and at their bases as an extra special touch!
Shells
Vintage heartcakes are an adorable way to show your affection. This recipe is straightforward and yields stunning cakes that will wow anyone special in your life! Made with our delicious red velvet cake recipe and finished off with homemade cream cheese frosting -, this cake is ideal for Valentine’s Day or any holiday!
Start by baking your cake! If you don’t own a heart-shaped pan, try this viral hack: bake two round cakes and cut off points at their top before sticking them together with frosting to form the shape of a heart!
Once your cake is chilled, frost it with a thin layer of frosting as a crumb coat and place it in the refrigerator until firm before applying another coat to cover all surfaces of the cake.
Use a smaller tip and pipe shell borders around the top and bottom edges of the cake for an added special touch. Add ribbon around its perimeter as well to complete its appearance.
Followed by adding swirls of buttercream to the base of the cake using a 104-petal tip in a color of your choosing, pipe ruffles onto the top using the same tip, and use a Wilton 3 tip with dark frosting bag for writing a message such as “love you.” I wrote “I Love You,” but feel free to write whatever message you like on it!
Once your message has been piped onto the cake, add maraschino cherries for decoration – or use other fruits such as strawberries or raspberries! Before serving your masterpiece!
Fill your cake. Use whatever filling you desire; we suggest raspberry jam or mixed berry jam. After filling, chill it briefly before topping it with buttercream. Refrigerate until all layers have been set up.
Flowers
If you want a cake that will leave a lasting impression on your guests, opt for vintage heart confection. This romantic style adds timeless elegance to any special event or wedding celebration – whether featuring flowers or classic black cursive as the cake topper, vintage heart confection wedding cakes are guaranteed to leave people talking for months afterward!
We adore this adorable floral wreath on a classic white vintage heart cake! With such exquisite beauty as its centerpiece at any reception.
These delicate roses on a vintage heart cake are gorgeous. If roses aren’t your style, why not experiment with other flowers, such as daisies or peonies instead? For an updated take on vintage style, opt for a pastel pink cake with ornate Victorian-style piping designs instead.
This cake is truly exquisite with its delicate lace-like decorations and intricate etchings – an ideal choice for brides looking to show their feminine side on their big day!
This vintage heart cake is as chic as it comes. Featuring a milky white base adorned with stunning brush strokes that read “Love Club,” as well as fresh and faux flowers arranged artfully over it, this vintage heart cake makes a fantastic statement at any celebration, be it an intimate wedding or a unique celebration.
