Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the oven is hot and ready by the time your batter is ready to go in.

Lightly grease your heart-shaped cake pan with butter or non-stick spray. Then, dust it with a little flour to ensure the cake doesn’t stick. Alternatively, you can line the bottom with parchment paper for extra ease when removing the cake.

In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Use a whisk to mix them together, ensuring everything is evenly distributed. This simple step helps to prevent any lumps in the batter and ensures a smooth, even rise.

In a separate bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar together with a hand or stand mixer on medium speed. Continue mixing until the butter is light and fluffy—this should take about 3-5 minutes. Creaming the butter and sugar helps to incorporate air, giving your cake that light, airy texture.

Now, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This helps the eggs incorporate smoothly into the batter, creating a uniform texture. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure everything is evenly mixed.

Stir in the vanilla extract. This will infuse the batter with a warm, aromatic flavor, making every bite of the cake delicious.

Begin adding your dry ingredients to the butter mixture in two parts. Start with a third of the dry mix, followed by half of the milk. Continue alternating between the dry ingredients and the milk, mixing just until incorporated after each addition. Be careful not to overmix—this will keep your cake light and tender!

Once the batter is smooth and well-combined, carefully pour it into your prepared heart-shaped cake pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top and ensure an even layer.

Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it—every oven is different, so you may need a little extra time. Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a cooling rack to finish cooling completely.

Once the cake has cooled completely, it’s time to frost! You can use a simple whipped cream frosting or your favorite buttercream. Spread the frosting evenly over the cake, using a spatula for a smooth finish or a piping bag for a decorative touch. Add any extra decorations you like, such as sprinkles, edible flowers, or a few heart-shaped toppers, to make your cake even more special.