Hidden Heart Strawberry Bundt Cake Recipe

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

2. On a cutting board, slice the ends off the pound cakes, then slice the cakes to the same thickness as the heart-shaped cookie cutter.

3. Cut the centers out of the slices of pound cake with the cookie cutter. Set the hearts aside and discard the scraps or save for another use.

4. In a large bowl, cream the butter, sugar, and salt with an electric hand mixer for 4 minutes, or until fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula.

5. Add the vanilla and eggs, 1 at a time, beating to incorporate before adding the next. Scrape down the sides of the bowl again.

6. Sift in the flour and baking soda, then fold to incorporate a bit with a rubber spatula.

7. Continue mixing with the electric hand mixer, streaming in the milk and beating until just incorporated. Add the strawberry puree and beat to combine.

8. Grease a bundt pan with nonstick spray.

9. Add 2 cups of cake batter to the bundt pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Place the pound cake heart cut-outs around the pan, points up, submerging in the batter by about ½ inch (1 ¼ cm.)

10. Add the rest of the batter, then gently tap the pan against the counter 2-3 times to release any air bubbles.

11. Bake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean. Let the cake cool for 30 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack set over a baking sheet.

Vanilla Simple Syrup:

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the water, sugar, and vanilla. Cook until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture reaches a gentle boil. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool.

White Chocolate Ganache:

1. In a medium bowl, pour the heavy cream over the white chocolate chips. Whisk until completely smooth.

2. Using a skewer, poke holes all over the cake, then brush with the vanilla simple syrup.

3. Pour the white chocolate ganache over the cake. Decorate with sprinkles.

4. Slice the cake to reveal the hidden hearts, then serve.

5. Enjoy!