Easy Valentine Heart-Shaped Cake

Preheat oven according to the cake mix package instructions.

Cut a piece of parchment paper to fit the inside-bottom of a square 8-inch pan and also for a round 8-inch cake pan. Spray the center of each pan with cooking spray and place the parchment inside the pans, to help keep the parchment in place. Then spray each pan and paper with a nonstick cooking spray with flour, like Baker’s Joy. Alternately, you can butter and flour each pan.

Prepare cake mix as directed on package instructions. Divide batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Bake as directed on package. Cool 10 minutes in pans, then carefully remove from pans and let cool completely on cooling racks.

Prepare the frosting with a food processor or mixer. Beat the cream cheese, butter, sour cream, vanilla, and salt together until well combined. Scrape down sides of bowl as needed. Add powdered sugar and mix until very fluffy.

Leave the square cake whole. Cut the round cake in half, to make two half-circles. With the square cake oriented as a diamond, place the flat side of each half-circle against each of the top sides of the square cake to make a heart shape. Trim slightly, if needed. The frosting will conceal the seams and more.

Spread a thin crumb coat layer of frosting over the entire cake (to keep cake crumbs from appearing in the final layer of frosting). Then spread a second and final layer of frosting. Decorate as desired.