Step 1: Carve the Heart Shape

1. Place one round cake layer on a cutting board.
2. Using a serrated knife, cut two diagonal slits from the sides toward the center to form a point.
3. Use the cut-off pieces to create the rounded tops of the heart.
4. Repeat the same process for the second cake layer.

Step 2: Create a Cake Board for Support

1. Trace the heart shape onto a 10×10-inch piece of cardboard and cut it out with an X-acto knife.
2. Alternatively, use a 12-inch cake drum for extra stability.

Step 3: Assemble and Crumb Coat

1. Place the cake board on a turntable and spread a bit of buttercream to keep the cake in place.
2. Attach the curved pieces to the cake using buttercream.
3. Add a ¼-inch thick layer of buttercream filling between cake layers.
4. Apply a thin crumb coat of buttercream to seal in crumbs.
5. Chill for 30 minutes before final frosting.

Step 4: Frost the Cake Smoothly

1. Spread an even layer of buttercream over the entire cake.
2. Use an angled spatula and icing smoother for sharp edges.
3. Chill for 20 minutes before decorating.

Step 5: Color the Buttercream (Optional but recommended!)

1. Divide the remaining buttercream into three bowls:
   • Keep one batch light pink.
   • Tint one batch with 2 drops of Deep Pink for a medium shade.
   • Tint the final batch with 2 drops of Fuchsia + 2 drops of Deep Pink for a bold fuchsia.

Step 6: Pipe Vintage Borders

1. Fit piping bags with the following tips:
   • Wilton 4B (large shell border) – dark pink
   • Wilton 32 (small shell border) – light pink
   • Wilton 102 (ruffle garlands) – mid-toned pink
2. Pipe a large shell border around the cake using Wilton 4B.
3. Pipe a smaller shell border inside the first using Wilton 32.
4. Add ruffle garlands with Wilton 102 along the sides.

Step 7: Write a Message

1. Fit a piping bag with Wilton Tip 3 and mid-toned pink buttercream.
2. Pipe a heartfelt message on top, such as “Love You” or “Happy Anniversary.”