Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Cream together softened butter and granulated sugar in a bowl until light and fluffy—about 3-5 minutes.

Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Stir in milk and vanilla extract until fully combined.

Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, stirring gently.

Pour the batter into a greased heart-shaped cake pan, smoothing the top.

Bake for 30-35 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick—it should come out clean.

Cool the cake in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Frost with buttercream once cooled.

Decorate with red fondant shapes as desired.