Pink Vanilla Cake Squares are a delightful treat loved by many. They are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday party, a picnic, or just a cozy afternoon at home. With their soft texture and sweet pink frosting, these cake squares will become a favorite among friends and family.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is easy to follow and uses simple ingredients you can find in your kitchen. The cake is soft, fluffy, and beautifully decorated, making it as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the taste buds. Plus, the cheerful pink color adds a fun touch to any gathering. You’ll find that making Pink Vanilla Cake Squares can bring joy to your day!
How to Make Pink Vanilla Cake Squares
Ingredients
- 2 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1⁄2 tsp baking powder
- 1⁄2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
- Pink food coloring
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely before slicing it into squares.
- For the frosting: Beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well.
- Add the heavy cream and vanilla extract, then beat until fluffy.
- Mix in pink food coloring until you achieve the desired shade.
- Pipe or spread a generous layer of pink frosting over each cake square.
- Decorate with sugar pearls in varying sizes for an elegant look.
- Add small heart-shaped sprinkles for a charming touch.
- Use a piping bag with a star tip to create swirls or patterns.
- Arrange the squares neatly on a white serving platter for a clean and professional presentation.
How to Serve Pink Vanilla Cake Squares
Serve the Pink Vanilla Cake Squares on a pretty plate or a cake stand. They are great as a dessert after dinner or as a sweet snack with coffee or tea. You can also add fresh strawberries or whipped cream for an extra treat!
How to Store Pink Vanilla Cake Squares
To store your Pink Vanilla Cake Squares, place them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for about a week. Just make sure to let them come back to room temperature before serving.
Tips to Make Pink Vanilla Cake Squares
- Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Don’t overmix the batter; mix until just combined for a fluffier cake.
- If you want a stronger vanilla flavor, consider using vanilla bean paste instead of extract.
- Adjust the amount of pink food coloring to get your desired shade.
Variation
You can add fun variations to this recipe! Try mixing in chocolate chips or sprinkles into the batter. For a fruity twist, include small pieces of strawberry or raspberry. Changing the frosting color or using different toppings can give it a seasonal flair!
FAQs
Q1: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance. Just store it covered at room temperature until you are ready to frost and serve.
Q2: What if I don’t have whole milk?
You can use any milk you have at home, but whole milk will give the cake a richer flavor.
Q3: How can I make this cake gluten-free?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure the blend you use can replace regular flour in a 1:1 ratio.
Enjoy making your Pink Vanilla Cake Squares!
Pink Vanilla Cake Squares
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 2.5 tsp baking powder
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened for the cake
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
For the Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened for the frosting
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract for frosting
- to taste pink food coloring
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Baking
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely before slicing it into squares.
Frosting
- Beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well.
- Add the heavy cream and vanilla extract, then beat until fluffy.
- Mix in pink food coloring until you achieve the desired shade.
- Pipe or spread a generous layer of pink frosting over each cake square.
- Decorate with sugar pearls in varying sizes and small heart-shaped sprinkles for charm.
- Use a piping bag with a star tip to create swirls or patterns.
- Arrange the squares neatly on a white serving platter.
