If you are searching for a delightful treat that feels both nostalgic and charmingly festive, this Pink Vanilla Cake Squares Recipe is just the thing to brighten your day. Imagine soft, buttery cake layers infused with rich vanilla, topped with a creamy pink frosting that’s as pretty as it is delicious. Each bite is a perfect balance of sweetness and tenderness, making these cake squares a true crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether for a casual afternoon with friends or a special celebration, these squares offer the warm comfort of classic vanilla with a joyful pop of color that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but absolutely crucial to creating the perfect Pink Vanilla Cake Squares Recipe. Each one plays a vital role, from the fluffiness of the flour and baking powder, to the richness of butter and milk, culminating in that irresistible pink frosting.
- All-purpose flour (2 ½ cups): The base that gives your cake its soft yet sturdy texture.
- Baking powder (2 ½ tsp): Essential for a light, airy crumb that lifts the cake beautifully.
- Salt (½ tsp): Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor perfectly.
- Unsalted butter, softened (1 cup for cake, 1 cup for frosting): Adds richness and helps with tender moistness in the cake and creamy texture in the frosting.
- Granulated sugar (2 cups): Sweetens the cake while assisting in that light, fluffy texture.
- Large eggs (4): Provide structure and help combine the ingredients seamlessly.
- Vanilla extract (1 tbsp for cake, 1 tsp for frosting): The star flavor that makes this recipe uniquely comforting and delicious.
- Whole milk (1 cup): Adds moisture and richness, enhancing the cake’s tender crumb.
- Powdered sugar (4 cups): The key to a smooth, luscious frosting that spreads easily.
- Heavy cream (3 tbsp): Lightens and lifts the frosting to a fluffy, dreamy consistency.
- Pink food coloring: Brings that stunning, eye-catching pink hue that makes the cake squares so special.
How to Make Pink Vanilla Cake Squares Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This simple setup ensures your cake bakes evenly and comes out in perfect squares.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures even distribution of leavening agents, giving your cake a consistent rise with a tender crumb.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until it’s light and fluffy. This is where the magic for a soft texture begins, creating air pockets that make the cake wonderfully tender.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract, bringing that classic vanilla aroma and flavor into the batter.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients and Milk
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to your butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the batter, which keeps the cake soft and light.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the smooth batter into your prepared pan and level the top. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This timing gives you a perfectly baked cake that’s moist but holds together nicely when sliced.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, slice it into charming squares – a perfect size for sharing or savoring just one (or two)!
Step 8: Make the Pink Vanilla Frosting
Beat the softened butter until creamy, then gradually add the powdered sugar. Pour in the heavy cream and vanilla extract, and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy. Finally, mix in the pink food coloring until you achieve that signature rosy shade that makes this Pink Vanilla Cake Squares Recipe so special.
Step 9: Frost and Decorate
Spread or pipe a generous layer of pink frosting over each cake square. For extra charm, add sugar pearls, small heart sprinkles, or create delicate swirls using a star-tipped piping bag. Arranging the squares neatly on a white platter makes for an elegant presentation.
How to Serve Pink Vanilla Cake Squares Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of colorful sugar pearls or tiny edible hearts immediately elevates the look of your cake squares. These little touches add a hint of crunch and visual appeal that make each bite feel festive and fun.
Side Dishes
These cake squares pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a light berry compote, balancing the sweetness with a fresh, tangy contrast. A cup of tea or coffee is also perfect, making the experience cozy and comforting.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the squares in a tiered stand for a party or serve them individually in small decorative paper cups. You can also insert a small decorative toothpick or flag into each square for an extra touch of whimsy and ease during gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once frosted, Pink Vanilla Cake Squares Recipe leftovers should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps the cake moist and the frosting fresh without losing any of its charm.
Freezing
You can freeze unfrosted cake squares wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge and frost just before serving to maintain freshness.
Reheating
If you prefer your cake slightly warmed, gently microwave an unfrosted square for about 10 seconds. Avoid reheating frosted squares to preserve the frosting’s texture and appearance.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of milk in this recipe?
Absolutely! While whole milk adds richness, you can substitute with 2% milk or a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk. Just keep in mind it might slightly change the texture and flavor.
How do I achieve the perfect pink color in the frosting?
Start by adding a small amount of pink food coloring a little at a time until you reach your desired hue. Gel food coloring works best because it’s more concentrated and doesn’t thin out your frosting.
Is this recipe suitable for a layered cake?
While designed as squares, the batter and frosting work beautifully as a layered cake too. Just bake in round pans and adjust baking times accordingly.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, by swapping all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend designed for cakes, you can enjoy this Pink Vanilla Cake Squares Recipe gluten-free. Just make sure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
What’s the best way to cut clean squares?
Use a sharp knife warmed with hot water and wiped dry before slicing. This helps you get smooth cuts without tearing into the frosting or cake.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly heartwarming about sharing these Pink Vanilla Cake Squares Recipe with friends and family. Their vibrant color, wonderful vanilla flavor, and soft texture make every bite a joy. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try—once you do, it’s sure to become one of your treasured go-to desserts for any occasion.
Print
Pink Vanilla Cake Squares Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these charming Pink Vanilla Cake Squares, featuring a moist and fluffy vanilla sponge topped with a creamy, pastel pink vanilla frosting. Perfect for celebrations or a sweet treat, this recipe combines classic baking techniques with a fun and festive presentation accented by heart-shaped sprinkles and elegant sugar pearls.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pink food coloring (as needed)
For Decoration:
- Sugar pearls in varying sizes
- Small heart-shaped sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the cake.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light, creamy, and fluffy, which helps create a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the butter mixture, mixing well after each addition to maintain emulsion. Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the batter with flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the whole milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the batter.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the prepared batter into the lined baking pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan before slicing to avoid crumbling.
- Prepare Frosting: Beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing to combine thoroughly. Add heavy cream and vanilla extract, then beat until fluffy. Mix in pink food coloring until the desired shade is achieved.
- Frost the Cake Squares: Once cooled, slice the cake into squares. Pipe or spread a generous layer of pink frosting over each piece for even coverage.
- Decorate: Garnish each frosted square with sugar pearls of varying sizes for elegance and small heart-shaped sprinkles for a charming festive touch. For extra texture, use a piping bag fitted with a star tip to create swirls or decorative patterns.
- Presentation: Arrange the decorated cake squares neatly on a white serving platter for a professional and clean look.
Notes
- Ensure that all ingredients, especially butter and eggs, are at room temperature for better mixing results.
- Do not overmix the batter after adding flour to keep the cake tender and fluffy.
- For a more intense pink frosting, add food coloring gradually until you reach your preferred shade.
- Store leftover cake squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- If you prefer a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and use a non-dairy milk.
