Pink Vanilla Cake Squares

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Light, fluffy, and full of classic vanilla flavor
• Beautiful pink frosting that makes them visually appealing
• Easy to prepare and slice into perfectly portioned squares
• Ideal for parties, afternoon tea, or gifting
• Customizable with decorations like sprinkles or edible pearls

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

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 Pink Buttercream Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 3 tbsp heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pink food coloring

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Let the cake cool completely before slicing into squares.

For the Frosting:

1. Beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well.
2. Add the heavy cream and vanilla extract, then beat until fluffy.
3. Mix in pink food coloring until you achieve the desired shade.

Decoration Tips:

• Pipe or spread a generous layer of pink frosting over each cake square.
• Decorate with sugar pearls or small heart-shaped sprinkles for an elegant touch.
• Use a piping bag with a star tip to create decorative swirls.
• Arrange the squares neatly on a serving platter for a professional presentation.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12-16 squares
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Cooling Time: 1 hour

Variations

• Chocolate Version: Replace ½ cup of flour with cocoa powder for a chocolate twist.
• Strawberry Flavor: Add ¼ cup of strawberry puree to the batter for a fruity taste.
• Almond Frosting: Swap vanilla extract for almond extract for a unique nutty flavor.
• Ombre Frosting: Use different shades of pink food coloring to create a gradient effect.

Storage/Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
• Freezer: Freeze unfrosted squares for up to 2 months. Thaw and frost before serving.

FAQs

How do I make the cake extra moist?

Ensure you don’t overmix the batter and measure your ingredients accurately. Using whole milk adds richness and moisture.

Can I use a different food coloring?

Yes, you can use natural food dyes or gel-based colors for more vibrant hues.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

What if I don’t have heavy cream for the frosting?

You can use whole milk or half-and-half, but the texture may be slightly less rich.

Can I bake this in a round cake pan?

Yes, you can use two 8-inch round cake pans for a layered cake version.

How do I prevent the cake from becoming dense?

Make sure your butter is properly softened and beat it well with sugar to create an airy texture.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, bake the cake a day in advance and frost it before serving. Store in the fridge until needed.

How do I make the frosting less sweet?

Reduce the powdered sugar slightly and add a pinch of salt or a squeeze of lemon juice to balance the sweetness.

Can I add fresh fruit to the cake?

Yes, fold in small diced strawberries or raspberries for extra flavor.

What’s the best way to cut the cake into neat squares?

Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for smooth edges.

Conclusion

Pink Vanilla Cake Squares are a delightful and elegant treat, perfect for any occasion. With their soft, fluffy texture and creamy pink frosting, they’re sure to impress. Whether you’re making them for a party or just to satisfy a sweet craving, this easy recipe delivers beautiful and delicious results every time. Enjoy!