Pink Vanilla Cake Squares

Soft, fluffy pink vanilla cake squares topped with creamy buttercream frosting—perfect for birthdays, tea parties, or a delightful treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Light, fluffy, and moist texture
• Simple, classic vanilla flavor with a fun pink twist
• Easy to make with basic pantry ingredients
• Perfect for birthdays, baby showers, or afternoon tea
• Customizable with different decorations and colors

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 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 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.
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 smooth.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
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 it 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 light and fluffy.
3. Mix in pink food coloring until the desired shade is achieved.

Decoration Tips:

• Pipe or spread a generous layer of frosting over each cake square.
• Decorate with sugar pearls for an elegant touch.
• Add heart-shaped sprinkles for a charming look.
• Use a piping bag with a star tip to create swirls or textured patterns.
• Arrange neatly on a white serving platter for a professional presentation.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Servings: 12 squares
• Calories per serving: 320 kcal

Variations

• Chocolate Twist: Add 2 tbsp of cocoa powder to the batter for a chocolate-pink swirl effect.
• Berry Flavor: Mix in ½ cup of pureed strawberries for a fruity touch.
• Lemon Zest: Add 1 tsp of lemon zest to the frosting for a citrusy note.
• Almond Extract: Substitute ½ tsp of vanilla extract with almond extract for a nutty flavor.
• Different Colors: Use blue, lavender, or any other pastel shade for themed events.

Storage/Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let sit at room temperature before serving.
• Freezing: Freeze unfrosted squares for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Thaw before frosting.

FAQs

1. Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes! Bake the cake a day ahead and store it covered at room temperature. Frost before serving for freshness.

2. Can I use store-bought frosting?

Absolutely! While homemade frosting tastes best, store-bought works if you’re short on time.

3. How do I make the cake extra moist?

Ensure you don’t overmix the batter and don’t overbake. Adding an extra egg yolk can also help.

4. Can I make this cake gluten-free?

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

5. What’s the best way to cut clean cake squares?

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

6. Can I use buttermilk instead of whole milk?

Yes, buttermilk adds a slight tang and enhances the cake’s moisture.

7. What’s the best food coloring to use?

Gel food coloring works best for a vibrant pink without altering the frosting’s texture.

8. How do I store leftover frosting?

Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Let it soften before using.

9. Can I make cupcakes instead of squares?

Yes, bake the batter in cupcake liners for about 18-20 minutes at 350°F.

10. How do I make the frosting less sweet?

Add a pinch of salt and use unsalted butter to balance the sweetness.

Conclusion

Pink Vanilla Cake Squares are a fun, elegant, and delicious treat that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With their light vanilla flavor and creamy pink buttercream, they’re sure to be a hit at parties, gatherings, or simply as a sweet treat. Try different variations and decorations to make them uniquely yours!

Pink Vanilla Cake Squares

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• Author: Chef Clara
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Soft, fluffy pink vanilla cake squares topped with creamy buttercream frosting—perfect for birthdays, tea parties, or a delightful treat!

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Ingredients

• Cake: All-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, whole milk.
• Frosting: Unsalted butter, powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, pink food coloring.

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Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch pan.
• Whisk dry ingredients; set aside.
• Beat butter and sugar, add eggs, then vanilla.
• Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk; mix until smooth.
• Bake for 30-35 minutes; cool before slicing.
• For frosting, beat butter, add powdered sugar, cream, vanilla, and pink coloring.
• Frost cake squares and decorate as desired.

Notes

• Use gel food coloring for a vibrant pink.
• Store in an airtight container for freshness.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American