If you love cakes that brighten up any occasion with their cheerful color and classic flavor, then you are absolutely going to adore this Pink Vanilla Cake Squares Recipe. Imagine tender, moist vanilla cake tinted just the right shade of pink, topped with a smooth, luscious frosting that brings a touch of whimsy to every bite. Whether you need a fun birthday treat, a charming dessert for a tea party, or a sweet way to celebrate Valentine’s Day, this recipe combines simplicity and flair perfectly. It’s easy to make, irresistibly tasty, and will quickly become a favorite to bake and share again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Pink Vanilla Cake Squares Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that come together to create a delightful balance of flavor, texture, and color. Each item plays an essential role, from the soft butter that ensures a tender crumb to the perfect hint of vanilla that fills every bite with warmth.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and lightness to the cake texture.
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder: Gives the cake its gentle rise for fluffiness.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and keeps the cake moist and tender.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps create a light, airy batter.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and add moisture and structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses the cake with classic, comforting flavor.
- ½ cup milk: Ensures the batter is smooth and soft with perfect consistency.
- Pink food coloring (gel or liquid): Gives the cake its signature cheerful and vibrant shade.
- For the frosting: ½ cup unsalted butter (softened), 1 ½ cups powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1–2 tablespoons milk, pink food coloring (optional), sprinkles (optional) — all combining to create a smooth, creamy, and sweet topping.
How to Make Pink Vanilla Cake Squares Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it thoroughly to prevent sticking. Proper preparation here ensures your cake squares lift out beautifully without any crumbs clinging to the sides.
Step 2: Combine Your Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This mixture is the backbone of your cake’s texture and rise, so making sure these dry ingredients are evenly blended will give you consistent results.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Next, in a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light, airy, and fluffy. This step is key because it traps air, which contributes to the cake’s tender crumb.
Step 4: Incorporate Eggs, Vanilla, and Food Coloring
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully blend them into the mixture. Stir in the vanilla extract for that unmistakable comforting aroma and flavor. Now the fun part — add a few drops of your pink food coloring until you achieve your desired shade of pink, making the batter look as lovely as it tastes.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients and Milk Alternately
Add the flour mixture to the batter alternately with milk, starting and ending with the flour. Mix gently until just combined — over-mixing can make the cake tough, so keep it light and careful.
Step 6: Bake Your Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared 8×8 pan and smooth the top evenly. Slide it into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely before moving on to frosting.
Step 7: Prepare the Frosting
Beat the softened butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and milk, adjusting the consistency until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. If you want a tinted pink frosting, add a bit of food coloring here too. For added charm, sprinkles are a perfect finishing touch.
Step 8: Frost and Slice
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake, then decorate with sprinkles if you like. Cut into nine squares to serve up colorful bites of happiness that everyone will enjoy.
How to Serve Pink Vanilla Cake Squares Recipe
Garnishes
For a simple yet stunning presentation, try dusting a little powdered sugar over the top or adding a handful of fresh berries on each square. Edible flowers can also make these cake squares feel festive and elegant, perfect for a special occasion or tea time.
Side Dishes
These cake squares pair beautifully with a variety of accompaniments. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream complements the sweetness wonderfully. If you prefer a drink, a cup of fragrant tea or a glass of cold milk always hits the spot and balances the flavors delightfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the Pink Vanilla Cake Squares on a tiered cake stand or arrange them on a bright, patterned plate to make the pink pop. Wrapping individual squares in clear cellophane tied with a cute ribbon makes a charming gift or party favor. These ideas add a personal and playful touch to your dessert table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the Pink Vanilla Cake Squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This maintains their soft texture and fresh flavor. Avoid refrigerating if you want to keep the cake moist, unless your kitchen is very warm.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked cake (without frosting) by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will keep well for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then frost and serve. Frozen slices with frosting can get a bit messy, so it’s best to add the frosting fresh after thawing.
Reheating
If you like your cake slightly warm, gently reheat individual squares in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat, or the frosting might melt too much. Warm cake slices are especially comforting with a little bit of frosting melting into the soft crumb.
FAQs
Can I use almond milk instead of regular milk?
Absolutely! Almond milk or any other plant-based milk will work fine in this Pink Vanilla Cake Squares Recipe, adding a slight nutty flavor but keeping the cake moist and tender.
How do I get the perfect pink color?
Start by adding just a few drops of food coloring and mix thoroughly. You can always add more to deepen the shade, but it’s harder to lighten once you’ve added too much. Gel food coloring tends to give a more vibrant color without thinning the batter.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but be sure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder for the best texture. The cake might be a little denser, but still delicious.
What can I do if my frosting is too thick or too thin?
If the frosting is too thick, add a little more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until it’s spreadable. If it’s too thin, gradually add more powdered sugar until you reach the right consistency.
Is it necessary to use unsalted butter?
While unsalted butter gives you full control over the salt level, you can use salted butter if needed — just reduce or omit the additional salt called for in the recipe.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making and sharing the Pink Vanilla Cake Squares Recipe. It’s a charming treat that brings joy with its pretty color and comforting vanilla flavor, and it’s simple enough to whip up anytime you want to brighten the day. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe because I’m sure it will become one of your go-to desserts for every celebration or cozy moment.
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Pink Vanilla Cake Squares Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes (plus cooling time)
- Yield: 9 squares
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these charming Pink Vanilla Cake Squares, perfect for birthdays, tea parties, or Valentine’s Day. Moist and tender vanilla cake tinted a pretty pink, topped with creamy vanilla frosting and optional sprinkles for extra fun. Easy to make and sure to impress!
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
- Pink food coloring (gel or liquid, to desired shade)
Frosting
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- Pink food coloring (optional, for tinted frosting)
- Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it well to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside for later incorporation.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the batter.
- Add Eggs and Flavoring: Beat in eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in vanilla extract and a few drops of pink food coloring to achieve desired shade.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternately add the dry ingredient mixture and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Pour and Smooth Batter: Transfer the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the surface evenly with a spatula.
- Bake the Cake: Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in vanilla extract and milk. Add pink food coloring if desired, and beat until smooth and spreadable.
- Frost and Decorate: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Add sprinkles if using for a festive touch.
- Slice and Serve: Cut the frosted cake into 9 equal squares and serve to enjoy the delightful pink vanilla treat.
Notes
- Adjust the pink shade by adding more or fewer drops of food coloring according to preference.
- This recipe is ideal for special occasions like birthdays, tea parties, or Valentine’s Day celebrations.
- Ensure cake is completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
- Sprinkles are optional but add a fun decorative element.
