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
Scale
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.
