These Pink Vanilla Cake Squares are as pretty as they are delicious! 💕 Light, fluffy vanilla cake with a soft pink hue, topped with a sweet, creamy frosting—perfect for birthdays, baby showers, or any time you want a little extra sweetness in your day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
✔ Soft & Fluffy – The perfect tender crumb with a rich vanilla flavor.
✔ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients, easy steps, and no fancy tools needed.
✔ Customizable – Adjust the pink shade, add sprinkles, or switch up the frosting!
✔ Great for Parties – A crowd-pleaser that looks as good as it tastes!
🎀 Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1-2 teaspoons pink food coloring (adjust for your perfect shade!)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Frosting:
- 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
- 2-4 tablespoons milk (adjust for consistency)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Sprinkles (optional, for decoration)
🧁 Tools You’ll Need
✔ Mixing bowls
✔ Electric mixer or whisk
✔ 9×9-inch baking pan
✔ Parchment paper
✔ Cooling rack
🍰 How to Make Pink Vanilla Cake Squares
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream the Butter & Sugar
In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
Step 4: Add Eggs & Vanilla
Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
Step 5: Combine Wet & Dry
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined.
Step 6: Add the Pink!
Stir in pink food coloring until you reach your desired shade.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool Completely
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
🍦 How to Make the Frosting
Step 1: Mix the Frosting Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk (starting with 2 tbsp), and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk if needed for a spreadable consistency.
Step 2: Frost & Decorate
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Add sprinkles if desired!
Step 3: Slice & Serve
Cut into squares and enjoy your soft, sweet Pink Vanilla Cake Squares!
🌟 Tips for the Best Cake Squares
✔ Room Temp Ingredients – This helps create a smooth batter and even baking.
✔ Don’t Overmix – Mix until just combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
✔ Adjust the Pink – A little food coloring goes a long way! Start with a small amount.
✔ Chill Before Slicing – For cleaner cuts, let the cake chill for 15 minutes before slicing.
❄️ Storage Instructions
- Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for 2 days.
- Refrigerate: Keeps well for up to 5 days in the fridge.
- Freeze: Wrap squares individually and freeze for up to 2 months.
💭 FAQs
Can I use a different food coloring?
Yes! Gel food coloring works best for vibrant color without affecting the texture.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Bake the cake a day in advance, then frost it when ready to serve.
What frosting works best?
A classic vanilla buttercream or cream cheese frosting also pairs beautifully with this cake!
🎀 Final Thoughts
These Pink Vanilla Cake Squares are a sweet, simple, and fun treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a party, a special celebration, or just because—they’ll be a hit!
💗 Tried this recipe? Share your photos on Pinterest & tag me! I’d love to see your creations!
📌 More Fun Recipes to Try:
Happy baking! 🎂💕