Pink Vanilla Cake Squares
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
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 gel or liquid
Directions:
Preheat Oven:
Preheat the oven to 350F 175C. Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
Prepare Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a separate large bowl, beat butter and sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer until light, fluffy, and pale, about 3-5 minutes.
Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract until combined.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix gently until just combined do not overmix.
Bake:
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Cut:
Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan, then use parchment paper overhang to carefully remove the cake. Slice into neat squares.
Prepare Frosting:
In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until incorporated. Add heavy cream and vanilla extract; beat until frosting becomes fluffy. Add pink food coloring gradually until your desired shade is reached.
Decorate the Cake Squares:
Spread or pipe frosting generously onto each cake square. For added elegance, decorate with sugar pearls or heart-shaped sprinkles.
Decoration Tips:
Pipe frosting with a star tip for decorative swirls or rosettes.
Add sugar pearls and heart-shaped sprinkles for an appealing finish.
Serve on a white or pastel platter to highlight their beautiful pink color.