Easy Vanilla Cake Squares (The Perfect Anytime Treat)

Look no further for the ultimate recipe for Easy Vanilla Cake Squares. This simple, no-fuss recipe delivers a perfectly moist, fluffy, and incredibly flavorful vanilla cake from scratch. It’s the perfect snack cake for birthdays, potlucks, or just a Tuesday afternoon craving. Forget the box mix; this is the real deal, made easy.

Why This Easy Vanilla Cake Squares Recipe is a Must-Try

This isn’t just another cake recipe; it’s a game-changer for home bakers. It’s designed for simplicity without sacrificing that rich, bakery-quality taste and texture.

• Unbelievably Simple: The steps are straightforward and easy to follow, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Perfectly Moist & Fluffy: We’re sharing the secrets to a tender crumb that melts in your mouth every single time.
• Rich Vanilla Flavor: Using pure vanilla extract gives this cake a deep, aromatic flavor that is simply irresistible.
• Completely Versatile: This cake is a perfect canvas. Keep it classic with vanilla buttercream, or get creative with your favorite toppings and mix-ins.

The Key Ingredients for Perfect Vanilla Cake

Simple, high-quality ingredients are the foundation of this delicious dessert. You likely have most of these in your kitchen already.

For the Cake Squares

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure for our cake. Make sure to measure it correctly for the best results.
• Baking Powder: The leavening agent that makes the cake light and fluffy.
• Salt: A crucial ingredient that balances the sweetness and enhances the vanilla flavor.
• Unsalted Butter: Use room temperature butter. It allows you to control the salt content and creams better for a tender crumb.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a light texture when creamed with butter.
• Eggs: Room temperature eggs mix more evenly into the batter, creating a more uniform structure.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: The star of the show! Use a high-quality extract for the best flavor.
• Whole Milk: Room temperature milk adds moisture and richness, contributing to a tender crumb.

For the Simple Vanilla Buttercream

• Unsalted Butter: Softened butter is the base for a creamy, luscious frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Sift it to avoid any lumps for the smoothest possible buttercream.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: Adds that classic, sweet aroma and taste.
• Milk or Heavy Cream: To thin the frosting to the perfect spreading consistency.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create the best Easy Vanilla Cake Squares you’ve ever had. We’ll walk you through it from start to finish.

Making the Vanilla Cake Batter

1. Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set it aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the room temperature butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step is crucial for a light cake.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Once combined, stir in the pure vanilla extract.
5. Alternate Wet and Dry: With the mixer on low speed, add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix only until just combined—do not overmix!

Baking to Perfection

1. Pour and Spread: Pour the finished batter into your prepared baking pan and use a spatula to spread it into an even layer.
2. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
3. Cool Completely: Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 15-20 minutes before transferring it to the rack to cool completely. It must be 100% cool before frosting.

Whipping Up the Buttercream Frosting

1. Beat the Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until it’s smooth and creamy.
2. Add Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until combined. Then, add the vanilla extract.
3. Mix Until Fluffy: Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat for 3-5 minutes until the buttercream is light and fluffy. Add milk or cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired spreading consistency.
4. Frost the Cake: Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the vanilla buttercream evenly over the top. Cut into squares and serve.

Pro Tips for the Moistest, Most Flavorful Cake

Want to ensure your Easy Vanilla Cake Squares are flawless? Follow these expert tips.

• Room Temperature is Key: Using room temperature butter, eggs, and milk is non-negotiable. They emulsify together much better, creating a smoother batter and a more uniform, tender crumb in the final bake.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix only until the flour streaks disappear. Overmixing develops gluten, which can lead to a dense, tough, and dry cake.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Instead of scooping flour directly from the bag with your measuring cup, use a spoon to scoop it into the cup and then level it off with a knife. This prevents a packed cup and a dry cake.

Fun Variations to Try

While the classic recipe is divine, it’s also fun to mix things up! Here are a few ideas:

• Funfetti Cake: Gently fold in 1/2 cup of rainbow sprinkles into the finished batter for a festive touch. This is always a hit, much like in our Funfetti Cake Batter Cookies.
• Chocolate Chip: Add 1 cup of mini chocolate chips to the batter for a delightful chocolatey surprise in every bite.
• Almond Joy: Swap the vanilla extract for almond extract and fold in shredded coconut and chocolate chips.

How to Store Your Cake Squares

To keep your cake squares fresh and moist, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to store them longer, you can keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, but be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vanilla Cake Squares

More Sweet Treats You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this simple and delicious recipe, you’ll definitely want to check out some of our other favorites. For a zesty treat, try these Lemon Cookie Bars. And if you’re in the mood for a cozy, comforting bake, this Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake is an absolute must-make.

The Easiest Vanilla Cake Squares Recipe

FL Recipes

Easy Vanilla Cake Squares (The Perfect Anytime Treat)

The ultimate recipe for Easy Vanilla Cake Squares! This simple, no-fuss recipe delivers a perfectly moist, fluffy, and incredibly flavorful vanilla sheet cake from scratch with a creamy, dreamy vanilla buttercream frosting. Perfect for any occasion!

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 24 squares

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour spooned and leveled
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter room temperature
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs room temperature
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk room temperature
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar sifted
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2-3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream

Equipment

• 1 9x13 inch Baking Pan
• 1 Electric Mixer
• 2 Mixing Bowls

Method

 

Making the Vanilla Cake Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set it aside.
3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the room temperature butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Once combined, stir in the pure vanilla extract.
5. With the mixer on low speed, add the dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix only until just combined.

Baking to Perfection

1. Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it into an even layer.
2. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15-20 minutes before transferring it to the rack to cool completely before frosting.

Whipping Up the Buttercream Frosting

1. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing on low speed until combined.
3. Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat for 3-5 minutes until light and fluffy. Add milk or cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
4. Spread the vanilla buttercream evenly over the cooled cake. Cut into squares and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 250kcalProtein: 3gFat: 12gFiber: 1g

Notes

Tip 1: For the best flavor, use high-quality pure vanilla extract, not imitation vanilla.
Tip 2: Ensure your cake is completely cooled before frosting, otherwise the buttercream will melt and slide off.
Tip 3: To get clean cuts, wipe your knife with a damp cloth between each slice.

Keyword easy vanilla cake squares,snack cake,vanilla cake from scratch,vanilla sheet cake

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