4 Steps to Heavenly Soft Vanilla Cake Squares

Hey there, fellow bakers! If you’re anything like me, you love a good treat that’s easy to whip up, right? Well, let me tell you, these **Soft Vanilla Cake Squares** are the answer to your dessert prayers! Seriously, they’re so simple, you can have a batch ready in under an hour, from start to finish. I’m talking fluffy, tender cake, topped with a sweet, light icing – pure bliss in every square!

I’ve been making these for years, and they’re always a hit. They’re perfect for potlucks, birthday parties, or even just a cozy night in when you need a little something sweet. And the best part? You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry! Trust me, these aren’t just easy; they’re *delicious*! I’ve tweaked this recipe a bunch of times, and I can say confidently that I’ve nailed it. You can’t go wrong with this one!

So, grab your apron, preheat that oven, and let’s get baking! Get ready to fall in love with these delightful **Soft Vanilla Cake Squares** – they’re about to become your new go-to treat.

Ingredients for Delicious *Soft Vanilla Cake Squares*

Okay, so here’s what you’ll need to make these amazing **Soft Vanilla Cake Squares**. Don’t worry, it’s a pretty straightforward list, I promise! You’ll need:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour, and I do mean *all-purpose*!
• 1 cup granulated sugar – the good stuff!
• 1 teaspoon baking powder – this is what makes them fluffy!
• 1 teaspoon salt – a little pinch is all you need.
• 1 cup milk – any kind you like!
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – the secret weapon!
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened – make sure it’s soft, but not melted!
• 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted – for that perfect, smooth icing.

See? Easy peasy! Now, let’s talk about some swaps, just in case you’re missing something.

Ingredient Substitutions and Notes

Listen, I totally get it – sometimes you gotta work with what you’ve got! If you’re gluten-free, no sweat! You can totally swap the all-purpose flour for a good gluten-free blend. I’ve used a 1:1 gluten-free flour before, and it worked like a charm. The texture might be *slightly* different, but still delicious, I promise!

Also, if you’re not a fan of regular milk, almond milk or oat milk work as well. The cake will still be amazing. And for the vanilla extract, feel free to experiment! Almond extract adds a nice touch, or you can even try a little bit of lemon extract for a zingy twist. Just a little goes a long way, though!

How to Make *Soft Vanilla Cake Squares*: Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, friends, let’s get down to the fun part: making these **Soft Vanilla Cake Squares**! Don’t you worry, it’s easier than you think. I’ve broken it down into simple steps so you can’t go wrong. Trust me, even if you’re a beginner baker, you’ll be a pro in no time!

Preparing the Cake Batter

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, in a big bowl, whisk together all your dry ingredients: the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Make sure everything is nice and combined – that’s the key to even baking! Next, in a separate bowl, whisk together your wet ingredients: the milk, and vanilla extract. Oh, and don’t forget the melted butter! Now, pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix everything until just combined. Don’t overmix! It’s super important to stop mixing when you no longer see streaks of flour. Overmixing can make the cake tough, and nobody wants that!

I always give the batter a little taste-test at this stage, just to make sure it’s perfect. (Shhh, don’t tell anyone!). The batter should be thick, but still pourable. That’s the perfect texture!

Baking the *Soft Vanilla Cake Squares*

Now, pour your beautiful batter into a greased and floured 9×13 inch baking pan (or you can use a cooking spray for easy release!). Spread it out evenly. Then, pop that pan into the preheated oven. Bake for about 25 minutes, but keep an eye on it! Oven times can vary. To check if it’s done, stick a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, you’re golden! If not, give it a few more minutes, and check again. (Careful, it’s hot!).

Once it’s done, take it out of the oven and let it cool completely in the pan. This is super important! You want the cake to be completely cool before you ice it. Otherwise, the icing will melt, and we don’t want that, do we?

Icing and Assembling the *Soft Vanilla Cake Squares*

While the cake is cooling, let’s make that dreamy icing! In a bowl, whisk together your powdered sugar and a tiny splash of milk. Use a little bit of milk at a time until you reach your desired consistency. You want it to be thick enough to spread, but not too thick. If it’s too thick, add a bit more milk. Too thin? Add more powdered sugar.

Once the cake is cool, spread the icing evenly over the top. I like to use an offset spatula for this, but you can use a knife or even the back of a spoon! Let the icing set for a few minutes. Then, grab a sharp knife and cut the cake into squares. Boom! You’ve got yourself some delicious **Soft Vanilla Cake Squares**! Time to dig in!

Why You’ll Love These *Soft Vanilla Cake Squares*

Okay, friends, let me tell you why you’re going to LOVE these **Soft Vanilla Cake Squares**! Seriously, they’re the best!

• Quick & Easy: Seriously, from start to finish, you’re looking at under an hour! Perfect for those last-minute cravings.
• Flavorful: The vanilla flavor is just heavenly, and the icing is the perfect sweet touch.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Birthdays, potlucks, or just a Tuesday night treat – these squares are always a hit.
• Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything you need in your pantry!
• Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone will rave about them! I’m not kidding, they disappear fast.

Honestly, these **Soft Vanilla Cake Squares** are pure happiness in every bite. They’re my go-to recipe when I want something delicious, easy, and impressive. You will absolutely adore them!

Equipment You’ll Need

Alright, so to make these amazing **Soft Vanilla Cake Squares**, you won’t need a ton of fancy equipment, I promise! Here’s what you’ll need to gather up:

• A 9×13 inch baking pan – this is the star of the show!
• Mixing bowls – you’ll need at least two, one for the wet and one for the dry ingredients.
• A hand mixer or whisk – to make sure everything is well combined.
• A spatula or spoon – for mixing and spreading the icing, you know!

That’s it! See? Super simple. You’re ready to go!

Tips for Baking the Best *Soft Vanilla Cake Squares*

Alright, so you want to make these **Soft Vanilla Cake Squares** absolutely perfect, right? I got you! Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that really make a difference. These little tips will help you avoid the most common baking blunders and get you the best results. Trust me, it’s all about the details!

Achieving the Perfect Texture

The secret to a super soft and tender **Soft Vanilla Cake Square**? It’s all about the texture! First, make sure your ingredients are at room temperature, especially the butter and eggs. This helps them mix together smoothly and evenly. Next, measure your flour correctly! I know it sounds silly, but using too much flour can make your cake dry and dense. I always recommend using a kitchen scale for the most accurate measurements, or use the spoon and level method if you don’t have one – never scoop the flour directly from the bag! And remember what I said about not overmixing? That’s key for a light and airy texture. You want a tender crumb, and these tips will help you get it!

Flavor Enhancements

Want to take your **Soft Vanilla Cake Squares** to the next level? Let’s talk flavor! Vanilla is amazing on its own, but you can definitely jazz things up! Try adding a teaspoon of almond extract for a warm, nutty flavor. Or, for a bright and zesty twist, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter. You can even add a few tablespoons of orange juice to the icing for a citrusy kick! Another idea? Chocolate chips! A handful of mini chocolate chips folded into the batter will make the cake even more decadent. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your favorite flavor combinations. Baking is all about having fun, so go ahead and get creative!

Frequently Asked Questions About *Soft Vanilla Cake Squares*

Okay, I know you’re probably wondering a few things about these **Soft Vanilla Cake Squares**, so let’s get those questions answered right away! I get asked these all the time, so I figured I’d put all the answers right here for you. It’ll save you some time, and it’ll help you become a **baking pro** in no time!

Can I make these squares ahead of time?

Absolutely, yes! That’s one of the best things about these **Soft Vanilla Cake Squares**! You can totally make them a day or two in advance. Just let the cake cool completely, then ice it. Once it’s iced, store the squares in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay perfectly fresh and delicious for about 2-3 days. If you’re going to keep them longer than that, I recommend storing them in the fridge. The icing might get a little firm, but they’ll still taste amazing! This recipe is great for **Baking Inspo** because it’s so flexible!

How can I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?

Oh, this is a classic baking question! Nobody wants to deal with a cake that sticks! The easiest way to avoid this is to grease and flour your pan *really* well. I like to use baking spray with flour in it, but you can also grease the pan with butter or shortening and then dust it with flour. Make sure you get every nook and cranny! Another tip is to line the bottom of your pan with parchment paper. This is a game-changer! It’ll make it super easy to lift the cake out of the pan. And, of course, make sure you let the cake cool completely before trying to remove it. Patience, my friends, patience! This is a great recipe to add to your list of **Easy Baking Recipes Desserts**!

Can I freeze *Soft Vanilla Cake Squares*?

Yes, you can freeze these **Soft Vanilla Cake Squares**! This is perfect if you want to make a big batch and have some on hand for later. I recommend freezing the squares without the icing. Wrap each square individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat them, just take them out of the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature. Once they’re thawed, you can ice them! Or, you can make the icing and ice them before freezing. It’s up to you! This is a great tip for **Dessert Ideas** and for **What To Bake** when you’re short on time!

Serving Suggestions for Your *Soft Vanilla Cake Squares*

Okay, so you’ve baked these amazing **Soft Vanilla Cake Squares**, and now it’s time to enjoy them! My favorite way to serve them? With a nice cup of hot coffee or a steaming mug of tea. The warmth of the drink pairs perfectly with the sweet, soft cake. Honestly, it’s the best combo ever!

But hey, if you’re feeling fancy, you could also serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold, creamy ice cream with the cake is absolutely delightful. Or, you know, just enjoy them on their own – they’re perfect just the way they are! Whatever you choose, these **Fun Cookie Recipes** are always a perfect choice!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

So, you’ve got leftovers of these amazing **Soft Vanilla Cake Squares**? Lucky you! To keep them fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll be good for about 2-3 days. If you want them to last longer, pop them in the fridge. The icing might firm up a bit, but they’ll still taste amazing!

As for reheating, honestly, these **Easy Cookie Recipes** are best enjoyed at room temperature. But if you want a little warmth, you can microwave them for just a few seconds – like, 5-10 seconds max. Don’t overdo it, or they’ll get dry! See? Simple!

Estimated Nutritional Information

Alright, so you’re probably wondering about the nitty-gritty, right? I know I always want to know how many calories are in my treats! So, here’s the deal: the nutritional information below is just an estimate, okay? It’s based on the ingredients, but everyone’s measurements might be a little different. But hey, it gives you a general idea!

For one single **Soft Vanilla Cake Square**, we’re looking at approximately:

• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 75mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 25mg

Enjoy those **Baking Ideas**! Remember, it’s all about balance!

And that’s it, friends! You’ve officially conquered the **Soft Vanilla Cake Squares**! I hope you love this recipe as much as I do. It’s a true classic, and it’s always a hit with everyone who tries it.

Now, I wanna hear from YOU! Did you try it? How did it go? Leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And if you loved it, please share it with your friends and family! Happy baking, everyone!

For more delicious recipes and baking inspiration, check out RecipesBestOf on Pinterest!

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