Simple Vanilla Snack Cake Recipe

The Vanilla Snack Cake Recipe is a deliciously moist and tender dessert that combines the perfect balance of sweetness and vanilla flavor in every bite.

With a light, fluffy texture, this Vanilla Snack Cake Recipe is topped with a rich and creamy vanilla buttercream frosting that adds an extra layer of indulgence.

The taste is comforting, not overly sweet, and wonderfully satisfying, making it a favorite for all ages. I collected this Vanilla Snack Cake Recipe for its simplicity and timeless appeal, perfect for anyone looking for a quick and delightful homemade treat.

I made this Vanilla Snack Cake recipe for a family gathering and was delighted by how quickly it disappeared!

When friends and family tried it, they were amazed by the cake’s softness and the smoothness of the frosting, often saying it was one of the best cakes they had ever tasted.

So, grab your apron and let’s get baking!

Why Called Snack Cake Recipe?

The term “snack cake” implies that this dessert is well-suited for snacking occasions. Unlike larger cakes designed for special occasions, snack cakes are typically smaller in size and simpler in preparation.

They’re perfect for enjoying as a quick treat between meals, as a sweet accompaniment to a cup of coffee or tea, or as a casual dessert for gatherings with friends and family.

How To Prepare Vanilla Snack Cake Recipe?

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Yield: 9 servings

Kitchen Utensils

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer (hand or stand)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 9×9-inch or similar baking pan
• Parchment paper or cooking spray (for greasing)
• Cooling rack
• Spatula
• Sifter or fine mesh strainer (optional for dusting the dry ingredients)

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 large egg white
• 1/4 tsp salt

For the Vanilla Buttercream:

• 1/2 cup salted butter, room temperature
• 6 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

How To Make Vanilla Snack Cake Recipe

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or spray it with non-stick cooking spray.

2. Prepare the Cake Batter:

In a medium-sized bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. In another large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

3. Add Eggs and Vanilla:

Add the two large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then add the vanilla extract and continue to mix.

4. Alternate Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk:

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, making sure not to overmix.

5. Whip the Egg White:

In a separate clean bowl, whip the egg white to soft peaks using an electric mixer. Gently fold the whipped egg white into the batter until fully incorporated.

6. Bake the Cake:

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Cool the Cake:

Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely.

8. Prepare the Vanilla Buttercream:

While the cake is cooling, make the buttercream. In a large bowl, beat the room temperature salted butter using an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, one cup at a time, and continue mixing until smooth and fluffy.

9. Add Cream and Vanilla:

Add the heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract to the buttercream mixture. Beat for an additional 2-3 minutes until the frosting is light and spreadable.

10. Frost the Cake:

Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the vanilla buttercream evenly over the top using a spatula. Slice into squares or bars, and serve.

Special Notes

1. Add-ins: If you’re looking to mix things up, consider adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or a swirl of cinnamon for a unique twist. You can also top the cake with a simple glaze or frosting for an extra touch of sweetness.

2. Make It Gluten-Free: If you’re gluten intolerant, you can easily swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure the blend you use has a good structure to maintain the texture of the cake.

Nutrition Facts Vanilla Snack Cake Recipe

Nutrition	Amount
Calories	300
Fat	15g
Saturated Fat	8g
Carbohydrates	35g
Sugar	25g
Protein	5g

Best Serving Ideas

For the best serving experience, slice the vanilla snack cake into generous pieces and serve it on a pretty dessert platter.

It pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat. To add a touch of elegance, top each slice with a dusting of powdered sugar, or garnish with fresh fruit like berries or a sprig of mint for a burst of color and freshness.

For a more indulgent option, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce to elevate the flavor profile.

This versatile cake is perfect for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to more formal celebrations, offering both simplicity and sophistication in every bite.

Additional Tips For Making Vanilla Snack Cake Recipe

1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs, butter, and dairy (like yogurt or sour cream) are at room temperature before mixing. This helps them blend more smoothly into the batter, resulting in a lighter and more evenly baked cake.

2. Don’t Over mix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Over mixing can lead to a dense and tough cake. A few lumps in the batter are okay – they’ll disappear during baking.

3. Even Batter Distribution: After pouring the batter into the pan, use a spatula to spread it out evenly. This ensures that the cake bakes uniformly and rises evenly.

4. Check for Doneness: Every oven is different, so it’s essential to check for doneness a few minutes before the recommended baking time is up. Insert a toothpick into the centre of the cake – if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready.

5. Cooling Technique: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents it from becoming soggy and helps it retain its shape.

How Do You Decorate A Snack Cake?

Decorating a snack cake can be simple yet delightful, adding visual appeal and enhancing its presentation. Here are a few easy ways to decorate a snack cake:

1. Powdered Sugar Dusting: Sift powdered sugar over the top of the cake using a fine-mesh sieve or a small handheld sifter. This adds a touch of sweetness and a beautiful, snowy finish.

2. Vanilla Glaze: Prepare a simple vanilla glaze by mixing powdered sugar with a little milk or water and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake using a spoon or a piping bag for a glossy finish.

3. Fresh Fruit: Top the cake with fresh fruit slices or berries for a pop of colour and freshness. Arrange them in a decorative pattern or scatter them randomly across the surface.

4. Whipped Cream: Dollop or pipe whipped cream on top of the cake for a light and airy decoration. You can also add a sprinkle of cocoa powder or grated chocolate for extra flavour.

5. Sprinkles or Nuts: Sprinkle colourful sprinkles, chopped nuts, or toasted coconut flakes over the cake for added texture and visual interest. You can customise the toppings to suit your taste and occasion.

Is Vanilla Snack Cake Recipe Healthy?

The Vanilla Snack Cake recipe can be a healthier option compared to store-bought alternatives when made with certain modifications.

While it does contain sugar and butter, you can adjust the recipe by using healthier alternatives such as whole grain flour, reducing the amount of sugar, and opting for unsweetened yogurt or sour cream.

Additionally, incorporating fresh fruits like berries on top can add extra nutrients and fiber.

Although it may not be considered a health food, enjoying this Vanilla Snack Cake in moderation as part of a balanced diet can still be a satisfying treat without compromising your overall health goals.

Storage & Make Ahead

To store the vanilla snack cake, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week.

If you want to make it ahead, you can bake the cake a day or two in advance and keep it tightly wrapped to maintain freshness.

The buttercream can also be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week just allow it to come to room temperature before frosting the cake. You can also freeze the cake for up to 2-3 months, either whole or in slices.

Conclusion

This Vanilla Snack Cake Recipe was such a rewarding experience! The cake turned out incredibly soft and flavorful, and the vanilla buttercream frosting was the perfect finishing touch.

I was pleasantly surprised by how simple the recipe was to follow, yet the results were impressive. It quickly became a favorite among my friends and family, who couldn’t stop raving about how delicious it was.

I highly encourage you to give this Vanilla Snack Cake Recipe a try it’s the perfect dessert for any occasion and guarantees to leave everyone asking for more! You’ll love how easy it is to make and how tasty it is!