The Heavenly White Snack Cake is a simple yet delicious dessert perfect for any occasion. Its light and fluffy texture, combined with a sweet vanilla flavor, makes it a delightful treat. Topped with a creamy frosting, this cake is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Let’s dive into the recipe step-by-step.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla essence
- 1/2 cup milk
For the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla essence
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla:
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla essence.
- Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined after each addition.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
- Pour Batter into Pan:
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool:
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Step 3: Prepare the Frosting
- Beat Butter:
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add Powdered Sugar:
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Add Milk and Vanilla:
- Add the milk and vanilla essence, and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add a little more milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
Step 4: Frost the Cake
- Frost Cake:
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake using a spatula. Make sure to cover the top and sides of the cake.
- Decorate (Optional):
- Decorate the cake with sprinkles, coconut flakes, or fruit if desired.
Step 5: Serve
- Slice and Serve:
- Slice the Heavenly White Snack Cake into squares and serve. Enjoy this delightful treat with your family and friends.
Cooking Notes and Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for a smoother batter and better rise.
- Measuring Flour: Properly measure your flour by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife to avoid a dense cake.
Variations
Lemon Snack Cake
- Add Lemon Flavor:
- Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice to the cake batter for a refreshing lemon flavor. Replace the vanilla essence in the frosting with lemon juice for a tangy twist.
Almond Snack Cake
- Add Almond Flavor:
- Substitute the vanilla essence with almond extract in both the cake batter and frosting for a delicious almond-flavored cake.
Coconut Snack Cake
- Add Coconut Flavor:
- Add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the cake batter and top the frosted cake with toasted coconut flakes for a tropical treat.
Serving Suggestions
With Beverages
- With Tea:
- Enjoy a slice of cake with a cup of hot tea for a perfect afternoon treat.
- With Milk:
- Serve with a glass of cold milk for a classic pairing.
With Toppings
- With Berries:
- Top each slice with fresh berries for added flavor and color.
- With Ice Cream:
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time? A: Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance and store it in an airtight container. Frost just before serving.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Q: Can I freeze this cake? A: Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting and serving.
Q: Can I use a different type of flour? A: You can use cake flour for a lighter texture or gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version. Adjust the amount of liquid if necessary.
Q: What if I don’t have unsalted butter? A: You can use salted butter, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to 1/8 teaspoon.
The Heavenly White Snack Cake is a delightful and easy-to-make dessert perfect for any occasion. With its fluffy texture, sweet vanilla flavor, and creamy frosting, this cake is sure to be a hit. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the variations, this snack cake is always a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy making and sharing this delicious treat with your family and friends!