Pillow Snack Cake Recipe

8

This Pillow Snack Cake isn’t just any ordinary dessert; it’s a bite-sized journey into a realm where softness, sweetness, and sheer joy blend into every morsel. I’ve made a recipe that’s bound to become a treasured addition to your baking repertoire.

How to make Pillow Snack Cake

Pillow snack cake is a unique and creatively designed dessert that resembles the soft, inviting shape of a pillow. While this type of cake can be made in various shapes, a common approach involves crafting a square cake with curved sides.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup milk
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Sprinkles, edible pearls, or any decoration of your choice

Instructions:

Preparing the Cake:

1. Preheat the Oven to 350°F (175°C): Start by preparing your oven for baking, ensuring it’s at the right temperature by the time your batter is ready.
2. Whisk the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This will remove lumps and aerate the ingredients, resulting in a fluffier cake.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a larger bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a tender crumb.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for that lovely aroma.
5. Alternate Flour and Milk: Begin incorporating the dry ingredients into the butter mixture in thirds, alternating with milk. Start and end with the flour mixture. This method prevents the batter from curdling and helps maintain a smooth consistency.
6. Bake: Pour the batter into a greased, floured 9×13-inch baking pan or a similarly sized cake mold. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.

Preparing the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. Beat Cream Cheese and Butter: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and butter, beating until smooth and creamy.
2. Add Powdered Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla, continuing to beat until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.

Assembling:

• Cut and Shape (Optional): For true pillow snacking, you can cut the cake into smaller squares or rectangles, then gently round the edges with a knife to mimic a pillow shape.
• Frost: Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to generously cover your cake or cake pieces with cream cheese frosting. If you’ve opted for smaller cakes, consider piping the frosting on for more precision.
• Decorate: Now’s the time to let your creativity shine! Use sprinkles, edible pearls, or even a dusting of powdered sugar to make your Pillow Snack Cakes uniquely yours.

Baking Tips:

• Room-Temperature Ingredients: Before starting, ensure your butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature. This helps achieve a smoother batter and frosting.
• Don’t Overmix: After adding the flour, mix just until you no longer see any streaks of dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to a denser cake.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: To avoid melting your frosting, ensure your cakes are completely cool before decorating.

What to serve with

Serving up Pillow Snack Cakes opens a doorway to a world of delightful pairings. These little treats are versatile, lending themselves to various complementary items that can turn a simple snacking moment into an indulgent feast.

Beverages:

• Tea: Pair your Pillow Snack Cakes with a warm cup of your favorite tea. Classics like Earl Grey or Chamomile can perfectly complement the sweetness of the cake, while a spicy Chai can add an intriguing contrast.
• Coffee: A robust coffee, whether it be a creamy latte or an intense espresso, creates a wonderful balance to the lightness of the cake. The bitterness of the coffee juxtaposes the sweetness, delighting the palate.
• Milk: Sometimes, simplicity reigns supreme. A glass of cold milk alongside your cake can be a nod to childhood nostalgia and is often the perfect companion to any sweet treat.
• Dessert Wine: If you feel a bit fancy, a sweet dessert wine like Moscato or Riesling pairs beautifully with the tanginess of the cream cheese frosting and the cake’s subtle vanilla flavor.

Fresh Fruits:

• Berries: A bowl of fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or a mix can add a tartness and pop of color that complement the rich frosting and tender cake.
• Sliced Peaches or Nectarines: Particularly in the summer, the juiciness of these fruits alongside the cake offers a refreshing and satisfying contrast.
• Apple Slices: The slight tartness and crunch of apple slices make them a delightful counterpart to the soft and sweet snack cake.

Dips & Spreads:

• Lemon Curd: For those who enjoy a vibrant, citrusy zing, lemon curd is an excellent choice for dipping or adding a small dollop to your Pillow Snack Cake.
• Hazelnut Spread: A rich, nutty hazelnut chocolate spread can transform your cake into a decadent dessert.
• Raspberry Coulis: If you’re looking to introduce a fruity element without the texture of fresh fruit, a raspberry coulis offers a smooth, sweet, and slightly tangy sauce that drapes elegantly over the cake.

Ice Creams & Sorbets:

• Vanilla Ice Cream: It’s classic for a reason. A scoop of vanilla ice cream with the Pillow Snack Cake can create an instant ala mode delight.
• Fruit Sorbet: A light, refreshing fruit sorbet, like lemon or raspberry, can cleanse the palate and brighten the overall dessert experience.
• Coffee Ice Cream: When served with the cake, coffee ice cream offers a delightful mocha experience for coffee lovers.

Nuts & Confections:

• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkling some chopped pecans, almonds, or walnuts adds a satisfying crunch and nuttiness that contrasts the cake’s soft texture.
• Caramel Drizzle: A bit of caramel drizzle can accentuate the sweetness while adding a chewy texture and a deep, buttery flavor to your snack cake.
• Whipped Cream: A lightly sweetened whipped cream dollop can add an airy texture and a touch of elegance.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating a Pillow Snack Cake allows for flexibility in ingredients, making it easy to accommodate different dietary needs, preferences, or pantry shortages.

All-Purpose Flour Substitutes:

• Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to treat gluten intolerance.
• Whole Wheat Flour: Swap in whole wheat flour for a denser, fiber-rich cake. Use ¾ cup of whole wheat for every cup of all-purpose flour.

Granulated Sugar Substitutes:

• Coconut Sugar: Use equal parts coconut sugar to add a slightly caramel-like flavor with a lower glycemic index.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: Substitute with ¾ cup of honey or maple syrup for each cup of sugar. Reduce other liquid ingredients by about 3 tablespoons to balance the moisture.

Substitute for Eggs:

• Applesauce: Use ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce in place of each egg for moisture and binding.
• Flaxseed Meal: To replace one egg, mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit until it becomes gelatinous.

Butter Substitutes:

• Unsweetened Applesauce: In baking, you can often use half the amount of applesauce in place of butter, i.e., ½ cup of applesauce for 1 cup of butter.
• Coconut Oil: Use equal parts of coconut oil as a dairy-free option that adds a slight coconut flavor.
• Avocado: Use mashed avocado to reduce fat content, using the same amount as butter.

Milk Substitutes:

• Almond Milk, Soy Milk, or Oat Milk: Use any of these options in a 1:1 ratio for a dairy-free cake.
• Coconut Milk: Adds richness and subtle flavor, suitable for those avoiding lactose.

Vanilla Extract Substitutes:

• Almond Extract: For a different but equally delightful flavor, you can use half the amount of almond extract in place of vanilla.
• Maple Syrup: A small amount can substitute vanilla to add sweetness and flavor.

Baking Powder Substitutes:

• Baking Soda and Cream of Tartar: Mix ¼ teaspoon of baking soda with ½ teaspoon of cream of tartar to replace 1 teaspoon of baking powder.

Cream Cheese Substitutes:

• Greek Yogurt: Strain Greek yogurt over a cheesecloth until thick and use in place of cream cheese for frosting.
• Vegan Cream Cheese: Use store-bought vegan cream cheese for a plant-based alternative.

Confectioners’ Sugar Substitutes:

• DIY Confectioners’ Sugar: Blend granulated sugar with a bit of cornstarch until powdery.
• Coconut Sugar Powdered: Blend coconut sugar until fine, though it will be brown in color and distinctive in flavor.

Final Thoughts

With each bite of these Pillow Snack Cakes, you’ll find yourself drifting into a world where each day is a little sweeter and every moment a bit more delightful.

More Cake Recipes:

• Walkie Talkie Cake Recipe
• South Indian Rice Cake Recipe
• Hear Me Out Cake Recipe