Vanilla Bean Snack Cake Squares

Name: Vanilla Bean Snack Cake Squares
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 16 squares
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 vanilla bean, seeds scraped; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tbsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 cup milk; Powdered sugar, for dusting

Highlighted under: Sugary Delights

I absolutely love making Vanilla Bean Snack Cake Squares when I want a sweet treat that’s both simple and delicious. The rich flavor of real vanilla beans elevates this cake to another level, and the tender crumb makes it perfect for any occasion. I often serve these squares at family gatherings, and they disappear within minutes! Best of all, this recipe comes together quickly, allowing you to enjoy homemade cake without spending hours in the kitchen. Give it a try—you'll understand why it’s quickly become a favorite!

Created by

Tabitha Green

Last updated on 2026-02-16T10:34:36.300Z

When I first tried making Vanilla Bean Snack Cake Squares, I was amazed by how the tiny specks of real vanilla bean added such a depth of flavor that vanilla extract simply couldn’t match. I found that the key to achieving a light, fluffy texture is to cream the butter and sugar thoroughly before adding the eggs. This creates air pockets that expand during baking, resulting in a cake that’s soft and tender.

Another little tip I discovered is to let the cake cool completely before slicing it into squares. This ensures that they hold their shape and look beautiful on a serving platter. Trust me, your guests will be impressed with how elegant and delicious these squares are!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich vanilla flavor courtesy of real vanilla beans
Tender and moist texture that's irresistible
Perfect for afternoon tea or as a dessert

Mastering the Vanilla Bean Flavor

Using real vanilla beans in this cake creates a depth of flavor that vanilla extract simply cannot replicate. When scraping the seeds, make sure to use the back of your knife to get every last bit out of the pod. The tiny specks of vanilla seeds not only enhance the cake's flavor but also create beautiful visual appeal. For a slightly different flavor profile, consider infusing your butter with vanilla beforehand by gently heating it with a whole bean for about 10 minutes, then cooling and using it in the recipe.

If you don’t have a vanilla bean on hand, you can substitute it with high-quality pure vanilla extract. Use approximately one tablespoon of extract for each vanilla bean. However, keep in mind that the intense flavor and aroma of the seeds will be missed. To maintain some of the visual elements, add a pinch of finely ground vanilla powder to the batter.

Perfecting the Cake Texture

Achieving that tender and moist texture in your Vanilla Bean Snack Cake Squares depends heavily on the creaming method. It's essential to cream the butter and sugar until they are light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes. This process incorporates air into the batter, leading to a lighter cake. Be careful not to overmix once you add the dry ingredients, or the cake may become dense. Mix just until combined; a few flour streaks left is perfectly fine.

Baking can also vary based on your oven, so for best results, utilize an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the correct temperature. This cake is done when the top is golden and springs back when lightly pressed, and a toothpick comes out with just a few crumbs attached. Baking longer can lead to a drier texture, so keep a close eye after the 25-minute mark.

Ingredients

For the Cake

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 vanilla bean, seeds scraped
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup milk

For the Topping

Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.

Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the scraped seeds from the vanilla bean, mixing until well combined.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Mix in the Milk

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk until everything is well combined.

Bake the Cake

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

Cool and Serve

Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar before cutting into squares.

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, try adding a splash of almond extract to the batter or serving the squares with fresh berries for a burst of flavor.

Storing and Serving Tips

These Vanilla Bean Snack Cake Squares can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing individual squares wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. Thaw thoughtfully at room temperature before serving again to enjoy the best texture.

If you want to elevate these squares for a special occasion, consider serving them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Fresh berries or a berry compote also pairs beautifully with the vanilla flavor and adds a delightful contrast.

Variations to Try

For those looking to mix things up, try adding a cup of mini chocolate chips to the batter for a sweet chocolatey crunch in every bite. You can also incorporate zest from a lemon or an orange for a fresh citrus twist that complements the vanilla beautifully. Just make sure to adjust the liquid ingredients slightly if you're adding a significant amount of ingredients like fruit.

Another delicious variation is to create a brownie-like version of this cake by reducing the flour to 2 1/2 cups and mixing in 1/2 cup of cocoa powder. This will give you a rich chocolate cake with the aromatic undertones of vanilla, perfect for satisfying both chocolate and vanilla lovers.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use vanilla extract instead of a vanilla bean?

Yes, you can substitute 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract for the seeds of one vanilla bean. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious!

→ How should I store the cake squares?

Store the cake squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the cake squares?

Yes, you can freeze the squares! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

→ What can I add to the batter for extra flavor?

You can add lemon zest, almond extract, or even mix in chocolate chips for a fun twist!