Strawberry Snack Cake
Strawberry Snack Cake
This Strawberry Snack Cake with Cream Cheese Icing is soft, moist, and full of sweet strawberry flavor with a beautiful pink color. Made in an 8×8 pan, this easy homemade cake is perfect for when you want something simple, pretty, and delicious without making a full layered cake.
Strawberry gelatin adds that classic nostalgic flavor and enhances the color, while a touch of pink food coloring gives it that soft bakery-style look. Topped with a rich, creamy cream cheese icing, this cake is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy.
It’s an easy, from-scratch recipe that’s perfect for spring, summer, or anytime you want a fun strawberry dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Snack Cake
This cake is soft, flavorful, and easy to make.
It’s perfect for:
• Snack cakes
• Spring and summer desserts
• Small-batch baking
• Birthday treats
• Easy homemade desserts
The 8×8 size makes it simple, manageable, and perfect for everyday baking.
Ingredients
For the cake:
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup butter, softened
• ¾ cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup milk
• 3 tablespoons strawberry gelatin powder (like Jello)
• 2–3 drops pink food coloring
For the cream cheese icing:
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Strawberry Snack Cake
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Grease or line an 8×8 baking pan.
Step 2: Mix dry ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together:
• Flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Strawberry gelatin powder
Step 3: Cream butter and sugar
In a separate bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Step 4: Add eggs and vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 5: Combine
Add the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
Add a few drops of pink food coloring and gently mix until evenly tinted.
Step 6: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool completely.
How to Make Cream Cheese Icing
In a bowl, beat together:
• Cream cheese
• Butter
Until smooth and creamy.
Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then beat until soft and spreadable.
Assemble the Cake
Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the cream cheese icing evenly over the top.
Slice into squares and serve.
Jennie’s Thoughts
This cake is one of those simple recipes that just feels fun. I love the soft pink color and that classic strawberry flavor—it reminds me of those nostalgic desserts but made homemade.
The cream cheese icing really brings everything together. It adds just the right amount of richness and balances the sweetness perfectly.
I also love that it’s made in an 8×8 pan. It’s simple, not too big, and perfect for making something sweet without going all out.
Tips for the Best Strawberry Snack Cake
• Don’t overmix the batter
• Use room temperature ingredients for best texture
• Let the cake cool completely before icing
• Add just a small amount of food coloring for a soft pink color
Variations to Try
• Add chopped strawberries to the batter
• Use strawberry cream cheese for extra flavor
• Top with fresh strawberries
• Add a glaze instead of icing for a lighter version
How to Store
Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
Let it come to room temperature before serving.
This Strawberry Snack Cake with Cream Cheese Icing is soft, moist, and full of sweet strawberry flavor with a rich, creamy topping. It’s an easy homemade dessert that looks beautiful and tastes even better.
Perfect for spring, summer, or anytime you want something simple and special
