Vanilla Sugar Cookie Snack Cake

Name: Vanilla Sugar Cookie Snack Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp almond extract; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2-3 Tbsp milk; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Dessert Bliss

I absolutely love baking, and this Vanilla Sugar Cookie Snack Cake is one of my favorites. It’s soft, buttery, and has the perfect hint of vanilla that makes every bite a delight. I often enjoy this cake on cozy afternoons with a cup of tea, or I’ll serve it at gatherings, where it never fails to impress. With simple ingredients and a quick baking time, it’s a fantastic treat for any occasion. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it a staple in your kitchen!

Created by

Marianne Hughes

Last updated on 2026-02-16T05:21:36.695Z

When I first stumbled upon the idea of a snack cake inspired by sugar cookies, I was intrigued. The thought of combining the classic flavors I adore into a cake format was irresistible. During my experimental baking, I discovered that adding a touch of almond extract really enhances the vanilla flavor, elevating the entire experience. My family couldn't get enough of it!

As I baked this cake, I found that using room-temperature ingredients helped achieve that perfect fluffy texture. It’s essential for the cake to rise beautifully and remain moist. Topping it off with a light glaze takes it over the top, making it not just delicious, but visually appealing as well!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Irresistibly soft and moist with a perfect vanilla flavor
Quick and easy recipe that anyone can master
Ideal for snacking, parties, or as a sweet breakfast treat

Understanding the Ingredients

The Vanilla Sugar Cookie Snack Cake relies on a few key ingredients that contribute to its delightful texture and flavor. All-purpose flour provides structure, while the combination of baking powder and baking soda ensures the cake rises properly, resulting in a soft and fluffy crumb. Make sure to measure the flour correctly to avoid a dense cake—spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife for accuracy.

Butter plays a critical role in creating the rich, buttery flavor that makes this cake irresistible. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the cake. If you're in a pinch, you can substitute margarine, but the taste and texture won’t be quite the same. Additionally, using room temperature butter will make it easier to cream with sugar, incorporating air into the mixture for a light cake.

Baking Techniques for Success

When creaming butter and sugar, beat until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 3-4 minutes. This process is essential as it creates tiny air pockets that help the cake rise. If you notice that your mixture isn’t getting fluffy enough, it could be due to cold butter or overmixing once you add the eggs. To fix this, ensure the butter is at room temperature and mix gently after adding the eggs to maintain air incorporation.

Baking the cake requires monitoring, as each oven can behave differently. Start checking for doneness at the 25-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with wet batter, continue baking and check every 2 minutes. Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack, which helps prevent it from becoming soggy on the bottom.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious Vanilla Sugar Cookie Snack Cake:

For the Cake

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp almond extract
1/2 cup sour cream

For the Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar
2-3 Tbsp milk
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Vanilla Sugar Cookie Snack Cake:

Prepare the Oven and Pan

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

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set aside.

Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.

Incorporate Eggs and Extracts

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla and almond extracts.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Mix until just combined.

Bake the Cake

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

Prepare the Glaze

While the cake is baking, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.

Glaze the Cake

Once the cake is baked and cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top. Allow it to set before slicing.

Enjoy your delicious Vanilla Sugar Cookie Snack Cake with friends and family!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding sprinkles on top of the glaze for a festive touch. Also, serving the cake chilled enhances its flavor!

Serving Suggestions

This Vanilla Sugar Cookie Snack Cake is incredibly versatile! You can serve it plain, allowing the buttery vanilla flavor to shine, or elevate it with fresh fruit and whipped cream for a delightful dessert. It's also an excellent base for layering with frosting or fruit compote if you’re looking for a more festive presentation at gatherings.

For a cozy treat, enjoy the cake with a cup of your favorite tea or coffee. I often sprinkle a little cinnamon on top of the glaze, adding a warm flavor that complements the vanilla beautifully. This pairing is perfect for snacking or as a sweet addition to brunch.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This cake can be made a day in advance, and it actually tastes better as the flavors meld. Once cooled, simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it moist. If you plan to glaze the cake, do this just before serving to ensure the glaze remains shiny and doesn’t absorb into the cake.

If you want to enjoy this cake later, you can freeze it! Slice the cake and wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep for up to three months. To thaw, simply leave at room temperature for a couple of hours or microwave for a few seconds. The cake will still taste fresh and delicious, perfect for last-minute snacks.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use whole wheat flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but the texture might change slightly.

→ How should I store the cake?

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate it for longer freshness.

→ Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake without glaze for up to two months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before glazing.

→ What can I use instead of sour cream?

You can use plain Greek yogurt or cottage cheese as a substitute for sour cream in this recipe.