Cortadillo Mexican Pink Cake

Ingredients

For Cake

1 cup sugar

3 eggs

1/2 cup canola or vegetable oil

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 1/2 cups flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

pinch of salt

1 cup milk

For Frosting

3 tablespoons butter, softened

3 cups powdered sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 tablespoons milk

red or pink food coloring

nonpareil sprinkles

Instructions:

For Cake

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Line a 9 x 9 inch baking dish with parchment paper or spray thoroughly with cooking spray and set aside.

In a small bowl combine the flour with the baking powder and the salt and stir a few times with a fork. Set aside.

In a medium size bowl, combine the sugar, eggs, oil and vanilla extract together with a wire whisk or a fork.

Add the flour mixture and the milk alternately to the sugar-eggs mixture, starting and ending with the flour.

Pour the batter into the baking dish and tap it a few times against the counter top to eliminate air bubbles.

Bake on the middle rack of the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the middle of the cake comes out clean. Cool completely.

For Frosting

Cream butter until it is fluffy, then sift and mix in powdered sugar, one cup at a time.

Add the vanilla, the food coloring and 1 tablespoon of the milk. You may not need to add all the milk, it depends upon your preference for how stiff or loose you want the icing to be.

Spread it over the cake with a spatula. Add the sprinkles.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 9 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use butter instead of canola or vegetable oil in the cake batter?

Yes, you can substitute softened butter for the oil if you prefer.

Keep in mind that using butter may result in a slightly different texture and flavor.

Is there a specific type of food coloring recommended for the pink frosting?

You can use either red or pink food coloring, depending on your preference for the shade of pink.

Gel-based food coloring often provides more vibrant colors compared to liquid food coloring.

Can I make this cake ahead of time and store it?

Yes, you can prepare the cake in advance and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or in the refrigerator for a few days.

It’s best to add the frosting and sprinkles just before serving to maintain freshness.

What are nonpareil sprinkles, and where can I find them?

Nonpareil sprinkles are tiny round sprinkles that are often used for decoration.

You can find them in most grocery stores or baking supply shops.

If you can’t find them, you can use other colorful sprinkles of your choice.

How can I adjust the sweetness of the frosting to my liking?

The sweetness of the frosting can be adjusted by varying the amount of powdered sugar and milk you use.

If you prefer a sweeter frosting, add more powdered sugar. For a less sweet frosting, use less powdered sugar.

Adjust the milk accordingly to achieve your desired consistency.

Can I use a different type of oil in place of canola or vegetable oil?

Yes, you can substitute canola or vegetable oil with other neutral-flavored oils like sunflower oil or grapeseed oil.

Be sure to use an oil with a mild taste to avoid altering the cake’s flavor.

What’s the purpose of adding a pinch of salt to the cake batter?

Salt enhances the overall flavor of the cake by balancing the sweetness and enhancing other flavor components.

It’s a common ingredient in baking to improve taste.

Is it necessary to sift the powdered sugar for the frosting?

Sifting powdered sugar helps remove any lumps and ensures a smooth and lump-free frosting.

While it’s not absolutely necessary, it’s recommended for achieving a silky texture.

How can I adjust the thickness of the frosting?

You can adjust the thickness of the frosting by controlling the amount of milk you add. If you want a thicker frosting, use less milk.

For a thinner consistency, add more milk gradually until you reach your desired thickness.

Can I make this cake without food coloring if I prefer a different color or a natural look?

Absolutely! You can omit the food coloring altogether or use natural food colorings if you prefer a different color or a more natural appearance for your cake.

Feel free to get creative with your cake’s appearance.