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Robin Egg Snack Cake with Speckled Blue Frosting Recipe

4.5 from 126 reviews

A charming and delightful Robin Egg Snack Cake featuring a tender, moist crumb with a creamy speckled frosting, perfect for springtime gatherings or as a sweet treat. The cake combines classic vanilla flavors with a light sour cream tang, topped with a visually appealing blue-tinted frosting and delicate chocolate speckles for an irresistible finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake

  • 1 1/4 cups cake flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 7/8 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 egg whites (room temperature)
  • 1/4 cup sour cream (room temperature)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 5 ounces whole milk (room temperature)

Frosting

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch fine sea salt
  • 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
  • 1 Tablespoon whole milk
  • 1 drop light blue gel food coloring

Chocolate Speckles

  • 3/4 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8 x 8 inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and set aside.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later incorporation.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a stand mixer or electric hand mixer, beat the 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter on high speed for about one minute until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the granulated sugar and continue beating for 3 to 5 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
  4. Add Egg Whites: Beat in the 3 egg whites on high speed until fully combined and fluffy, approximately 2 minutes.
  5. Incorporate Sour Cream and Vanilla: Mix in the sour cream and 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract until smooth, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure even blending.
  6. Add Dry Ingredients and Milk: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredient mixture until just combined. While still mixing on low, slowly pour in the whole milk, stirring gently until the batter is smooth and uniform.
  7. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake in the preheated oven for approximately 35 minutes. The cake is done when the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan placed on a wire rack.
  9. Prepare the Frosting: Beat the 1/2 cup of unsalted butter in a mixer until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and salt, mixing well. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, one cup at a time, beating on medium speed and scraping the bowl frequently. Once all the sugar is incorporated, the frosting will appear dry; add the tablespoon of milk and beat on high speed until the frosting is light and fluffy.
  10. Color the Frosting: Add one drop of light blue gel food coloring to the frosting and beat until evenly combined. Add more coloring if needed to achieve the desired robin egg blue shade.
  11. Remove the Cake from Pan: Gently lift the edges of the parchment paper to take the cooled cake out of the pan, placing it on a serving platter or board.
  12. Frost the Cake: Spread the blue frosting generously over the top of the cake using a spatula for an even layer.
  13. Prepare Chocolate Speckles: In a small bowl, whisk together the unsweetened cocoa powder and vanilla extract until smooth to create the chocolate speckle mixture.
  14. Decorate the Cake: Using a clean, stiff-bristled paintbrush, dip the bristles into the chocolate mixture. Hold the brush over the frosted cake and gently pull back the bristles with your finger, then release them to flick small speckles of chocolate onto the frosting for a charming speckled effect.
  15. Serve: Slice the decorated cake into 9 equal squares and serve to enjoy this delightful treat.

Notes

  • Bring all ingredients, especially eggs, sour cream, butter, and milk, to room temperature before beginning to ensure smooth mixing and better texture.
  • Use cake flour for a tender crumb; if unavailable, you can substitute with all-purpose flour minus 2 tablespoons.
  • The speckling technique with a paintbrush provides a beautiful visual effect—ensure the brush is clean and stiff-bristled for best results.
  • Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate to keep longer, bringing to room temperature before serving.
  • For egg whites, separate eggs carefully to avoid any yolk which can affect the cake’s texture.

Keywords: Robin Egg Cake, Spring Cake, Speckled Frosting, Snack Cake, Vanilla Cake, Chocolate Speckles