Snowflake Square
Snowflake Square offers a delicate, buttery cake with a hint of almond flavor, topped with a simple frosting. Its light texture and subtle sweetness make it ideal for afternoon tea or special occasions, appealing to those who enjoy classic, elegant desserts with a tender crumb.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream the shortening until smooth.
- Add the sugar slowly while creaming the mixture.
- Sift the cake flour, baking powder, and salt together.
- Combine the milk and almond extract.
- Alternately add the flour mixture and the milk mixture to the creamed shortening and sugar, mixing well after each addition.
- Beat the egg whites until stiff but not dry.
- Fold the beaten egg whites into the batter gently.
- Pour the batter into a 10-inch square shallow cake pan.
- Bake in a moderate oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes.
- Allow to cool before frosting as desired and cutting into squares.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure your egg whites are beaten to stiff peaks before folding them into the batter. If you don't have almond extract, vanilla extract can be a suitable substitute. Sifting the flour with baking powder and salt is essential for a smooth batter. For added flavor, consider mixing in a handful of finely chopped nuts or chocolate chips, which can enhance the final dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Snowflake Squares with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a simple glaze for an elegant touch. They pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a delightful dessert, consider serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh berries, which complement the sweetness of the cake perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Snowflake Squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. If you prefer them warm, reheat individual squares in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Snowflake Square contains roughly 146 calories, with 3g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (19% of the Daily Value), calcium (16% of the Daily Value), and iron (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1164mg per serving (51% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?
Yes, you can use all-purpose flour, but the texture may be slightly denser. To mimic cake flour, measure out a cup of all-purpose flour, remove 2 tablespoons, and replace them with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch before sifting with the other dry ingredients.
What can I use if I don't have shortening?
If you don't have shortening, unsalted butter can be used as a substitute. It will add a richer flavor to the squares. Just ensure it is softened for easier creaming. You can also experiment with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
How can I make these squares more festive?
To make your Snowflake Squares more festive, consider adding colorful sprinkles or edible glitter on top after frosting. You can also incorporate seasonal flavors, such as a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg, to give it a holiday twist. Pairing them with a warm drink can enhance the festive atmosphere.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).