Vanilla Cake on a Stick
Vanilla Cake on a Stick is a delicious moist cake with a simple chocolate glaze and lightly decorated. Tired of Cake Pops then this is the cake recipe for you. No fork or plate needed!
Since we will probably be in the house for a while, there are going to be birthdays to celebrate, so I thought why not a Cake on a Stick? Easier than cake pops and cuter than cupcakes.
I have been making homemade birthday cakes for my kids for years now, even as they got older, they would choose their cake and I would give it my best to make it as accurate as possible. From Vanessa’s Vanilla Cake with Mascarpone Frosting to an Easy Ice Cream Cake.
Erika’s favourite Baci Chocolate Birthday Cake. And of course I couldn’t forget to make the Italian’s Tiramisu Layer Cake or my Birthday Cake!
When my kids were little, Cake on a Stick was very popular in Italy. Perfect for when you have a group of kids and the idea of more dishes and cutlery are not something to look forward to.
How to make a Cake on a Stick
In a medium bowl on medium speed beat together the milk, oil, sugar, flour and eggs, then add the baking powder and vanilla, beat until smooth.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake. Let the cake cool in the pan then remove and place on a wire rack until completely cool.
Cut the cake into 8 equal slices (triangles). Then cut a small slit in each triangle with a sharp knife, then push a popsicle stick gently into each slit.
Place the cake on the rack over a cookie sheet, pour the frosting or ganache over each slice. Place in the fridge for about 30 minutes to set the frosting.
Then top each slice with your favourite toppings and serve.
Different toppings to use
This Italian cake is firmer than most and it is exactly what you need for a cake on a stick. I like to use a ganache type frosting for this cake, a creamy buttermilk or cream cheese frosting seems a bit much, although using it to decorate around the outside of cake would be very cute.
For my kids I would usually use a Hazelnut Cream (Nutella), which I thinned out to make it extra pourable. You can do that with either the microwave or bain marie.
Another idea is to use a simple chocolate ganache or heat up a can of store-bought frosting the same way as the Nutella. I don’t usually promote canned frostings, but in this case it works really well.
You could finish the decorating with chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, shredded coconut, sprinkles, whipped cream and even a drizzle of caramel. The choice is yours or let your kids decide.
I made this cake after a few years, and they let me know how much they still loved this Vanilla Cake on a Stick and how fun it was to eat it again. And right about now I think we all need something sweet to enjoy. Stay safe! Enjoy!
Vanilla Cake on a Stick
Ingredients
FOR THE VANILLA CAKE
- 1/2 cup milk (120 grams)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (100 grams)
- 3/4 cup + 1 tablespoon sugar (162 grams)
- 1 1/4 cups flour (163 grams)
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
NUTELLA / FROSTING
- 1 cup Nutella (250 grams)
- 1-1½ cups homemade or store bought frosting
- 2-3 tablespoons chopped nuts, sprinkles, shredded coconut, chocolate chips etc
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 350° (180° celsius), lightly grease and flour an 8 " (20 centimeter) cake pan.
FOR THE CAKE
- In a medium bowl on medium speed, beat together for approximately 2 minutes, the milk, oil, sugar, flour, and eggs then add baking powder and vanilla beat again until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Bake for approximately 30-35 minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick. Remove from the oven and let cool completely. When cool place the cake on a wire rack.
- Cut the completely cooled cake into 8 equal slices (triangles), then cut a small slit in each triangle with a sharp knife, then push a popsicle stick gently into each slit.
- Place the cake on the rack over a cookie sheet, pour the frosting or ganache over each slice. Place in the fridge for about 30 minutes to set the frosting. Remove from the fridge and garnish each slice with your choice of toppings before serving. Enjoy!
NUTELLA / FROSTING
- In a small bowl add the Nutella or Frosting and place over a small pot of boiling water, stir until Nutella reaches an easy to pour constituency, but not too loose. You can also use the microwave, warm the Nutella or Frosting in the microwave at 10 second intervals, stirring between intervals continue until smooth and pourable.
Nutrition
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So you use the Nutella and the can of frosting or use 1 or the other. Thanks!
Hi Julie, I corrected it it should be 1 cup rather than can. But you can use any frosting you like. Store bought or homemade or even Nutella. Hope that helps. Take care!
Hi Rosemary 🙂
I want to make these cute cake Roseau for an event tomorrow so I was wondering if I make them today if they will still taste fresh tomorrow ? Also the icing is just melted Nutella or some boxes icing?
Hopefully I get an answer fast enough to still make these today.
Hi Chantal, I would say yes it would be still fine for tomorrow, cover it well but don’t refrigerate. Yes the icing is either melted Nutella or canned frosting whichever you prefer. You might want to make the cake today and ice it tomorrow. Let me know how it goes. Take care!
Hahaha I have no idea what the word Roseau is doing in my post. Good thing you understood! Thanks so much for answering so fast!!! The cake is presently in the oven and I will take your advice to frost it tomorrow.
Hi Chantal, haha thanks, let me know how it goes. Take care!
It doesn’t look like the cake is frosted on the cut sides other than a few drips. won’t the cake dry out quickly? or is there a way to completely frost the whole thing?
Hi Nancy, it really didn’t last long enough to dry out in my house, but if you cover it well with plastic wrap or store in an air tight container it should be fine for a couple of days. Or you could spread the sides of the cake with glaze using a spatula knife to spread it. Hope that helps.
Love this idea!! Thank you so much for linking up at Tasty Tuesday! This post has been pinned on the Tasty Tuesday Pinterest board! I love having you and can’t wait to see you next week!
What a fun idea, totally pinning! Have a great week 🙂
Hi Jess, thanks very much, have a great week you too!
cake on a stick – genius! there are adults in our fam that would probably enjoy this more than the kids!! and that nutella ganache has me drooling!! pinning & sharing! 🙂
Thanks so much, I must say the adults enjoyed it too!
I’m almost 30 and would unashamedly eat this cake. All. the. time. Pinning!
Hi Meaghan thanks I totally understand, can never get enough cake!
OMG!! How yummy is that!! Have to save this and make it soon!! Looks awesome
Hi Olympia, thanks hope you enjoy it!
These are so cute — such a creative idea! The cake sounds delicious 🙂
Wow, this is such a great idea! Definitely gonna try them!
Hi Dennis, thanks hope you like it, let me know.
Ahh!! This is a variation of the cake pops that I see at Starbucks all the time. Would be great to make for the grandsons — thank you for sharing. Happy Sunday.
Hi Marisa, good to know, next time I go to Toronto I will definitely check out Starbucks! Have a great Sunday!