Suzy Q Cake Recipes - How to Make Classic and Fun Flavor Twists

Delicious Recipes for Making Suzy Q Cakes from Scratch

Suzy Q cakes are a classic homemade treat. These mini snack cakes have a soft and tender vanilla cake coated in a thin layer of chocolate or white cake frosting. Suzy Q's are easy to make, delicious, and fun for the whole family. Read on for several recipes to bake picture-perfect Suzy Q cakes at home.

What are Suzy Q Cakes?

Suzy Q cakes, sometimes spelled Suzie Q, are an old-fashioned American snack cake. They consist of a mini genoise sponge cake that has been sliced horizontally and filled with a lightly sweetened whipped cream or buttercream frosting. The little cakes are then dipped or frosted with a thin layer of chocolate or white cake coating.

Suzy Q's are small, individual snack cakes, averaging about 2 inches across and 2 inches high. Their petite size makes them perfect for lunchboxes, bake sales, or an after school snack. The soft, airy vanilla cake combined with the light frosting and hint of chocolate makes Suzy Q's a tasty treat kids and adults alike will love.

History of Suzy Q Cakes

The origins of Suzy Q cakes trace back to Southern California in the 1950s. A bakery in Los Angeles began producing the mini snack cakes under the brand name Weber's. As their popularity grew, various bakeries throughout California started creating their own versions. Suzy Q's became a classic bake sale and school lunch treat across the West Coast.

The name Suzy Q likely comes from the 1950's song "Susie Q" by Dale Hawkins. Alternatively, some attribute it to the slang term "suzy" meaning sister. Today, Suzy Q cakes are baked across the country in bakeries and home kitchens, retaining their retro charm.

Key Steps for Making Suzy Q Cakes

Recreating this bakery classic at home is simple with the right techniques. Follow these key steps for perfect Suzy Q cakes every time:

• Bake a sheet cake of fluffy vanilla genoise sponge cake from scratch or use a cake mix.
• Let the cake cool completely before assembling.
• Cut the cake horizontally into two thin layers using a long serrated knife.
• Whip up frosting, either buttercream or sweetened whipped cream.
• Spread frosting evenly over the bottom layer of cake.
• Place the top layer of cake over the frosting.
• Cut the cake into 1-2 inch wide strips, then cut each strip into individual cake rectangles.
• Dip or frost the mini cakes with chocolate or white cake coating.
• Let coating set before serving or storing.

Genoise Sponge Cake Baking Tips

A light and airy genoise sponge cake is key for making tender, soft Suzy Q's. Here are some tips for perfect genoise cake:

• Make sure eggs and butter are at room temperature before mixing.
• Beat egg yolks until thick and pale yellow.
• Whip egg whites into stiff, glossy peaks.
• Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the batter.
• Bake in a jelly roll pan for thin, even layers.
• Don't overmix once flour is added or cake will be dense.

Frosting Options

Suzy Q cakes are filled with a light, fluffy frosting that complements the cake without overpowering it. Whipped cream or buttercream frostings are traditional choices. Here are some easy frosting recipes to try:

Sweetened Whipped Cream

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 12 teaspoon vanilla extract

Whip ingredients together until stiff peaks form. Pipe or spread onto cake.

Vanilla Buttercream

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 2-4 tablespoons milk or cream

Cream butter until smooth then beat in powdered sugar. Mix in vanilla, salt and enough milk for desired consistency.

Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 12 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Beat cream cheese and butter until creamy. Gradually beat in powdered sugar and vanilla.

Coating Options

For the signature coating, you can use chocolate or white cake and candy coating products. Popular options include:

• Candy melts
• Almond bark coating
• Ghirardelli chocolate coating wafers
• White chocolate colored coating wafers

Melt coating according to package directions. You can use a dipping method or spoon coating over each mini cake. Let set before serving Suzy Q's.

Recipe #1: Classic Chocolate Suzy Qs

These traditional chocolate Suzy Q cakes are sure to be a hit:

Ingredients

• 1 box white or yellow cake mix
• Ingredients called for on cake mix box
• 1 batch vanilla buttercream frosting
• 12 ounces chocolate coating wafers
• Sprinkles for decorating (optional)

Directions

1. Prepare and bake cake according to package directions in a jelly roll pan. Cool completely.
2. Cut cake horizontally into two layers using a long serrated knife.
3. Spread buttercream frosting evenly over bottom layer. Top with second cake layer.
4. Cut cake into strips, then cut strips into 1-2 inch wide rectangular pieces.
5. Melt chocolate coating wafers. Dip each cake completely to coat.
6. Decorate with sprinkles if desired. Let chocolate set before serving.

Recipe #2: Birthday Cake Suzy Qs

For a fun birthday treat, try this cake mix recipe with colorful sprinkles:

Ingredients

• 1 box white cake mix
• Ingredients called for on cake mix box
• 1 batch whipped cream frosting
• 12 ounces white chocolate coating wafers
• Rainbow sprinkles for decorating

Directions

1. Make and bake white cake according to package directions. Let cool fully.
2. Cut cake into two even layers. Spread whipped cream frosting on bottom layer.
3. Top with second cake layer and press down gently.
4. Cut cake into 1-2 inch wide strips, then cut strips into squares.
5. Melt white chocolate coating wafers. Dip each mini cake to coat.
6. Immediately cover each Suzy Q in rainbow sprinkles. Let chocolate set before serving.

Recipe #3: Pumpkin Spice Suzy Qs

For a fall twist, make these pumpkin spice Suzy Qs:

Ingredients

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.