A Magical Pink-and-Green Treat Inspired by Wicked

These bright pink strawberry loaf cakes are as dramatic as the Emerald City itself. Soft, fluffy, and full of sweet berry flavor, they’re finished with swirls of green vanilla frosting and Wicked-themed sprinkles for a dessert that’s pure stage-worthy fun.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bright pink strawberry cake that looks straight out of Glinda’s bubble.
• Fluffy green vanilla frosting with a smooth, creamy texture.
• Semi-homemade using a box mix for quick, bakery-style results.
• Perfect for Wicked fans, themed parties, or movie nights.
• Topped with Wicked sprinkles for a fun, magical finish.

Ingredient Notes

• Strawberry cake mix: Duncan Hines Strawberry Supreme gives the cake its bold berry flavor and vivid color.
• Sour cream: Adds moisture and richness for that bakery-style texture.
• Pink food coloring: Optional, but makes the cake pop with a Glinda-approved pink hue.
• Heavy cream: Whips into a light, fluffy frosting that pipes beautifully.
• Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and a hint of classic bakery flavor to both cake and frosting.
• Green food coloring: Adds the Emerald City touch that makes this dessert Wicked-themed.
• Wicked sprinkles: Themed, colorful, and pure movie energy.

Before You Bake

Do I need to grease the pans?
If you’re using disposable paper or foil loaf pans, you usually don’t need to grease them. For metal pans, lightly coat them with nonstick spray to ensure easy release.

Can I bake this as cupcakes or a full cake instead?
Yes! Use the same batter for cupcakes or a standard 9×13-inch pan. Just follow the bake time on the cake mix box for your chosen pan size and check for doneness with a toothpick.

How long should the cakes cool before frosting?
Let them cool completely—about 30 to 40 minutes. Frosting too early can cause the buttercream to melt and slide.

Wicked-Inspired Strawberry Loaf Cakes

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• Author: Taryn Camp

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 box Duncan Hines Strawberry Supreme Cake Mix
• 4 large eggs
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• ½ cup whole milk
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A few drops of pink food coloring (optional for extra color)
• 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
• 3½ cups powdered sugar
• 4–6 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Green food coloring
• Wicked-themed sprinkles
• Green narrow disposable baking pans

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place your green baking pans on a flat baking sheet for easy transfer.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cake mix, eggs, oil, milk, sour cream, vanilla, and optional food coloring until smooth. Beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes, until light and fluffy.
3. Pour the batter evenly into the pans and bake according to the cupcake time listed on the box, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely before frosting.
4. To make the frosting, beat the softened butter until creamy. Add half of the powdered sugar and mix well. Add the remaining sugar, heavy cream, vanilla, and green food coloring. Beat until fluffy and smooth.
5. Transfer frosting to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe generous swirls down the center of each cooled cake and top with Wicked-themed sprinkles.

FAQ

Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Absolutely. Vanilla or lemon cake mix both work well and still keep the bright Wicked-inspired look when tinted pink.

How do I get a vivid green frosting color?
Start with a few drops of gel food coloring and build up slowly. Gel formulas give you richer color without thinning the frosting.

Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it up to two days ahead. Store it covered in the fridge and bring it to room temperature before piping.

What if I don’t have a piping bag?
You can spoon or spread the frosting down the center of each loaf for a more casual look—it’ll still taste amazing.

How should I store these cakes?
Keep them covered at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerated for up to five. Bring to room temp before serving for the best texture.

Sprinkle of Fun

Get ready for Wicked for Good with a pre-viewing party! Bake these pink-and-green loaf cakes, pour shimmering green mocktails, and watch a few Wicked trailers on YouTube while you snack. It’s the perfect way to channel your inner Glinda or Elphaba before the big movie moment.