Traditional Mexican Vanilla Cake

Mexican Vanilla Cake is a tender, flavorful dessert known for its rich, aromatic vanilla extracted from traditional Mexican beans. This cake celebrates authentic flavors and the joy of creating something delightful from scratch.

The purpose of making this cake is to share the experience of authentic Mexican flavors with family, friends, or guests who appreciate thoughtful, homemade desserts.

The recipe that follows explains how to prepare this cake easily, along with serving ideas, helpful tips, health notes, storage instructions, and answers to common questions about baking it.

About This Mexican Vanilla Cake

Mexican Vanilla Cake has a delicate, moist texture with a sweet, buttery flavor enhanced by the deep, aromatic richness of pure Mexican vanilla.

The taste is warm and inviting, lightly sweetened with sugar, and balanced by a subtle hint of salt. Softened butter and a combination of cake flour and all-purpose flour create a tender crumb, while eggs provide structure and lift.

Baking powder and baking soda ensure a light, airy rise. Each ingredient contributes to a harmonious, flavorful cake that melts in the mouth and leaves a lingering, comforting vanilla aroma.

Mexican Vanilla Cake
Mexican Vanilla Cake

How To Prepare Mexican Vanilla Cake?

Recipe Overview

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Mexican

Calories: 290

Yield: 12 servings

Kitchen Utensils Needed

  • Electric mixer or stand mixer
  • Mixing bowls (medium and large)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Rubber spatula
  • 9-inch round cake pans
  • Cooling rack
  • Sifter or fine mesh sieve
  • Oven

Ingredients

  • 2 large egg whites
  • 1 whole egg
  • 2 cups cake flour
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup softened butter
  • 3 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 1/2 cups sugar
  • 1 tablespoon pure Mexican vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons salt

How to Make the Mexican Vanilla Cake

Step 1: Heat Oven and Prep Pans

Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans, sprinkle a little flour on top, or line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, sift together the cake flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Keep this mixture aside for later.

Step 3: Beat Butter and Sugar

Place softened butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Beat them together until the texture becomes light and airy, around 3 to 4 minutes.

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla

Add the whole egg and the egg whites one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the Mexican vanilla until fully blended.

Step 5: Fold in Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture using a spatula or mixer on low speed. Mix gently until the batter just comes together.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then move them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes: Using cake flour gives the cake a softer, lighter texture. Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing. Pure Mexican vanilla adds a rich, authentic flavor don’t substitute with imitation vanilla.

Nutrition Facts Of Mexican Vanilla Cake

Nutrition Amount
Calories420 kcal
Carbohydrates55 g
Protein5 g
Fat18 g
Saturated Fat11 g
Cholesterol75 mg
Sodium350 mg

Why We Love This Recipe

This Mexican Vanilla Cake recipe is loved for its rich, aromatic flavor and tender, moist texture that feels comforting and indulgent.

The pure Mexican vanilla gives the cake a warm, complex sweetness that stands out from ordinary desserts. The balance of butter, sugar, and carefully measured flours creates a light, fluffy structure while remaining soft and delicate.

It holds up well to frosting, fresh fruit, or a dusting of sugar, making it versatile for different occasions. The timeless taste and inviting aroma make it a favorite for sharing and enjoying.

Serving Suggestions

Mexican Vanilla Cake can be served warm or at room temperature for a soft, comforting experience. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a subtle sweetness and a touch of elegance.

It can accompany coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, making it ideal for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat. Slices can be stacked on a platter for gatherings, allowing everyone to enjoy the delicate texture and rich vanilla flavor.

Simple and versatile, it complements any casual or festive setting while highlighting the authentic taste of Mexican vanilla.

Health Notes

Mexican Vanilla Cake provides energy from carbohydrates and healthy fats from butter, while eggs contribute protein and essential nutrients.

Using real Mexican vanilla avoids artificial additives, offering a more natural flavor. Although it contains sugar and butter, enjoying moderate portions can fit into a balanced diet.

The cake does not contain preservatives or processed ingredients, making it a homemade alternative to store-bought desserts.

For those seeking lighter options, substitutions such as whole wheat flour, reduced sugar, or plant-based butter can slightly lower calories while retaining flavor.

Helpful Tips

1. Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature before mixing to achieve a smooth, creamy batter.

2. Sift the flours, baking powder, and baking soda to prevent lumps and create a light, airy texture.

3. Measure ingredients accurately using proper cups and spoons to maintain the right balance of sweetness and structure.

4. Fold the dry ingredients gently into the wet mixture to avoid over mixing, which can make the cake dense.

5. Preheat the oven fully and avoid opening the door during baking to ensure even rising.

6. Allow the cake to cool in the pan briefly before transferring to a wire rack to prevent it from breaking.

Mexican Vanilla Better Than Regular Vanilla?

Mexican vanilla is often considered superior to regular vanilla due to its rich, complex flavor profile. It is made from vanilla beans grown in Mexico, where the unique climate and soil conditions contribute to a deeper, smoother taste.

Mexican vanilla often contains coumarin, a compound that enhances its sweetness and creates a more robust, aromatic flavor.

Storage Instructions

Mexican Vanilla Cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days if kept in an airtight container to maintain moisture and softness.

For longer storage, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To freeze, wrap the cake in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container; it will keep for up to 2 months.

Thaw frozen cake at room temperature before serving, and avoid reheating in the microwave for long periods to prevent dryness.

Conclusion

This Mexican Vanilla Cake is a delightful and wholesome dessert that brings joy to everyone who tastes it. Its tender texture, rich buttery flavor, and fragrant vanilla make it a treat that is both satisfying and memorable.

I prepare this Mexican Vanilla Cake for special occasions and casual gatherings alike, and every time I make it, the process and the result bring happiness.

Sharing it has become a personal joy, and I hope this Mexican Vanilla Cake inspires you to try it yourself. Making and enjoying this cake promises a comforting, flavorful experience for all.

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Mexican Vanilla Cake

Mexican Vanilla Cake

Lipia
Mexican Vanilla Cake has a delicate, moist texture with a sweet,  buttery flavor enhanced by the deep, aromatic richness of pure Mexican vanilla.
The taste is warm and inviting, lightly sweetened with sugar, and balanced by a subtle hint of salt. Softened butter and a combination of cake flour and all-purpose flour create a tender crumb, while eggs provide structure and lift.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 12 servings
Calories 420 kcal

Equipment

  • Electric mixer or stand mixer
  • Mixing bowls (medium and large)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Rubber spatula
  • 9-inch round cake pans
  • Cooling rack
  • Sifter or fine mesh sieve
  • Oven

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large egg whites
  • 1 whole egg
  • 2 cups cake flour
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup softened butter
  • 3 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 1/2 cups sugar
  • 1 tablespoon pure Mexican vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons salt

Instructions
 

Step 1: Heat Oven and Prep Pans

  • Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans, sprinkle a little flour on top, or line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

  • In a medium bowl, sift together the cake flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Keep this mixture aside for later.

Step 3: Beat Butter and Sugar

  • Place softened butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Beat them together until the texture becomes light and airy, around 3 to 4 minutes.

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla

  • Add the whole egg and the egg whites one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the Mexican vanilla until fully blended.

Step 5: Fold in Dry Ingredients

  • Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture using a spatula or mixer on low speed. Mix gently until the batter just comes together.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

  • Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then move them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Notes: Using cake flour gives the cake a softer, lighter texture. Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing. Pure Mexican vanilla adds a rich, authentic flavor don’t substitute with imitation vanilla.

Nutrition Facts Of Mexican Vanilla Cake

Calories: 420 kcal | Carbohydrates: 55 g | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 18 g | Saturated Fat: 11 g | Cholesterol: 75 mg | Sodium: 350 mg
Keyword Mexican Vanilla Cake

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