Traditional Mexican Vanilla Cake

Mexican Vanilla Cake is a celebration of rich, authentic flavors, showcasing the elegance of real Mexican vanilla and a hint of warm nutmeg.

It represents a blend of tradition and indulgence, creating a cake that feels both comforting and luxurious. Preparing this cake for loved ones who savor thoughtful, handcrafted desserts brings a deep sense of joy.

The process of mixing the batter, watching it rise in the oven, and whipping the creamy frosting transforms the kitchen into a place of warmth and togetherness.

Sharing this cake creates moments filled with laughter, connection, and pure delight. This experience is as sweet as the cake itself.

In this post, I’ll walk you through every step of making this simple yet flavorful cake, from gathering the ingredients to pulling the perfectly golden dessert out of the oven. Let’s dive in!

What Makes Mexican Vanilla Cake Special?

Mexican vanilla, unlike traditional vanilla extract, has a smoother and richer flavor, thanks to the beans grown in Mexico.

It gives the cake an indulgent sweetness and depth of flavor that you won’t get from regular vanilla. This cake is perfect for pairing with rich chocolate frostings, fresh fruit, or even a dollop of whipped cream.

If you’ve never used Mexican vanilla in your baking before, you are in for a treat. Let’s dive into the recipe and make this mouthwatering cake!

How To Prepare Mexican Vanilla Cake?

Recipe Overview

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 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
• 2 x 9-inch round cake pans
• Cooling rack
• Sifter or fine mesh sieve
• Oven

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 3 1/4 cups cake flour (sifted)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 6 large eggs
• 2 large egg whites
• 1 1/2 cups buttermilk (room temperature)
• 2 tablespoons Mexican vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 4 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 3 teaspoons Mexican vanilla extract

How to Make the Mexican Vanilla Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, sift together the cake flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Using an electric mixer, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3–5 minutes). Add the eggs and egg whites one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add the Mexican vanilla extract to the butter-egg mixture. Alternate adding the flour mixture and buttermilk in batches, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined; do not overmix.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 28–32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.

Step 6: Prepare and Apply the Frosting

Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until fluffy. Stir in the Mexican vanilla extract. Once the cakes are fully cooled, frost with cream cheese icing. Decorate as desired.

Tips For A Perfect Mexican Vanilla Cake

1. Room temperature ingredients: Make sure the butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for the best results. This will help them mix together more smoothly and create a fluffier cake.

2. Do not overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix only until everything is incorporated.

3. Use quality Mexican vanilla extract: The key to a truly authentic Mexican Vanilla Cake is the flavor of Mexican vanilla extract. Opt for the best quality you can find for a rich, fragrant flavor.

4. Make-ahead: The cake layers can be baked in advance and stored at room temperature for a day or frozen for up to a month.

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.

Amazing Serving Ideas For Mexican Vanilla Cake

Serve this Mexican Vanilla Cake warm with a drizzle of spiced chocolate ganache for a rich, indulgent finish. Add a side of candied pecans or crushed cinnamon cookies for a delightful crunch.

You can also create a layered dessert by cutting the cake into cubes and assembling it in parfait glasses with whipped cream and fruit preserves.

For a rustic touch, serve with a spoonful of honey-lime yogurt and a sprinkle of chili-lime zest. It’s a perfect centerpiece for brunches, family gatherings, or special celebrations.

How To Store Leftover Mexican Vanilla Cake

To store leftover Mexican Vanilla Cake, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Keep it at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.

If you’d like to store it longer, place it in the refrigerator for up to a week. For best results, allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving, as refrigeration can sometimes make the frosting firm up.

You can also freeze slices of the cake by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then storing in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2-3 months.

Conclusion

The Mexican Vanilla Cake was a great success, filling the kitchen with irresistible aromas and bringing smiles to everyone who tasted it. The rich flavors and creamy frosting made it unforgettable.

I hope you try making this cake soon and enjoy the wonderful experience of baking and sharing it with those you care about. It’s truly a dessert that creates happy memories and delicious moments.

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