On my second time making the Vanilla Bean Cake Recipe, it tastes even more delicious than the first! The richness of the vanilla is perfectly balanced with a soft, moist texture.
Each bite feels like a luxurious treat, with the natural vanilla beans giving it a deep, fragrant flavor. It’s slightly sweet with a melt-in-your-mouth quality that makes it irresistible.
A Vanilla Bean Cake Recipe tastes incredibly rich, light, and aromatic, with a subtle sweetness from the vanilla beans.
The flavor is warm, creamy, and slightly floral, with hints of natural vanilla that linger on the palate. It’s often made with a tender, moist crumb and a buttery texture.
Those who enjoy it often say, “This is so soft and flavorful!” or “I can taste the real vanilla!” It’s a hit among cake lovers, making it perfect for gatherings and celebrations.
Everyone from kids to adults will rave about its delightful, melt-in-your-mouth taste.
How To Prepare Vanilla Bean Cake Recipe?
Recipe Details
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 vanilla beans, split and seeds scraped (or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Vanilla Bean Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 vanilla beans, split and seeds scraped (or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract)
- 2-4 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- Pinch of salt
The Baking Process Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven
● Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Cake Batter
● In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
● Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
● Mix in the vanilla bean seeds (or vanilla extract).
● In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
● Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
3. Bake the Cakes
● Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
● Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
● Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Make the Vanilla Bean Frosting
● In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
● Add the vanilla bean seeds (or vanilla extract) and salt, and mix until well combined.
● Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
● Add the heavy cream or milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
5. Assemble the Cake
● Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate or cake stand.
● Spread a layer of frosting on top of the first cake layer.
● Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
● Optional: Garnish with additional vanilla bean seeds or sprinkles.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
● Slice the cake and serve it at room temperature.
● Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Nutrition Facts Vanilla Bean Cake Recipe
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Total Fat | 16g |
| Cholesterol | 75mg |
| Sodium | 210mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 41g |
| Sugars | 24g |
| Protein | 5g |
Hot Tips
1. Scraping the seeds from a real vanilla bean gives the cake a richer, more aromatic flavor compared to vanilla extract.
2. Ensure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and a fluffier cake.
3. Stir the batter gently to avoid overworking the flour, which can make the cake dense. Mix until just combined for a light, airy texture.
4. Always ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking for even cooking and the perfect rise.
5. For extra moisture, lightly brush the cake layers with a vanilla-infused simple syrup after baking, especially if you’re making a layered cake.
How Do You Serve
To serve the Vanilla Bean Cake Recipe, slice it into elegant wedges and arrange them on a platter. For a beautiful touch, top each slice with a few fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries.
A light drizzle of honey or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can enhance the cake’s flavor. You can also serve it with a side of lemon curd or a sprinkle of toasted coconut for a unique twist.
This cake pairs wonderfully with a chilled glass of milk or a hot cup of tea, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion.
Best Variations
1. Vanilla Bean Strawberry Shortcake – Layer the Vanilla Bean Cake Recipe with whipped cream and fresh, sliced strawberries for a classic and refreshing twist on the traditional shortcake.
2. Lemon Vanilla Bean Cake – Add a zest of lemon to the batter for a tangy contrast to the sweet vanilla flavor. You can also glaze the cake with a lemon glaze for extra brightness.
3. Chocolate Chip Vanilla Bean Cake – Fold in mini chocolate chips to the batter for a delightful combination of vanilla and chocolate in every bite.
4. Almond Vanilla Bean Cake – Add almond extract to the batter for a nutty undertone that complements the vanilla bean flavor, creating a warm, aromatic twist.
5. Vanilla Bean & Caramel Cake – Drizzle caramel sauce over the cake for a rich, buttery flavor that pairs beautifully with the delicate sweetness of the vanilla bean.
Storage & Make Ahead
To store your Vanilla Bean Cake Recipe, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, you can wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag, storing it in the freezer for up to 2 months.
To make ahead, bake the Vanilla Bean Cake Recipe a day or two before serving and store it at room temperature.
If you need to prepare it even further in advance, freeze the cake layers and assemble with frosting or toppings just before serving. Let the cake come to room temperature before enjoying for the best flavor and texture.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What makes vanilla bean cake different from regular vanilla cake?
Vanilla bean cake is made with real vanilla beans, which impart a richer flavor and a speckled appearance to the cake.
Can I use vanilla extract instead of vanilla beans?
Yes, you can substitute vanilla extract for vanilla beans. Use 2-3 teaspoons of vanilla extract in place of each vanilla bean.
How long will a vanilla bean cake stay fresh?
A vanilla bean cake will stay fresh for 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature, or up to a week when refrigerated.
Can I freeze vanilla bean cake?
Yes, vanilla bean cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.
Can I make vanilla bean cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can make vanilla bean cake gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
What can I use instead of whole milk in vanilla bean cake?
You can use any type of milk or milk alternative, such as almond milk or coconut milk, in place of whole milk.
Conclusion
This vanilla bean cake recipe is a testament to the power of simplicity. With just a few key ingredients and a touch of effort, you can create a dessert that is both elegant and incredibly satisfying.
The real vanilla bean elevates the flavor beyond the ordinary, offering a depth and richness that extract simply cannot replicate.
So, the next time you have a baking itch, ditch the store-bought treats and give this vanilla bean cake recipe a try. I have a feeling you won’t be disappointed.
With its timeless appeal and ease of preparation, this cake is sure to become a treasured recipe in your baking repertoire. Happy baking!
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Vanilla Bean Cake Recipe
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 4 large eggs at room temperature
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 vanilla beans split and seeds scraped (or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Vanilla Bean Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 vanilla beans split and seeds scraped (or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract)
- 2-4 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
Preheat Your Oven
- ● Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
Prepare the Cake Batter
- ● In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- ● Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- ● Mix in the vanilla bean seeds (or vanilla extract).
- ● In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- ● Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Bake the Cakes
- ● Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- ● Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
- ● Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Vanilla Bean Frosting
- ● In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
- ● Add the vanilla bean seeds (or vanilla extract) and salt, and mix until well combined.
- ● Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
- ● Add the heavy cream or milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
Assemble the Cake
- ● Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate or cake stand.
- ● Spread a layer of frosting on top of the first cake layer.
- ● Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
- ● Optional: Garnish with additional vanilla bean seeds or sprinkles.
Serve and Enjoy!
- ● Slice the cake and serve it at room temperature.
- ● Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or in the refrigerator for up to one week.