Vanilla Bean Cake

Vanilla Bean Cake
Prep Time: 25 mins Cook Time: 30 mins Total Time: 55 mins Serves: 12

A delicate and elegant vanilla bean cake with silky smooth buttercream frosting, perfect for any special occasion.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 3 cups cake flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 vanilla beans, split and scraped
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 1/4 cups whole milk, room temperature

For the Vanilla Buttercream:

  • 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
  • 6 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Fresh berries for decoration (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 5 minutes).
  4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  5. Stir in vanilla bean seeds and vanilla extract.
  6. Gradually add flour mixture alternating with milk, beginning and ending with flour mixture.
  7. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  9. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then remove and cool completely on wire racks.

For the Buttercream:

  1. Beat butter until creamy and light (about 5 minutes).
  2. Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with cream.
  3. Add vanilla extract and salt.
  4. Beat until light and fluffy (about 5 minutes).
  5. Frost the cooled cake and decorate with fresh berries if desired.

Tips

  • Use room temperature ingredients for the best texture.
  • Don't overmix the batter once you add the flour to avoid a tough cake.
  • For extra flavor, you can add a vanilla bean to your sugar and let it sit for 24 hours before using.