Classic Vanilla Bean Cake
Every once in a while, a recipe comes along that transcends the boundaries of culinary trends and seasonal flavors, becoming a timeless classic in every baker's repertoire. The Classic Vanilla Bean Cake is one such marvel, a testament to the beauty of simplicity in baking. This cake does not rely on extravagant ingredients or complicated techniques; instead, it shines through its understated elegance and depth of flavor, making it a cherished favorite for celebrations and cozy gatherings alike.
The journey of creating this cake is as delightful as the cake itself. It begins with the selection of the finest vanilla beans, their fragrant pods harboring the secret to the cake's intoxicating aroma. The process of infusing the cake batter with the seeds scraped from these vanilla pods is akin to weaving a tapestry of flavor, each strand contributing to a masterpiece.
Historically, vanilla has been prized for its aromatic qualities, a luxury once reserved for the tables of royalty and the elite. The Classic Vanilla Bean Cake pays homage to this rich history, bringing the luxurious essence of vanilla into our homes and hearts. Its versatility is unmatched, serving as a perfect canvas for a variety of frostings and fillings, from rich chocolate ganache to tangy fruit compotes.
What sets this cake apart is not just its flavor, but its texture. Achieving the perfect tender crumb requires a balance of ingredients and a gentle hand, making the baking process a true labor of love. The result is a cake so soft and moist, it seems to melt in your mouth, leaving behind the lingering sweetness of vanilla.
In this post, we delve into the nuances of baking the perfect Classic Vanilla Bean Cake, from selecting the best ingredients to mastering the techniques that ensure its flawless texture. Join me as we celebrate the joy of baking, one vanilla bean at a time.
✅ Quick Tips: Read the recipe in its entirety before you start cooking. This will help you understand the ingredients, steps, and timing involved, and allow you to prepare any necessary equipment or ingredients beforehand.
- 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cup of granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 3 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of whole milk
- seeds of 2 vanilla beans
- 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter, softened
- 4.5 cups of powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract (or seeds from 1 vanilla bean)
- 3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
- pinch of salt (OPTIONAL)
Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
Beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla bean seeds and extract.
Mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to wet ingredients alternately with milk.
Divide batter between pans. Bake for 35 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes in pans, then completely on wire racks.
Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then vanilla and milk to reach desired consistency.
Once cooled, frost the cake with Vanilla Buttercream, between layers and on the top and sides.
- Enjoy!
Serving Size 1
Servings 12
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 340kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 14g22%
- Saturated Fat 8g40%
- Cholesterol 120mg40%
- Sodium 210mg9%
- Total Carbohydrate 49g17%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 30g
- Protein 5g10%
- Calcium 60 mg
- Iron 1.8 mg
- Unsaturated Fat 6g
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
For an intense vanilla flavor, infuse the milk with vanilla bean pods by heating gently, then cooling.
Ensure ingredients, especially butter and eggs, are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
When creaming butter and sugar, beat them until the mixture is pale and fluffy for the best texture.
Decorate with fresh berries or edible flowers for a beautiful finish.
