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Creamy Classic Vanilla Bean Layer Cake

creamy classic vanilla bean layer cake - featured image
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A soft, aromatic, and rich vanilla bean layer cake with a luscious cream cheese frosting, perfect for birthdays, casual get-togethers, or lazy afternoons.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (312 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups (400 grams) granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 vanilla bean pod, split and scraped
  • 8 oz (227 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups (480 grams) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans and line bottoms with parchment paper. Set aside.
  2. Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
  3. Using a mixer, beat softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 4-5 minutes.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down bowl as needed.
  5. Split vanilla bean pod lengthwise and scrape seeds into batter along with vanilla extract. Stir gently.
  6. Reduce mixer speed to low. Alternately add dry ingredients and milk in thirds and halves respectively, mixing just until combined.
  7. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  8. Cool cakes in pans for 15 minutes, then turn out onto cooling racks to cool completely before frosting.
  9. Beat cream cheese and softened butter until creamy, about 3 minutes. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating on low until smooth.
  10. Add vanilla extract and heavy cream to frosting to reach desired consistency.
  11. Level cakes if needed. Place one layer on serving plate, spread frosting generously, top with second layer, and frost top and sides.
  12. Chill cake for 30 minutes before slicing for best results.

Notes

Use real vanilla beans for best flavor. Bring eggs, butter, and milk to room temperature before mixing. Do not overmix after adding flour to keep cake tender. Cool cakes completely before frosting to prevent melting. Chill frosting if too soft and whip again before spreading. Line pans with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

Nutrition

Keywords: vanilla bean cake, classic vanilla cake, layer cake, cream cheese frosting, easy vanilla cake recipe, homemade cake

Find it online: https://zorbmeal.com/creamy-classic-vanilla-bean-layer-cake-recipe-easy-step-by-step-guide/