Vanilla Bean Birthday Cake
A classic Vanilla Bean Birthday Cake with a rich vanilla flavor, perfect for any celebration.
Equipment
- 1 9-inch round cake pan greased and floured
- 1 electric mixer
- 1 Mixing Bowl large
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 vanilla beans seeds scraped
Vanilla Bean Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 4 cups confectioners' sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 vanilla bean seeds scraped
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla bean seeds.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Frosting
- In a large bowl, beat the butter until smooth. Gradually add confectioners' sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla bean seeds, beating until light and fluffy.
Assembly
- Allow cakes to cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, spread a layer of frosting on the top of one cake layer, place the second layer on top, and frost the top and sides.
- Slice and serve the cake at room temperature. Perfect for birthdays or any celebration.
- Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Notes
Pro Tips: Use high-quality vanilla beans for the best flavor. Allow the cake to rest overnight for enhanced taste. Ingredient Substitutions: Substitute vanilla bean paste if whole beans are unavailable. How to Serve: Best served at room temperature with a cup of tea or coffee. Storage & Freshness: Store in an airtight container to retain moisture. Make-Ahead Tips: Bake and freeze the cake layers in advance for easy assembly later.