Vanilla is the spice for both love and comfort. It brings a soothing quality to your dish and radiates peace. It’s good for when you are feeling down but it’s also good for a lover or potential lover. Soothe your soul or your soulmate with this amazing cake. Put your love energy into this food and watch it return love to you tenfold.
For the Cake:
– 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks)
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste (or 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract)
– 1 cup whole milk
For the Vanilla Bean Frosting:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks)
– 4-5 cups powdered sugar, sifted
– 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste (or 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract)
– 2-4 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (adjust for desired consistency)
– A pinch of salt
1. Prepare the Cake:
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper for easier removal.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
– In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
– In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
– Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla bean paste and mix until combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
– Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Bake the Cakes:
– Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool the Cakes:
– Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
8. Prepare the Frosting:
– In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until combined. Add the vanilla bean paste and a pinch of salt. Mix well.
– Slowly add in the heavy cream or milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired frosting consistency. Beat on high speed for about 2 minutes until fluffy.
9. Assemble the Cake:
– Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
10. Decorate and Serve:
– Optionally, decorate with additional vanilla beans, sprinkles, or fresh fruit. Slice and serve your delicious vanilla bean cake!
– For an extra burst of vanilla flavor, you can add vanilla seeds scraped from a whole vanilla bean to the cake batter or frosting.
– This cake can be stored at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
