Elegant Vanilla Bean Celebration Cake

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This Elegant Vanilla Bean Celebration Cake embodies the essence of celebration with its luxurious vanilla flavor extracted directly from fresh vanilla beans. The soft, moist layers are enriched with pure vanilla extract and fine butter, creating a texture that melts in your mouth.

Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or a special gathering, this cake stands out not just for its classic beauty but also for its rich, inviting flavor. Its elegant presentation is sure to draw admiration, making any occasion memorable with its exquisite taste and sophisticated appearance.

Elegant Vanilla Bean Celebration Cake

Decadent Vanilla Bean Gala Torte

Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • Seeds scraped from 2 vanilla beans
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and vanilla bean seeds.
  3. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk, starting and ending with flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
  4. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
  5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes Kcal: 425 kcal per serving | Servings: 12 servings

Notes

  1. Vanilla Bean Quality: Use high-quality vanilla beans for the best flavor. The potency of vanilla can significantly impact the taste of your cake.
  2. Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
  3. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that all your ingredients, particularly butter and eggs, are at room temperature to achieve a smoother batter.
  4. Cake Cooling: Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.

FAQs

  1. Can I use vanilla extract instead of vanilla beans?
    • Yes, you can substitute the vanilla beans with an additional tablespoon of high-quality pure vanilla extract.
  2. How do I ensure my cake is moist?
    • Do not overbake the cake. Check it a few minutes before the end of the suggested baking time. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.
    • Make sure your ingredients, especially butter and eggs, are at room temperature.
  3. Can this cake be made ahead of time?
    • It is possible to bake the cake layers ahead of time and store them at room temperature for two days or freeze them for up to a month. Wrap them well in plastic wrap to keep them moist.
  4. What kind of frosting would you recommend for this cake?
    • A classic vanilla buttercream or cream cheese frosting works beautifully with this cake. For a lighter option, a whipped cream frosting flavored with vanilla can also be delightful.
  5. Can I add fillings between the layers?
    • Absolutely! Raspberry or strawberry preserves, lemon curd, or a thin layer of chocolate ganache can add a delightful contrast to the vanilla flavor.

These notes and FAQs should help you achieve the best results with your Elegant Vanilla Bean Celebration Cake and address common concerns that might arise during baking.

Vanilla Buttercream Frosting Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups (480 grams) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • Seeds from 1 vanilla bean (optional, for extra flavor)
  • 2-4 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
  • Pinch of salt

Directions:

  1. Cream the Butter: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter on medium speed until it is smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes.
  2. Add Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low initially to incorporate the sugar with the butter and then increasing to medium speed. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
  3. Incorporate Vanilla and Cream: Once all the sugar has been added, stir in the vanilla extract and the seeds from the vanilla bean (if using). Add the heavy cream (or milk) one tablespoon at a time, beating on medium to high speed until you reach your desired consistency. The more cream you add, the softer and more spreadable the frosting will be.
  4. Add Salt and Final Mix: Add a pinch of salt (this helps to cut the sweetness and enhance the flavors) and beat on high for another minute to incorporate air into the frosting, which makes it light and fluffy.

Tips for Use:

  • Ensure your cake layers are completely cool before applying the frosting to prevent it from melting.
  • If the frosting is too stiff, add more cream a little at a time. If it’s too soft, add a little more powdered sugar to firm it up.
  • This frosting can be colored with food coloring if desired. Gel food coloring is best as it won’t alter the consistency.

This vanilla buttercream frosting is creamy, buttery, and richly flavored, making it an ideal complement to the subtle sweetness and flavor of the vanilla bean in your celebration cake.

 

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