Introduction to Vanilla Bean Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
The Allure of Homemade Desserts
There’s something undeniably magical about homemade desserts. They carry a warmth and nostalgia that store-bought options often lack. Picture it: fresh ingredients coming together, filling your kitchen with delightful aromas that beckon friends and family to gather around. Among the crown jewels of backyard barbecues and cozy celebrations stands the Vanilla Bean Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting—a fluffy delight that captivates the senses.
Made with the richness of real vanilla bean paste and layered with a frosting bursting with fresh strawberries, this cake is perfect for a date night, anniversary, or any special occasion. Did you know that vanilla is the second most expensive spice in the world? Its exquisite complexity brings a depth to desserts that few other flavors can match. Likewise, strawberries are packed with antioxidants and vitamins, making this cake not just a treat but also a delightful way to indulge while still feeling a smidge virtuous.
Crafting this delightful cake may take a bit of time, but trust me—it’s worth every minute. So, whether you’re a seasoned baker or a curious newbie, this recipe will guide you in creating a dessert that’s as gorgeous as it is delicious. Get ready to impress yourself and those you share it with!
Ingredients for Vanilla Bean Cake
Creating a Vanilla Bean Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting is both rewarding and delicious! Here are the essential ingredients you'll need for each component.
Essential ingredients for the cake
For the fluffy vanilla bean cake, grab the following:
- 1 ¾ cup all-purpose flour: You can substitute with cake flour for an even lighter texture.
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large egg whites: Using room temperature egg whites helps create a better rise.
- 3 teaspoon Rodelle vanilla bean paste: This is a game-changer for a rich vanilla flavor—it's worth seeking out!
- ½ cup sour cream: Full fat and at room temperature.
- ½ cup milk: Whole milk works wonderfully here too.
Ingredients for the frosting
Now, let's whip up that luscious strawberry cream cheese frosting!
- 8 oz cream cheese: Full fat and at room temperature for easier blending.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, also at room temperature.
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar: Add gradually until you reach your desired sweetness and consistency.
- ¼ cup pureed, fresh strawberries: About 15 medium strawberries should do the trick!
Ready to bake?
With these ingredients on hand, you're set to create a delightful cake that’s perfect for any occasion, from Valentine’s Day to a cozy gathering with friends. Enjoy the baking experience!
Preparing Vanilla Bean Cake
Baking a delicious Vanilla Bean Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting is an exciting and rewarding experience! With just a few steps, you’ll be on your way to creating a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Let’s dive into the process!
Gather Your Ingredients
Before you start, it’s essential to gather all your ingredients. For the cake, you’ll need:
- 1 ¾ cup all-purpose flour (or cake flour for a lighter texture)
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large egg whites (room temperature)
- 3 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
- ½ cup sour cream (room temperature)
- ½ cup milk (whole, room temperature)
Having everything ready will make the baking process smoother. It’s like assembling your toolkit before tackling a project!
Prepare Your Cake Pans
To ensure that your cake comes out beautifully, preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare three 6-inch round cake pans. Grease them with butter or cooking spray, then line the bottoms with parchment paper. Not only does this help prevent sticking, but it also allows for a clean release, which is especially important for that stunning layer cake look!
Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step helps combine the leavening agents evenly, ensuring a consistent rise in your Vanilla Bean Cake.
Cream the Butter and Sugar
Using a stand mixer or handheld mixer, cream the softened butter on high speed for about a minute until it’s light and fluffy. Add in the granulated sugar gradually, mixing for another two minutes. This is where the magic begins; the mixture should become creamy and airy, setting the foundation for a moist cake.
Combine Wet Ingredients
In the same bowl, add the egg whites and the aromatic vanilla bean paste. Beat on medium-high speed until combined, then add the room-temperature sour cream. This creamy mixture contributes to the cake's rich flavor and texture.
Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, it’s time to bring everything together. Reduce your mixer’s speed to low and slowly incorporate the dry ingredients. After they’re just combined, pour in the milk while mixing gently. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense cake.
Bake the Cakes
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared cake pans. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing during this step!
Cool the Cakes
Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them onto a wire rack. Cooling is crucial—this step prevents the cake from crumbling when you frost it later.
Make the Frosting
While your cakes cool, it’s the perfect time to whip up your strawberry cream cheese frosting. Mix cream cheese and butter until fluffy and add in the strawberry puree for that refreshing flavor. Adjust the powdered sugar to your desired consistency.
And voilà! You now have a delightful Vanilla Bean Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting ready to be assembled. Enjoy your baking adventure and don’t forget to share the joy with loved ones!
Variations on Vanilla Bean Cake
Different Frosting Options
While the Vanilla Bean Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting is simply divine, there are plenty of frosting alternatives to elevate your dessert game! Consider classic buttercream, rich chocolate ganache, or even a zesty lemon glaze for a fresh twist. Each option brings a unique flavor profile, allowing you to customize your cake for special occasions or simply to satisfy your taste buds.
Flavorful Cake Add-Ins
Enhance your vanilla bean cake by adding delicious mix-ins! Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts add crunch, while fruity additions like blueberries or mixed berry compote can bring a burst of freshness. You could also try incorporating a hint of espresso powder for an intriguing coffee flavor. The possibilities are endless—let your creativity shine and make this cake truly your own!
Baking Notes for Vanilla Bean Cake
Tips for High Altitude Baking
If you're whipping up your Vanilla Bean Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting at high altitudes (5,000-7,000 feet), a few adjustments can make all the difference. Raise your oven temperature to 365°F and slightly reduce the sugar by a tablespoon. You’ll also want to swap in normal, unbleached all-purpose flour instead of cake flour, decrease the baking powder to ⅜ tsp, and add an additional egg white for moisture. These changes will help achieve a perfectly fluffy cake!
Best Practices for Cake Storage
To keep your cake fresh and delicious, store it in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap or an airtight container. This will keep the fresh strawberry cream cheese frosting and cake moist for up to a week. If you’re planning to enjoy your cake later, consider freezing individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and foil. When you’re ready to indulge, simply let them thaw in the fridge overnight for a delightful treat!
Serving Suggestions for Vanilla Bean Cake
Ideal occasions for serving
The Vanilla Bean Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting is perfect for a variety of occasions. Consider serving this delightful treat for romantic evenings, intimate celebrations, or even cozy gatherings with friends. It's especially fitting for Valentine's Day or anniversaries, where the soft, sweet layers can express love without saying a word. Just imagine sharing this charming cake after a candlelit dinner!
Pairing options
Enhance your cake experience with complementary flavors and textures. Serve alongside a refreshing fruit salad or some whipped cream for an extra indulgence. For drinks, consider pairing it with a hot cup of herbal tea or a sparkling water with fresh lemon slices. These refreshing options balance the sweetness of the frosting and elevate your dessert table to another level. For more pairing inspiration, check out this guide on beverage pairings.
Tips for making the perfect Vanilla Bean Cake
Avoiding common mistakes
When baking your Vanilla Bean Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting, there are a few pitfalls to watch for. First, ensure your ingredients are at room temperature; this keeps the batter smooth and well-mixed. Avoid overmixing the batter, as this can lead to a dense cake. Always check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer—ovens can vary, and slight changes can affect baking time.
Ensuring the best flavor
For a cake bursting with flavor, prioritize high-quality ingredients. Using real vanilla bean paste enhances the vanilla aroma, making each bite memorable. Don't skip the sour cream; it adds moisture and richness that truly elevates your cake. Lastly, fresh strawberries in your frosting provide a delightful contrast, ensuring that rich, creamy sweetness shines through.
Time Details for Vanilla Bean Cake
Preparation Time
Before you delve into baking this delightful Vanilla Bean Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting, set aside about 30 minutes to gather your ingredients and prep the cake pans. This is your moment to embrace the kitchen and enjoy the process!
Baking Time
The actual baking takes just 20 minutes. You’ll find that the aroma in your kitchen is irresistible, beckoning you for that sweet treat!
Total Time
From start to finish, expect about 3 hours and 20 minutes. This includes cooling and frosting, giving you ample time to sneak in a snack or two while you wait for the cake to cool. Perfect for a cozy evening or a special occasion!
For more inspiration on delicious desserts, check out this great source for tips and tricks! Plus, if you’re interested in maximizing your baking efforts, consider exploring baking techniques that can elevate your skills. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information for Vanilla Bean Cake
Understanding the nutritional profile of your indulgences is important, especially when making delicious desserts like Vanilla Bean Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting. Here’s a breakdown of key nutritional values for each slice of this delightful cake:
Calories
Each slice contains approximately 280 calories, making it a sweet treat that's perfect for special occasions without going overboard.
Protein
You can enjoy about 3 grams of protein per slice, thanks to the eggs and dairy in the cake. It's a small boost to help satisfy your cravings!
Sodium
The sodium content is around 150 milligrams per slice. It’s moderate, especially for a dessert, so you can treat yourself guilt-free.
This cake not only delights with its flavor but also offers nutritional insight to help you enjoy it mindfully. Want to elevate your dessert experience? Check out our favorite kitchen gadgets for baking perfection!
FAQs about Vanilla Bean Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
Can I substitute ingredients in the recipe?
Absolutely! Baking often allows for creativity. You can replace all-purpose flour with cake flour for a lighter texture. If you need a dairy-free option, try using almond milk or coconut cream instead of whole milk. For a sweeter touch, consider swapping granulated sugar for coconut sugar, noting it may alter the cake's color slightly.
How do I store leftovers?
To keep your Vanilla Bean Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 7 days, but it will taste delightful even if stored longer! If you’re planning to eat it later, consider freezing individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to maintain freshness.
What should I do if the frosting is too runny?
If your frosting turns out runny, don’t fret! Gradually add more powdered sugar while mixing until you reach your desired thickness. Alternatively, chill the frosting for about 30 minutes in the fridge to help it firm up. If you find it too thick later on, whisk in a touch of milk to loosen it up again.
Conclusion on Vanilla Bean Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
In conclusion, this Vanilla Bean Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting offers a delightful sweet treat perfect for intimate celebrations or simply indulging your sweet tooth. Its light texture paired with the fresh strawberry frosting makes it an unforgettable dessert. Try baking this lovely cake today!
Vanilla Bean Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
Equipment
- hand mixer
- Stand Mixer
- Food Processor
- 6x2 inch cake pans
- Offset frosting spatula
Ingredients
For the Vanilla Bean Layer Cake
- 1 ¾ cup all purpose flour or cake flour
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large egg whites room temperature
- 3 teaspoon Rodelle vanilla bean paste
- ½ cup sour cream full fat, room temperature
- ½ cup milk whole milk, room temperature
For the Fresh Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese full fat, room temperature
- ½ cup unsalted butter room temperature
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup pureed, fresh strawberries about 15 medium sized strawberries
Instructions
For the Vanilla Bean Layer Cake
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease three 6x2 inch cake pans and line with parchment paper rounds. Set aside.
- Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt together in a medium bowl. Set aside.
- Cream the butter for about 1 minute on high until light and fluffy.
- Add the sugar and beat on high for 2 minutes until well incorporated and creamy.
- Add the egg whites and vanilla extract, beat until well combined, then beat in the sour cream.
- Slowly pour in the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Then pour in the milk and mix until just combined.
- Pour the batter evenly into the cake pans. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Remove cakes from oven and allow to cool on a wire rack in the pans completely before frosting.
To Make the Fresh Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
- Clean the strawberries and cut them in half. Blend until a puree is formed.
- Beat the cream cheese and butter on high until light and fluffy.
- Mix in 2 cups of powdered sugar, one at a time. Add the strawberry puree and mix until well combined.
- Continue adding powdered sugar until desired consistency is reached.
- Spread the frosting onto your cooled cakes.
- Store cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 7 days!
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