Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this vanilla bean cake with strawberry cream cheese frosting! It’s an absolute dream come true for anyone who loves a good dessert. I first made this cake for my best friend’s birthday a couple of years ago, and I still remember her face lighting up when she took that first bite. The combination of the rich vanilla flavor paired with the sweet, tangy strawberry cream cheese frosting is just heavenly. Trust me, it’s a match made in cake heaven! This recipe has become my go-to for celebrations and just because days. It’s incredibly simple yet so impressive, and I just know you’ll love it as much as I do. So, grab your mixing bowl and let’s get started on this delightful treat that’s sure to wow your friends and family!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful vanilla bean cake with strawberry cream cheese frosting. Make sure to gather everything before you start so you can enjoy the process without any interruptions!
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup milk (whole milk works best for creaminess)
- 3 large eggs (make sure they’re at room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste (this is the star of the show!)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened (I like to use full-fat for rich flavor)
- 1/2 cup strawberry puree (fresh or store-bought, just make sure it’s smooth)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for that perfect sweetness in the frosting)
And that’s it! Simple ingredients but oh-so-delicious when combined. Get ready to create a cake that’s going to steal the show!
How to Prepare the Vanilla Bean Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
Preparing the Cake
Let’s dive into making this dreamy vanilla bean cake! First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and while it’s warming up, grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. This step is crucial because we want that cake to slide out easily when it’s done baking!
Now, grab a mixing bowl and cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3-5 minutes of mixing. It smells amazing already, doesn’t it? Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps to incorporate them evenly into the batter. Don’t forget to stir in that glorious vanilla bean paste—trust me, it makes all the difference!
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Then, gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture to keep things smooth. Mix just until everything is combined; overmixing can lead to a dense cake, and we want it fluffy!
Once your batter is ready, pour it evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. I always set a timer because I get easily distracted, and I don’t want to risk overbaking! When they’re done, let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Making the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
While your cakes are cooling, let’s whip up that heavenly strawberry cream cheese frosting! Start by beating the softened cream cheese in a mixing bowl until it’s super smooth and creamy—this usually takes about 2 minutes. Then, add in the strawberry puree and powdered sugar. Mix until everything is combined and the frosting is nice and fluffy. If it seems too thick, you can add a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency.
Once your cakes are completely cool, it’s time to frost! Place one layer of cake on a serving plate, spread a generous amount of frosting on top, and then carefully place the second layer on top. Don’t be shy with the frosting! Spread it over the top and down the sides of the cake for a beautiful finish. And just like that, you’ve created a stunning dessert that’s as delicious as it is beautiful!
Tips for Success
Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your vanilla bean cake with strawberry cream cheese frosting turns out perfectly every time! First, make sure all your ingredients, especially the butter, eggs, and cream cheese, are at room temperature. This helps everything blend together beautifully and creates that light, fluffy texture we’re aiming for.
When measuring your flour, be sure to spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife—this prevents packing and gives you the right amount. Also, keep an eye on your cakes while they bake; ovens can vary, so check for doneness a couple of minutes early. And finally, don’t rush the cooling process! Letting the cakes cool completely before frosting is key to avoiding a melty mess. Trust me, these little steps make a world of difference in achieving that perfect cake!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional information for a slice of this delightful vanilla bean cake with strawberry cream cheese frosting. Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 25g
- Protein: 4g
This cake is a delightful treat, and while it’s definitely indulgent, it’s perfect for celebrating special moments or just satisfying your sweet tooth. Enjoy every bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different frosting for the vanilla bean cake?
Absolutely! While the strawberry cream cheese frosting is a crowd-pleaser, you can swap it for a classic vanilla buttercream, chocolate ganache, or even a whipped cream topping if you prefer something lighter. Just keep in mind that each frosting will give the cake a different flavor profile!
How do I store leftover vanilla bean cake?
To keep your cake fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay good for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep it for longer, you can also wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to 2 months. Just let them thaw in the fridge before enjoying!
Can I make the cake ahead of time?
You sure can! The vanilla bean cake can be baked a day in advance. Just let it cool completely and then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. You can frost it the next day. This actually helps the flavors meld together beautifully!
What if I can’t find vanilla bean paste?
No worries! If you can’t find vanilla bean paste, you can substitute it with 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract. The flavor will be a bit different, but it will still be delicious! If you want those lovely specks of vanilla, you could also use the seeds from a vanilla bean.
Is this cake suitable for special dietary needs?
This vanilla bean cake with strawberry cream cheese frosting is vegetarian, but if you need a gluten-free option, you can try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour. Just check that your other ingredients, like the baking powder, are also gluten-free!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vanilla bean cake with strawberry cream cheese frosting is truly a showstopper, and there are so many reasons to adore it! Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to indulge yourself, here’s why this recipe should be on your must-try list:
- Quick Preparation: With straightforward steps, you can have this cake whipped up in no time, making it perfect for both seasoned bakers and beginners alike!
- Rich Flavor: The combination of vanilla bean and strawberry cream cheese creates a deliciously rich and creamy flavor profile that’s hard to resist.
- Versatile: This cake is a blank canvas! Feel free to swap the strawberry frosting for your favorite flavor or even fill it with fresh fruit or jam for an extra surprise.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or just a Tuesday, this cake elevates any moment and brings joy to every celebration.
- Great for Leftovers: If there are any slices left (which is a big if!), it stores beautifully in the fridge or can be frozen for later enjoyment.
- Impressive Presentation: With its beautiful layers and creamy frosting, this cake looks as good as it tastes, making it a delightful centerpiece for your dessert table.
Honestly, once you try this cake, you’ll be coming back to it again and again. It’s truly a delightful treat that never fails to impress!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
After indulging in this scrumptious vanilla bean cake with strawberry cream cheese frosting, you might find yourself with some leftovers. Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered on how to store them so you can enjoy every last bite later!
To keep your cake fresh, place any leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help maintain its moisture and flavor for about 3-4 days. If you want to save it for a special occasion down the road, you can also wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and pop them in the freezer. They’ll be good for up to 2 months! Just make sure to label them so you know what’s hiding in there!
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen cake, simply take a slice out and let it thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. No need to reheat it—this cake is best enjoyed chilled, allowing the creamy frosting and delightful flavors to shine through. Trust me, you’ll love having this treat ready to go whenever the craving strikes!
Print
Vanilla Bean Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Bliss
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious vanilla bean cake topped with creamy strawberry cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup strawberry puree
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar.
- Add the eggs one at a time and mix well.
- Stir in the vanilla bean paste.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
- Add the strawberry puree and powdered sugar, mixing until combined.
- Once the cakes are cool, spread the frosting between the layers and on the top and sides of the cake.
Notes
- Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: vanilla bean cake, strawberry cream cheese frosting, cake recipe
