Vanilla Bean Cake

A soft and fluffy vanilla bean cake with rich vanilla flavor, layered with a smooth and creamy vanilla buttercream for a classic, bakery-style cake at home.

Prep Time25

Cook Time30

Keyword: vanilla bean cake recipe, vanilla buttercream, vanilla cake

Servings: 8-inch layers

Calories: 480kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs room temperature
1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste (or 2 tsp vanilla extract)
3/4 cup whole milk room temperature
1/4 cup sour cream for moisture and softness

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F.
Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans with parchment.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
Mix in vanilla bean paste.
Mix in sour cream until smooth.
Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk:
dry > milk > dry > milk > dry
Mix just until combined (don’t overmix).
Divide batter evenly between pans.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, until: tops are set and a toothpick comes out clean
Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition