Imagine the aroma of a vanilla bean cake fresh out of the oven, combined with the tangy sweetness of strawberry cream cheese frosting.
You’re about to begin a culinary journey that perfectly marries these flavors.
This dessert, with its moist texture and vibrant taste, is both a visual and gustatory delight.
Curious about the techniques and ingredients that create such indulgence?
There’s more to uncover about this exquisite cake.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 2 Mixing bowls
- 1 Electric mixer
- 2 9-inch round cake pans
- 1 Rubber spatula
- 1 Cooling rack
- 1 Sifter
- 1 Measuring cups set
- 1 Measuring spoons set
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 vanilla bean, seeds scraped
- 1 pound strawberries, hulled and pureed
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while making the Vanilla Bean Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting, you can follow the timeline below.
This timeline includes additional time for reading the recipe and resting the cake:
- Reading the Recipe: 5 minutes
- Spend a few minutes reading through the entire recipe to familiarize yourself with the ingredients and steps involved.
- Preparation: 20 minutes
- Preheat the oven and grease the cake pans.
- Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream the butter and sugar.
- Add the eggs, vanilla bean seeds, and alternate adding dry ingredients with milk.
- Baking: 30 minutes
- Divide the batter into the cake pans and bake.
- Initial Cooling: 10 minutes
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes.
- Complete Cooling: 30 minutes
- Transfer the cakes to a cooling rack and let them cool completely.
- Frosting Preparation: 15 minutes
- While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting by beating the cream cheese and butter, adding the strawberry puree and vanilla extract, and gradually mixing in the powdered sugar.
- Cake Assembly and Frosting: 10 minutes
- Once the cakes are cooled, spread frosting on one layer, place the second layer on top, and frost the top and sides of the cake.
- Resting Time: 1 hour
- Allow the cake to rest for about an hour to let the frosting set.
Total Time: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes
Recipe Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease the cake pans.
In a mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy using an electric mixer.
Add the eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, mixing well after each addition.
Stir in the vanilla bean seeds.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
To make the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
Add the strawberry puree and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread a layer of frosting on top of one cake layer.
Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.
Serving Tips
- Fresh Strawberries: Add fresh strawberries on top for a burst of color and flavor.
- Whipped Cream: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for extra richness.
- Mint Leaves: Garnish with mint leaves for a touch of freshness and visual appeal.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic combination.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle with melted chocolate for a decadent twist.
Storage
To store the Vanilla Bean Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Allow it to reach room temperature before serving.
Freezing
To freeze Vanilla Bean Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
Then store in an airtight container.
Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
To reheat a slice of vanilla bean cake with strawberry cream cheese frosting, use a microwave at low power in short intervals.
Make sure the frosting doesn’t melt excessively.
Serve immediately.
Final Thoughts
Vanilla Bean Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful dessert that combines the classic flavors of vanilla and strawberry.
The recipe is straightforward, and with a little patience, you’ll have a stunning cake to enjoy.
Remember to verify all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.
This will help in achieving a smooth batter and frosting.
Once you have baked and cooled the cake layers, take your time to frost the cake evenly.
Feel free to garnish with fresh strawberries to enhance both the presentation and flavor.
This cake is perfect for special occasions or as a sweet treat to enjoy with family and friends.
Give it a try and savor each delicious bite!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Vanilla Extract Instead of a Vanilla Bean?
Yes, you can substitute vanilla extract for a vanilla bean. Use one teaspoon of vanilla extract for each vanilla bean. This substitution will provide great flavor, though it might lack the distinct speckled appearance vanilla beans offer.
How Can I Make the Cake Gluten-Free?
To make the cake gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Confirm it’s a 1:1 replacement for best results. Check the blend includes xanthan gum to maintain the cake’s structure.
Is There a Dairy-Free Alternative for the Frosting?
To make the frosting dairy-free, substitute cream cheese and butter with vegan cream cheese and a plant-based butter alternative. Make certain they are at room temperature for smooth mixing. Use the same amount to maintain consistency and flavor.
Can I Add Other Fruits to the Frosting?
Yes, you can add other fruits to the frosting. Puree fruits like raspberries or blueberries and mix them in. Adjust the consistency by gradually adding powdered sugar until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
How Do I Prevent the Cake From Sticking to the Pans?
Grease your cake pans thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray, then line the bottoms with parchment paper. This guarantees the cake releases smoothly. Allow the cakes to cool slightly before removing them from the pans to avoid sticking.
Vanilla Bean Cake With Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
Equipment
- 2 Mixing bowls
- 1 Electric mixer
- 2 9-inch round cake pans
- 1 Rubber spatula
- 1 Cooling rack
- 1 Sifter
- 1 Measuring cups set
- 1 Measuring spoons set
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter room temperature
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 vanilla bean seeds scraped
- 1 pound strawberries hulled and pureed
- 8 ounces cream cheese room temperature
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter room temperature
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease the cake pans.
- In a mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy using an electric mixer.
- Add the eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla bean seeds.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- To make the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
- Add the strawberry puree and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
- Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread a layer of frosting on top of one cake layer.
- Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.
Notes
Cynthia Weatherford is a seasoned chef and culinary enthusiast who serves as the Recipe creator of Somonday. With decades of experience in the kitchen and a passion for exploring diverse cuisines, Cynthia brings a blend of creativity and technique to every dish. Known for transforming simple ingredients into show-stopping meals, Cynthia believes that cooking is an art form anyone can master. Dedicated to inspiring home cooks, Cynthia shares approachable recipes, pro tips, and culinary wisdom to make every meal memorable.
