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Valentine’s Vanilla Bean Cake with Strawberry Frosting


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  • Author: asma
  • Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This fluffy 6-inch Vanilla Bean Layer Cake is a dream come true for dessert lovers! Infused with rich vanilla bean paste and layered with a luscious strawberry cream cheese frosting, this cake is perfect for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or any special occasion. Made with simple pantry staples, this elegant yet easy-to-make cake will impress with every bite!


Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 egg whites, large
  • 3 tsp vanilla bean paste
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup sour cream, full-fat

For the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 8 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup fresh strawberries, pureed

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake Batter:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 6-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add egg whites one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  5. Stir in vanilla bean paste.
  6. Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk + sour cream to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

2. Bake the Cake:

  1. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
  2. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  3. Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

3. Make the Frosting:

  1. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
  2. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until fluffy.
  3. Fold in strawberry puree until fully incorporated.

4. Assemble & Frost the Cake:

  1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread an even layer of strawberry cream cheese frosting on top.
  2. Place the second cake layer over the frosting and frost the top and sides of the cake.
  3. Decorate with fresh strawberries or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Notes

  • Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best texture, ensure butter, eggs, and dairy are at room temperature before mixing.
  • Stronger Vanilla Flavor: Substitute vanilla extract if you don’t have vanilla bean paste.
  • Strawberry Frosting Variation: If frosting is too thin, add more powdered sugar. If too thick, add a teaspoon of milk at a time.
  • Storage: Store the cake in the fridge for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cooling & Assembly Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American