The Best Vanilla Bean Cake

This vanilla bean cake recipe is the perfect balance of rich flavor and light, fluffy texture. Made with vanilla extract and vanilla bean paste, it’s a cake that’s sure to impress at any celebration. Whether you’re looking for a gluten-free cake or a dairy-free cake, this recipe can easily be adapted to meet your dietary needs. Topped with creamy vanilla frosting and decorated with pastel confetti sprinkles, this cake is not only delicious but also visually stunning. Perfect for birthdays, weddings, or any special occasion, this vanilla cake is a crowd-pleaser that will satisfy any sweet tooth. Easy to make, this fluffy vanilla cake will become your go-to recipe for every event!

Ingredients

Wet Ingredients:

• ¾ cup dairy-free Greek yogurt (or regular Greek yogurt if not dairy-free)
• 2¼ cups sugar
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• ½ cup plant-based butter (melted and cooled)
• 1 cup oat milk (room temperature)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste
• 6 eggs (room temperature)

Dry Ingredients:

• 2¾ cups gluten-free 1:1 flour
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

Frosting and Decoration:

• 2 packs Singing Dog Vanilla Frosting
• Rose icing color
• Pastel confetti sprinkles

Instructions

Mise en Place:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease two 9-inch round cake pans and set them aside.

Dry Ingredients:

1. In a bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Cream:

1. In a separate bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the butter and half of the sugar on high speed until fluffy and airy, about 1-2 minutes.
2. Add the remaining sugar and oil, then mix for another minute until fully combined and fluffy.

Wet Ingredients:

1. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing after every two eggs to ensure they’re well incorporated.
2. Once the eggs are mixed in, add the vanilla extract and vanilla bean paste, and mix until combined.

Mix:

1. Gradually add half of the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
2. Add the oat milk and Greek yogurt, mixing again until fully incorporated.
3. Add the remaining dry ingredients and mix until just combined. The batter should be thick and pudding-like.

Divide and Bake:

1. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans and smooth the tops gently.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-37 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
3. Allow the cakes to cool completely in the pans before frosting.

Frosting and Decoration:

1. To make the frosting, add a small amount of rose icing color to the frosting using the tip of a toothpick. Stir until the desired color is achieved.
2. Once the cakes have cooled, frost with Singing Dog Vanilla Frosting.
3. Finish by decorating with pastel confetti sprinkles for a festive touch.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vanilla bean cake is a crowd-pleaser! The combination of vanilla extract and vanilla bean paste gives it a rich and fragrant flavor that’s simply irresistible. The cake’s light, fluffy texture paired with the creamy frosting makes it the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or just craving something sweet, this cake will always hit the spot. Plus, it’s gluten-free and can be made dairy-free, making it a great option for various dietary needs.

Tips

• Room Temperature Ingredients: For best results, ensure that your eggs, milk, and yogurt are at room temperature before mixing. This helps the batter come together smoothly.
• Thick Batter: Don’t worry if the batter seems thick—this is normal, and it ensures a moist, dense cake.
• Even Layers: Make sure to evenly distribute the batter between the two pans to ensure uniform layers during baking.
• Cake Testing: To check if the cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

Variations and Substitutions

• Flour: If you’re not following a gluten-free diet, you can substitute the gluten-free flour with all-purpose flour in a 1:1 ratio.
• Butter Substitute: For a dairy-free option, be sure to use plant-based butter and dairy-free yogurt.
• Milk Alternatives: If you prefer another plant-based milk, feel free to use almond milk, soy milk, or coconut milk instead of oat milk.
• Frosting Flavor: You can also experiment with other frosting flavors like chocolate, lemon, or even coconut for a fun twist.

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance and store it in an airtight container. Frost it just before serving for the freshest taste.

Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, you can freeze the un-frosted cake layers. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and they will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw before frosting and serving.

How do I get the cake to be extra fluffy?
Be sure to cream the butter and sugar well and don’t overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added. This helps keep the cake light and airy.

Serving

This vanilla bean cake is perfect for birthdays, parties, or any special occasion. Serve it with a side of fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat. It’s sure to be a hit with guests of all ages!

Suggestions

For an added touch, consider using fresh fruit like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries to decorate the top of the cake. You can also add a light drizzle of lemon glaze for a zesty contrast to the sweet vanilla flavor.