Vanilla Bean Cake

This vanilla bean cake bakes up tender, delicious, and studded with beautiful flecks of vanilla bean!

I know some people think vanilla flavored desserts are boring, but this recipe is anything but!

It uses a generous amount of vanilla bean paste in both the cake batter and frosting to give this cake a delicious, warm, vanilla-forward flavor.

How to Make This Vanilla Bean Layer Cake

To make sure this vanilla bean cake turns out as amazing as possible, let’s walk through each step together! I’ve also included a video tutorial of the process below.

I figured it might be helpful to know what tools I use, too, so I’ve shared a list below.

Not all of these are mandatory, but they make the process a lot easier.

If you don’t have all these things on hand, feel free to improvise and work with what you have.

• 3, 8-inch cake pans
• Spinning cake stand
• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
• 10-inch greaseproof cake board
• Large offset spatula

Step 1: Bake the Vanilla Bean Cake Layers

Make the vanilla bean cake layers first, following the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake for 33-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Remove the cake layers from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 30 minutes.

Gently run an offset spatula around the rim of the cake pans to loosen them, then flip them onto wire racks to finish cooling.

These layers bake up pretty flat, so leveling them is optional! If you want to level them, use a serrated knife to level the top of each cake layer.

I also like to trim away the caramelization around the sides of the layers.

If you’re making these in advance, you can wrap and freeze them at this point.

Step 2: Make the Vanilla Bean Buttercream Frosting

While the cake layers bake and cool, make the vanilla bean buttercream.

I like to use an American buttercream base to make this frosting because I think it’s the easiest to make and I love eating it. However, it is quite sweet!

If you want to use a less sweet frosting base, I’d recommend making a batch of my Swiss meringue buttercream or my hybrid buttercream and adding the same amount of vanilla bean paste that this recipe calls for.

This frosting can also be made in advance if needed and kept in the fridge for up to a month.

Step 3: Stack and Frost the Cake Layers

Then it’s time to assemble this cake! Stack and frost cake layers on a greaseproof cake board or flat plate. Use a dab of buttercream to help stick the first cake layer to the board.

Spread an even layer of vanilla bean buttercream on top of each cake layer with a large offset spatula.

Repeat with the remaining cake layers and place the top cake layer upside down to make the cake easier to frost.

Step 4: Crumb Coat the Cake

Spread a thin coat of frosting around the cake to fully cover the cake layers.

Smooth the frosting using a large offset spatula or bench scraper, then chill the cake in the fridge (30 minutes) or freezer (10 minutes) until the frosting is firm to the touch.

Step 5: Add the Second Layer of Frosting & Decorate

Then add a second, thicker layer of frosting to the cake.

Smooth the frosting using a large offset spatula or bench scraper. Decorate as desired, then enjoy!

If you’re making this cake in advance, it can sit at room temperature for up to a day or be stored in the fridge for up to a week.

Substitutions and Swaps – Vanilla Bean Layers

This recipe uses quite a few ingredients, and I know you might not have them all on hand. Or if you have food allergies or restrictions, I’ve got you covered.

Below are some swaps and substitutions that can be made in this cake recipe.

• All-Purpose Flour – This recipe turns out best with AP flour, but you can use a gluten-free flour blend or cake flour if that’s all you have on hand.
• Granulated Sugar – I do not recommend changing the type or reducing the amount of sugar because it will change the texture of the cake layers.
• Unsalted Butter – If you only have salted butter on hand, you can use it in place of the unsalted butter in this recipe. Just be sure to omit the salt that this cake recipe calls for. You can also use vegan butter in its place (and also omit the salt)!
• Egg whites – I like to use the pasteurized egg whites that come in a carton, but you can also use fresh egg whites or 4 whole, large eggs. If you have an egg allergy, you can use flaxseed eggs or an egg replacer.
• Sour Cream – You can also use full-fat yogurt, whole milk, or an alternative yogurt or milk (almond, soy, oat) if you’re dairy-free.
• Vegetable Oil – Any flavorless oil will work in this recipe. Canola or even sunflower oil would work great!
• Vanilla Bean Paste – A high-quality vanilla bean paste is an absolute must in this recipe! I love using Heilala or Nielsen-Massey. You can use vanilla extract if you have to, but the flavor and look (no vanilla bean specs) won’t be the same.

Substitutions and Swaps – Vanilla Bean Buttercream Frosting

• Unsalted Butter – If you only have salted butter on hand, you can use it in place of the unsalted butter. Just be sure to omit the salt that this frosting recipe calls for. You can also use vegan butter in its place (and omit the salt)!
• Heavy Cream – Whole milk or alternative milk (soy, almond, oat) will work fine in this frosting recipe if that’s what you have on hand.
• Vanilla Bean Paste – A high-quality vanilla bean paste is an absolute must in this recipe! You can use vanilla extract if you have to, but the flavor and look (no vanilla bean specs) won’t be the same.

Making This Vanilla Bean Cake in Different Sizes

I used 8″ cake pans to make this cake, but this recipe can be used to make different-sized cakes.

You can make four 7- or 6-inch cake layers with one batch of batter. Bake the cake layers at
350°F/175°C for 34-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.

One batch of batter can also be used to make one 9×13-inch sheet cake. Bake it at
350°F/175°C for 40-50 minutes and use flower nails or heating cores to help the cake bake evenly.

It should end up being about 2 inches tall.

If you want to make cupcakes, I highly recommend using my vanilla cupcake recipe and using vanilla bean paste in place of the vanilla extract in that recipe.

Tips for Making the Best Vanilla Bean Cake

• Ingredients at room temperature mix together better! Set out any cold ingredients ahead of time.
• Properly measure your flour (spoon into the cup measure, then level). Or better yet, use a kitchen scale to measure your dry ingredients.
• Use a scale to weigh your cake pans as you fill them. It will make the cake layers bake up to be the same height and bake more evenly.
• Level the room temperature or thawed cake layers with a serrated knife to make them easier to stack.
• Make sure the buttercream is the right consistency. This will help give the cake proper structure and make it easier to decorate.
• Chill the cake layers in the freezer for about 20 minutes before assembling the cake. It makes them so much easier to stack and frost!
• If your cake layers turn out less than perfect, read my cake troubleshooting guide to see where things might’ve gone awry.

Making This Vanilla Bean Cake in Advance

I highly recommend making these cake layers in advance and freezing them. It breaks the process up and makes it more approachable.

You can also make the frosting ahead of time too or save any leftover frosting! It can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a month or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Be sure to give it a good stir once it thaws to get the consistency nice and smooth again.

A frosted cake can last in the fridge for up to a week or in the freezer for up to a month. The buttercream locks in all the moisture, keeping the cake fresh and delicious!

If you cut into the cake and have leftovers, use any remaining frosting to cover the cut section to keep it moist and store in the fridge for up to a week.

Let Me Know What You Think!

If you make this vanilla bean cake recipe, I’d love to hear what you think of it! Let me know by leaving a rating and comment below.

And don’t forget to tag me @chelsweets and use #chelsweets if you share on social media so that I can see your amazing creations.

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