Description
This Vanilla Bean Layer Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Bliss is a delightful dessert featuring moist vanilla sponge layers infused with aromatic vanilla bean paste, layered and frosted with a luscious strawberry-infused cream cheese frosting. Perfect for celebrations or a special treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste
- 1 cup milk
Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cake layers.
- Prepare Pans: Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking and ensure easy cake removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, incorporating air for a tender cake texture.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time into the butter mixture, beating well after each addition to ensure smooth incorporation and even texture.
- Incorporate Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla bean paste for a rich and aromatic vanilla flavor throughout the cake.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Alternate adding the flour mixture and milk to the butter and egg mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined to avoid overmixing and keep the cake tender.
- Distribute Batter: Divide the cake batter evenly among the prepared pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula for even baking.
- Bake Layers: Bake the cakes in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating doneness.
- Cool Cakes: Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting the frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and continue beating until fluffy and well combined.
- Add Strawberry Puree: Fold in the pureed fresh strawberries into the cream cheese frosting to create a luscious, fruity strawberry cream cheese blend.
- Assemble Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread a layer of strawberry cream cheese frosting on top, repeat with remaining layers, and finish by frosting the top and sides of the entire cake evenly.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 30 minutes to set the frosting before slicing and serving for clean cuts and enhanced flavor.
Notes
- Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting to avoid melting the frosting.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best puree flavor in the frosting.
- Vanilla bean paste can be substituted with pure vanilla extract if needed.
- Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For best slicing, chill the cake to firm up the frosting before cutting.
