This light, fluffy Vanilla Bean Layer Cake Recipe is a classic dessert with a rich, aromatic vanilla flavor from real vanilla beans. Paired with silky vanilla buttercream, it’s perfect for birthdays, weddings, or any celebration!

Vanilla Bean Layer Cake Recipe Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups (300g) cake flour (or all-purpose flour + 2 tbsp cornstarch)
• 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, room temperature
• 4 large egg whites, room temperature (save yolks for custard!)
• 1 tbsp vanilla bean paste (or seeds from 1 vanilla pod)
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• ¼ cup (60ml) vegetable oil (for extra moisture)

For the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:

• 1 ½ cups (340g) unsalted butter, softened
• 5 cups (600g) powdered sugar, sifted
• 2 tbsp vanilla bean paste (or 1 tbsp extract)
• 3-4 tbsp heavy cream or milk
• Pinch of salt

Optional Decorations:

• Fresh berries
• Edible flowers
• Gold leaf (for elegance)

How to Make Vanilla Bean Layer Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep & Mix Dry Ingredients

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 6-inch pans (or two 8-inch pans).
2. In a bowl, whisk together:
   • Flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

1. In another bowl, mix:
   • Milk, egg whites, vanilla bean paste, and oil.
2. Gradually add wet ingredients to dry, mixing until just combined.
3. Fold in softened butter in small pieces until smooth (batter will be thick).

Step 3: Bake

1. Divide batter evenly between pans.
2. Bake for 20-25 mins (or until a toothpick comes out clean).
3. Let cakes cool 10 mins in pans, then transfer to a wire rack.

Step 4: Make Vanilla Buttercream

1. Beat butter until creamy (~3 mins).
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, cream, and salt. Whip until fluffy (~5 mins).

Step 5: Assemble & Decorate

1. Once cakes are completely cooled, frost between layers and over the top.
2. Smooth with a bench scraper or pipe swirls. Garnish as desired.

My Best Vanilla Bean Cake Recipe Tips

✔ Use room temp ingredients for even mixing.
✔ Don’t overmix—stop as soon as batter is smooth.
✔ For pure white cake, skip vanilla bean and use clear vanilla extract.
✔ Chill cakes before frosting for cleaner layers.

What to Serve with Vanilla Cake

• Mixed berry compote
• Salted caramel drizzle
• Vanilla ice cream

Final Thoughts

This Vanilla Bean Layer Cake is a timeless favorite—soft, fragrant, and perfectly sweet. Ideal for any occasion!

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