Description
A luscious Vanilla Dream Cake featuring moist layers infused with vanilla bean and a creamy vanilla buttercream frosting. Perfectly tender and sweet, this cake is an ideal treat for celebrations or special occasions, embellished with optional colorful rainbow sprinkles for a festive touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 vanilla bean, scraped (or 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste)
- 2 large eggs
Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream, half-and-half, or milk
- ½ cup rainbow sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Pans and Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously butter two 8-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, thoroughly whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Dissolve Sugar: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the water and granulated sugar, stirring occasionally until the sugar has completely dissolved. Remove from heat and stir in the 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Allow this mixture to cool to room temperature.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Once the sugar mixture has cooled, stir in the vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and scraped vanilla bean or vanilla bean paste. Beat the eggs in one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Gradually whisk in the dry ingredients until your batter is smooth and free of lumps.
- Bake the Cake: Evenly divide the batter between the two prepared cake pans. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cakes cool completely on a wire rack.
- Make the Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the room temperature butter until it becomes light and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, about one cup at a time, beating well after each addition to avoid lumps. Mix in the vanilla extract and 2-3 tablespoons of your choice of heavy cream, half-and-half, or milk until the frosting reaches your preferred consistency for spreading.
- Assemble and Decorate: Place one cake layer on your serving plate and spread a generous layer of vanilla buttercream over it. Top with the second cake layer and apply a thin crumb coat of frosting all over the cake. Chill the cake for approximately 15 minutes to set the crumb coat. Finish by applying the final layer of frosting smoothly over the cake. Optionally, decorate with rainbow sprinkles for a colorful, festive look.
Notes
- Ensure the sugar mixture is completely cooled before adding eggs to prevent curdling.
- For extra vanilla flavor, use vanilla bean paste but vanilla bean adds a more natural aroma.
- Butter should be room temperature for smooth frosting.
- Chilling after crumb coat helps in easier final frosting application.
- Rainbow sprinkles add a festive touch but can be omitted for a classic look.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
