Homemade Vanilla Bean Cake Mix

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 10
★★★★★
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There's something truly special about a homemade vanilla bean cake. Its simplicity allows the fragrant vanilla to shine, creating a dessert that’s both classic and luxurious. Perfect for any occasion, this cake brings warmth and comfort with every bite.

Ingredients for Homemade Vanilla Bean Cake Mix

The foundation of this cake is all-purpose flour, which provides structure. Granulated sugar sweetens the batter and helps achieve a tender crumb. Baking powder is our leavening agent, ensuring the cake rises beautifully. A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors. The star, of course, is the vanilla bean — its seeds are scraped out to infuse the cake with a rich vanilla aroma. Unsalted butter adds moisture and richness, while whole milk contributes to a soft texture. Eggs bind everything together and add richness. Finally, a splash of pure vanilla extract enhances the vanilla flavor even further.

Tips & Tricks

  • Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother batter.
  • If you don’t have a vanilla bean, 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract can be used instead, though the flavor might not be as intense.
  • To prevent sticking, use parchment paper at the bottom of your cake pan before adding the batter.

Serving Suggestions

This vanilla bean cake pairs beautifully with a dollop of freshly whipped cream and a handful of berries. For a touch of indulgence, drizzle with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk, or serve alongside a scoop of your favorite ice cream.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of flour?
Substituting with cake flour can yield an even lighter texture, but avoid using whole wheat flour as it may alter the flavor and texture significantly.
How should I store the cake?
Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Can I freeze this cake?
Absolutely! Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Homemade Vanilla Bean Cake Mix Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your oven is hot enough to give the cake a good rise. Next, grab a large bowl and whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined — this will help your cake bake evenly.

Now, let's get that vanilla in there. Take your vanilla bean and carefully scrape out the seeds. Add them to the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly. This step ensures that the vanilla flavor is evenly distributed throughout the cake.

In a separate bowl, beat your softened butter until it's nice and creamy. Gradually add in the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing well after each addition. This mixture should be smooth and well combined before moving on.

Now, it’s time to bring the wet and dry ingredients together. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring until you have a smooth batter. Be gentle here; overmixing can make the cake tough.

Prepare your cake pan by greasing and flouring it. Pour in the batter, smoothing the top with a spatula. Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps it set a bit more and makes handling easier.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Utilizes real vanilla bean for an authentic, aromatic flavor.
  • Simple ingredients you likely already have at home.
  • Perfect balance of moistness and fluffiness in every slice.
  • Quick and easy preparation for bakers of any skill level.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
3 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 vanilla bean, scraped
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup whole milk
3 large eggs
1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the scraped vanilla bean seeds and mix thoroughly.
4. In a separate bowl, beat the butter until creamy.
5. Gradually add the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract to the butter, mixing well.
6. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring until a smooth batter forms.
7. Pour batter into a greased and floured cake pan.
8. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

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