Name: Vanilla Bean Strawberry Cake: The Ultimate Recipe & Baking Guide
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 80 min
Yield: 10-12 servings
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups (300g) cake flour, sifted; 1 tablespoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup (2 sticks or 226g) unsalted butter, softened; 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar; 1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped (reserve pod for other uses); 3 large eggs; 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 pounds (900g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 cup (2 sticks or 226g) unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted; ¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream; 1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped; Pinch of salt

Vanilla Bean Strawberry Cake: Prepare to be transported to a sun-drenched strawberry field with every single bite! This isn't just any cake; it's a celebration of summer, a symphony of flavors, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Imagine the delicate crumb of a vanilla bean-infused cake, studded with juicy, ripe strawberries, and topped with a luscious, creamy frosting. Are you drooling yet?

Strawberry cakes, in various forms, have been enjoyed for centuries, often associated with festive occasions and the abundance of the harvest season. The combination of strawberries and vanilla is a classic pairing, elevating the simple sweetness of the fruit with the warm, comforting notes of vanilla. It's a flavor profile that transcends generations and cultures.

People adore this Vanilla Bean Strawberry Cake for its delightful balance of flavors and textures. The slight tanginess of the strawberries cuts through the richness of the cake, while the vanilla bean adds a sophisticated depth. It's incredibly moist, tender, and visually stunning, making it perfect for birthdays, holidays, or simply a special treat on a sunny afternoon. Plus, while it looks impressive, it's surprisingly easy to make, even for novice bakers. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this unforgettable dessert!

Ingredients:

For the Vanilla Bean Cake:

2 ½ cups (300g) cake flour, sifted
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks or 226g) unsalted butter, softened
1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped (reserve pod for other uses)
3 large eggs
1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Filling:

2 pounds (900g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the Vanilla Bean Buttercream Frosting:

1 cup (2 sticks or 226g) unsalted butter, softened
4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted
¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream
1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped
Pinch of salt

Preparing the Vanilla Bean Cake:

Preheat and Prep: First things first, let's get that oven ready! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. I like to use baking spray with flour already in it for extra insurance against sticking. You can also line the bottoms with parchment paper rounds for easy removal.
Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the sifted cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting is crucial for a light and airy cake, so don't skip this step! Set this bowl aside for now.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
Add Vanilla Bean: Add the vanilla bean seeds to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix until well combined. The vanilla bean adds such a wonderful depth of flavor!
Incorporate Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Again, scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. You want to make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients: In a separate measuring cup, combine the buttermilk and vanilla extract. Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. So, it's dry-wet-dry. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough cake. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which we want to avoid.
Divide and Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. I like to use a kitchen scale to ensure they're perfectly even. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool the Cakes: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. Make sure they are completely cool before frosting. This is important to prevent the frosting from melting.

Preparing the Strawberry Filling:

Combine Strawberries and Sugar: In a medium saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries and granulated sugar. Let this mixture sit for about 15-20 minutes. This will allow the strawberries to release their juices, creating a natural syrup.
Cook the Filling: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the strawberries have softened and the juices have thickened slightly.
Add Lemon Juice and Cornstarch: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice and cornstarch until smooth. This will prevent lumps from forming. Pour the cornstarch mixture into the saucepan and stir constantly until the filling thickens. This should only take a minute or two.
Cool the Filling: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the strawberry filling cool completely. You can speed up the cooling process by transferring it to a shallow dish and placing it in the refrigerator.

Preparing the Vanilla Bean Buttercream Frosting:

Cream the Butter: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), cream the softened butter until smooth and creamy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar to the butter, mixing on low speed until combined. Sifting the powdered sugar is important to prevent lumps in your frosting.
Incorporate Heavy Cream and Vanilla Bean: Add the heavy cream, vanilla bean seeds, and salt to the mixture. Beat on medium speed until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. If the frosting is too thick, add a little more heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

Assembling the Vanilla Bean Strawberry Cake:

Level the Cakes: If your cakes have a slight dome on top, use a serrated knife to level them. This will ensure that your cake is stable and doesn't wobble.
Place First Layer: Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand.
Add Strawberry Filling: Spread the cooled strawberry filling evenly over the top of the first cake layer, leaving a small border around the edge. This will prevent the filling from oozing out when you add the second layer.
Add Buttercream Dam: Pipe a ring of buttercream around the outer edge of the strawberry filling. This "dam" will help to contain the filling and prevent it from seeping out.
Place Second Layer: Carefully place the second cake layer on top of the strawberry filling and buttercream dam.
Frost the Cake: Frost the entire cake with the vanilla bean buttercream frosting. You can use an offset spatula to create a smooth finish or add decorative swirls.
Chill the Cake: Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes to allow the frosting to set. This will make it easier to slice and serve.
Decorate (Optional): If desired, decorate the cake with fresh strawberries, sprinkles, or other decorations. I love adding a few extra vanilla bean seeds on top for a beautiful touch.
Serve and Enjoy: Slice and serve your delicious Vanilla Bean Strawberry Cake! Enjoy!

Conclusion:

This Vanilla Bean Strawberry Cake isn't just another cake recipe; it's a celebration of flavors, a testament to simple elegance, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. From the delicate crumb infused with the intoxicating aroma of vanilla bean to the juicy bursts of fresh strawberries in every bite, this cake is a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more. I truly believe this is a must-try recipe for anyone who appreciates a classic dessert with a touch of sophistication. What makes this cake so special? It's the combination of high-quality ingredients and a straightforward method that yields exceptional results. The vanilla bean elevates the cake from ordinary to extraordinary, imparting a depth of flavor that vanilla extract simply can't replicate. And the fresh strawberries, well, they're the star of the show, adding a vibrant sweetness and a touch of tartness that perfectly complements the vanilla. But the beauty of this recipe lies not only in its deliciousness but also in its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different variations to suit your preferences. For a richer flavor, try using browned butter in the cake batter. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, add a hint of lemon zest to the batter for a bright, citrusy twist. Serving Suggestions and Variations: * Classic Serving: A simple dusting of powdered sugar is all you need to showcase the beauty of this cake. * Whipped Cream Dream: Serve each slice with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence. * Strawberry Sauce Sensation: Drizzle a homemade strawberry sauce over the cake for an intensified strawberry flavor. * Ice Cream Delight: Pair a slice with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a truly decadent dessert experience. * Berry Medley: Add other berries like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries to the cake for a mixed berry explosion. * Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free version that's just as delicious. * Mini Cakes: Bake the batter in muffin tins to create individual mini cakes, perfect for parties or portion control. * Layer Cake Extravaganza: Double or triple the recipe and bake in cake pans to create a stunning layer cake with strawberry buttercream frosting. I've poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I'm confident that you'll love it as much as I do. It's the perfect cake for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, or simply a special treat for yourself. It's also a wonderful cake to bake with children, as the steps are simple and the results are rewarding. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake the most delicious Vanilla Bean Strawberry Cake you've ever tasted. I can't wait to hear about your baking adventures! I encourage you to try this recipe and share your experience with me! Let me know in the comments below what you think, what variations you tried, and how it turned out. Your feedback is invaluable, and I love seeing your creations. Happy baking!