A perfect birthday cake which was greatly enjoyed this past weekend as a way to celebrate my step-daughter's sweet 16th birthday. This is rich with vanilla flavor from top to bottom.The special ingredient? Evaporated Milk - It adds a lovely level of moisture and richness.
As far as vanilla cakes goes, this one packs a punch. It is filled with vanilla. I added 4 teaspoons of vanilla bean paste to the batter and then even more pure vanilla extract to the frosting. This cake truly has the flavor you would associate with an old-fashioned birthday cake. The frosting really is the crowning glory.
The original recipe comes from Rock Recipes blog but the frosting is all mine. Combined they are a hit !
I do find this cake is best enjoyed the same day it is assembled. If you need to keep it in the refrigerator then just ensure it has a good hour to come to room temperature before serving.
This cake can also tend towards the crumbly crust side so I recommend a crumb coating of frosting, a stay in the fridge for 15 minutes, and then the final frosting.
So without further delay, let's get at it !
I won't bother re-posting the cake recipe but instead I will direct you to the source: The Best Vanilla Cake by Rock Recipes. The only change I made was I substituted vanilla bean paste for the pure vanilla extract.
Now on to the frosting.
My Perfect Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
RECIPE:
This recipe is enough to frost a double layer cake - and have enough left over for piping decorations around it too!
WHAT YOU NEED
2 cups unsalted butter at room temperature
6 cups icing sugar, sifted
2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
4 tablespoons half and half or heavy cream
MAKE IT
IN BOWL OF STAND MIXER fitted with paddle attachment, slowly beat butter and sugar for 1 minute then increase speed to high and beat for 5 minute * do not shorten this time, it is essential to beat for at least 5 minutes to ensure a smoothy and fluffy consistency
SCRAPE down sides of bowl
ADD vanilla extract and cream
BEAT 1 MIN high speed
ADD food coloring if desired and blend well
What a gorgeous cake! The recipe sounds delicious and your pink frosting is just TOO cute! :)
ReplyDeleteLove the pink frosting, it also sounds delicious!
ReplyDeleteThis cake looks so prim and proper but still girly and fun! Perfect for a sweet 16!
ReplyDeletePeople do like the color pink, it is so eye catching, your picture is stunning! Lucky step daughter to have this wonderful birthday cake. Yum.
ReplyDeletedelicious pink looking frosting looks wonderful
ReplyDeleteSo pretty! Its a picture perfect cake slice. Its hard to find a really nice vanilla cake recipe but this looks and sounds fantastic. I cant wait to try it out.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! I just saw this on Foodgawker and love the pink frosting. This vanilla old-fashioned cake sounds divine-- my kind of birthday cake!
ReplyDeleteJust perfect Linda, really so so cute! Lovely cake indeed :)
ReplyDelete