Indulge in Heavenly Richness with Vanilla Bean Pound Cake
Picture this: it’s a lazy Sunday afternoon, the sun is shining through your windows, and the sweet aroma of baking is wafting through your home. What do you want to smell? What do you want to taste? If your answer is a mouth-watering, buttery, vanilla-scented pound cake, then I have the recipe for you.
This Vanilla Bean Pound Cake Recipe is not only easy to make, but it’s also an absolute crowd-pleaser. With just a few simple ingredients that you might already have in your pantry, you can create a show-stopping dessert that everyone will love.
Now, you may be wondering what makes this pound cake so special. Well, it’s all in the details. The recipe calls for not only vanilla extract but also fresh vanilla bean seeds, which provide a deliciously nuanced flavor and aroma that can’t be replicated with extract alone.
And the texture? It’s perfect too; dense and moist but still light and fluffy. The crumb is tender and buttery-sweet, with just the right amount of crumble. Plus, this pound cake recipe can be enjoyed as-is or dressed up with whipped cream, berries or even a drizzle of maple syrup glaze.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your baking essentials and get started on this heavenly Vanilla Bean Pound Cake Recipe. It’s worth every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for a cake recipe that will be the star of any gathering, then look no further than this Vanilla Bean Pound Cake Recipe. This recipe will elevate your baking game and make you feel like a professional pastry chef.
Firstly, the aroma of freshly baked vanilla pound cake wafting through your kitchen is reason enough to try this recipe. The smell alone will have everyone in your household drooling and eagerly waiting for the cake to cool down so they can get a slice.
But let’s talk about the taste, shall we? This pound cake has the perfect balance of sweetness and vanilla flavor. The addition of fresh vanilla bean and extract adds a depth of flavor that cannot be replicated by using just extract alone.
The texture is also something to rave about. The cake is dense yet moist, with a delicate crumb that melts in your mouth. It’s not too heavy or too light, making it the perfect dessert for any occasion.
Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. You can serve it as is or pair it with fresh berries, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of maple syrup glaze. The options are endless, and each one will bring out the richness of the cake’s flavor profile.
This Vanilla Bean Pound Cake Recipe is not your ordinary pound cake. It’s an elevated dessert that will impress everyone who tries it. So go ahead and give it a try – I promise you won’t be disappointed!
Ingredient List
Let’s take a closer look at the pound cake ingredients that you will need to make this delicious Vanilla Bean Pound Cake.
Ingredients 1:
- 1 pound unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 6 large eggs, at room temperature
- 4 cups cake flour, sifted
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Vanilla Bean Pound Cake Ingredients 2:
- 1 vanilla bean
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- Notes: If you don’t have cake flour, you can make your own by sifting together 3 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour plus 1/4 cup of cornstarch. Additionally, you can use either whole or low-fat buttermilk for this recipe.
Make sure to have these ingredients on hand before starting to bake.
The Recipe How-To
Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cook Time: 1 hour | Yield: 12-16 servings
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Prepare Cake Ingredients
In a medium bowl, sift together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tsp of baking powder and ½ tsp of baking soda. Add in ½ tsp of salt and combine well.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat 2 sticks of unsalted butter at room temperature with an electric mixer on high until creamy for about one minute. Slowly add in 2 cups of granulated sugar and continue beating for at least two more minutes or until fluffy.
Step 4: Beat in Vanilla Beans, Eggs and Extract
Scrape out seeds from 1 vanilla bean by cutting it lengthwise, then use the back of the blade to scrape out the inside. Add scraped seeds into the butter-sugar mixture along with 4 large eggs, one at a time. Stir in 1 tsp of vanilla extract.
Step 5: Mix the Cake Ingredients
On low speed, add flour mixture that was prepared earlier into butter-sugar mixture. Then add 1 cup of cake flour and mix slowly until the batter is smooth.
Step 6: Bake the Vanilla Pound Cake
Pour the batter into a greased bundt pan measuring approximately 10 inches by 4 inches. Smooth out the surface before placing it on a rack around the middle of the preheated oven. Bake for around an hour or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Once removed from oven, cool cake in pan for approximately ten minutes before removing from pan and transferring onto a wire rack to cool completely. Serve and enjoy your homemade vanilla bean pound cake!
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to baking, making substitutions and variations can be a fun and creative way to put your own spin on a recipe. Here are a few ideas for the Vanilla Bean Pound Cake recipe:
– Brown Butter: Swap out the unsalted butter for brown butter. The nutty, caramel flavor will take this pound cake to the next level.
– Healthy Vanilla Bean Pound Cake: For a healthier twist, replace some of the all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour. You can also swap out some of the sugar for maple syrup, honey, or coconut sugar.
– Berry Loaf Cake: Add fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries to the batter for a burst of juicy flavor.
– Cream Cheese Vanilla Glaze: Drizzle this pound cake with a cream cheese vanilla glaze by whisking together cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
– Maple Glaze: Instead of vanilla glaze, make a maple glaze by mixing powdered sugar with maple syrup and milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
No matter what substitutions or variations you choose to make, this Vanilla Bean Pound Cake recipe is sure to be a crowd pleaser. So go ahead – get creative!
Serving and Pairing
Now that you’ve made this heavenly vanilla bean pound cake, you might be wondering how to serve and pair it perfectly. Lucky for you, I’ve got some tips just for that.
This pound cake is incredible by itself, but a few simple toppings can elevate it even further. A dollop of whipped cream and a handful of fresh berries is always a classic choice. You can also try serving it with a scoop of your favorite ice cream, drizzled with warm caramel sauce or topped with vanilla glaze.
This dessert is perfect for any time of day, whether it’s breakfast, afternoon tea or an after-dinner treat. Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea to create the perfect combination. If you want to go the extra mile, a hot cup of cocoa will make anyone thrilled.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try making this recipe as part of an indulgent brunch menu. Serve alongside crisp bacon, scrambled eggs and freshly squeezed orange juice for a balanced meal that feels like a treat.
Finally, try pairing this cake with maple syrup glaze and having lemon curd on the side. There’ something about the way these flavors mingle that’s unforgettable. They won’t forget it either! Any which way-, this pound cake is sure to steal the show no matter what company accompanies it!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
As with most pound cakes, this vanilla bean pound cake can be made ahead of time and stored for future enjoyment. The flavor will actually deepen and become more complex as it sits, giving you a treat that is even better than when freshly baked.
To make ahead, simply bake the cake as directed and allow it to cool completely. Wrap the pound cake tightly in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature for up to three days or in the freezer for up to two months. If freezing, be sure to wrap it in a layer of foil before sticking it in the freezer.
When it comes to reheating your pound cake, there are a few methods that work well. You can slice the cake into individual pieces and warm them gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or until just heated through. This method is perfect if you’re looking for a quick snack or dessert.
If you have more time and want to restore that crispy crust, preheat your oven to 350°F, wrap your slices tightly in aluminum foil or place your entire cake in a baking dish covered with foil, then warm your cake for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed throughout. Be sure not to overheat the cake – it will dry out quickly and lose some of its delicate texture.
As far as storing goes, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, this vanilla bean pound cake will last up to three days at room temperature without losing its fresh flavor. For longer-term storage (say you’ve gone on vacation?), slice the remaining cake into pieces and wrap each tightly with plastic wrap before freezing for up to two months.
Finally, this versatile cake makes a great addition to any dessert table regardless of whether it was made fresh that day or still has that frozen quality. Try topping your slices with cream cheese frosting or drizzling them with homemade vanilla glaze made from powdered sugar and pure vanilla extract. Or enjoy a healthy vanilla bean loaf cake with fruit, some maple syrup or even a berry glaze. Your imagination is the limit!
Tips for Perfect Results
A perfect vanilla bean pound cake is not an easy feat. But as a chef, I have a few tricks up my sleeve that can help you achieve the perfect results every time. Read on for some tips that will ensure your pound cake is moist, flavorful, and has a perfect crumb texture.
1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Before starting to bake, make sure all of your ingredients are at room temperature. When baking, room temperature ingredients come together much more easily and create a more even batter than cold ingredients do.
2. Follow the Recipe Precisely
Baking is an exact science, so it’s important to follow the recipe precisely. Little changes can considerably modify the final product. Be precise in measuring ingredients to ensure consistent results with every loaf.
3. Do Not Overmix
Do not overmix the batter, as this can lead to a tough and dense cake. Mix only until all of the ingredients are combined.Never mix more than necessary so that your cake will not be turned into glue.
4. Use Real Vanilla Bean
This recipe calls for both vanilla extract and vanilla bean. The vanilla bean offers flecks of real vanilla along with aroma and flavors that cannot be completely replicated by imitation extracts. It adds a deeper aroma and flavor that makes this creamy cake unforgettable.
5. Sift Your Flour
Sift your flour before measuring— this will help lighten your pound cake and ensure even mixing with other dry ingredients.
6. Baking Time and Temperature
The temperature of the oven should be accurate and steady throughout baking, as any fluctuation in heat will impact the cake’s rise and texture.In case you’re unsure of your oven’s actual temperature accuracy, use an oven thermometer during cooking time to evaluate its actual temperature.To avoid burning or drying out the edges of the loaf cake, bake it for less time than you might assume while adding extra minutes if it still requires baking longer.
Put these tips to work the next time you decide to make a vanilla bean pound cake. You’ll be rewarded with a dessert that’s golden-brown and moist, flavorful, and with a perfect crumb texture.
Bottom Line
Well, there you have it! My Vanilla Bean Pound Cake Recipe, a true delight that is a must-try for any dessert lover. With its rich and buttery flavor and tender crumb, this pound cake recipe is the perfect dessert for any occasion.
I hope these instructions, tips, and recommendations have made it easy for you to bake the perfect vanilla bean pound cake on your first try. Don’t forget to experiment with substitutions and variations to make it your own!
Whether you serve it as a stand-alone dessert, or dress it up with berries or cream cheese glaze, this cake will definitely impress your guests. Make it ahead of time for special occasions or just when you want a delicious treat. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try using brown butter or maple syrup instead of plain old butter next time you make the recipe!
Remember to store any leftovers properly so that they stay fresh and delicious. And if you have any questions or issues, don’t hesitate to consult the FAQ section or reach out to me directly!
So go on, get baking! Your friends and family will thank you for making this scrumptious Vanilla Bean Pound Cake Recipe part of their lives.
Vanilla Bean Pound Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups sugar
- 1/2 vanilla bean
- 2 cups butter, at room temperature
- 9 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F In a food processor, grind vanilla bean and sugar until vanilla is as finely chopped as it can get, about one minute. Sift this mixture twice, making sure all larger pieces have been filtered out. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter with an electric mixer, then gradually add the vanilla sugar, continuing to beat until well creamed and smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually add the flour and salt, beating constantly. Add the vanilla extract and continue beating until well blended.
- Grease and flour a 10-inch tube or bundt pan. Pour in the batter and ‘’spank” the bottom of the pan to distribute the batter evenly. Bake until a straw inserted into the cake comes out clean, about 1 hour 15 minutes, taking care not to overcook. Turn cake out onto a rack and let cool.
Nutrition
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Brian is a British chef cum food blogger who has been in the kitchen since he was a young lad. Growing up in Manchester, he developed a passion for cooking and a keen eye for the perfect dish. He now runs his own blog and YouTube channel, which is dedicated to sharing his passion for food with the world.