Bourbon Vanilla Bean Cake is a rich and decadent dessert that combines the warm, complex notes of bourbon with the sweet, aromatic flavor of vanilla beans. This cake is perfect for special occasions or whenever you want to treat yourself to a luxurious dessert.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped (or 1 tablespoon vanilla extract)
For the Bourbon Vanilla Bean Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped (or 1 tablespoon vanilla extract)
- 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream (as needed for consistency)
For Garnish (Optional):
- Caramel sauce
- Chopped pecans
- Vanilla bean spears
Instructions:
Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Add Vanilla and Bourbon: Mix in the vanilla bean seeds (or vanilla extract) and bourbon.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Bourbon Vanilla Bean Frosting:
- Cream Butter: In a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter until creamy and smooth.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed until combined. Increase the speed and beat until light and fluffy.
- Incorporate Bourbon and Vanilla: Mix in the bourbon and vanilla bean seeds (or vanilla extract). Add heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
Assemble and Frost the Cake:
- Level Cakes: If needed, level the tops of the cooled cakes with a knife to ensure they stack evenly.
- Frost: Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a layer of frosting on top. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.
- Garnish: Drizzle with caramel sauce, sprinkle with chopped pecans, and add vanilla bean spears if desired.
- Serve: Slice and serve the cake. Enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Cake:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature for even mixing and a smoother batter.
- Avoid Overmixing: Mix the batter just until combined to avoid a dense cake.
- Frosting Consistency: Adjust the consistency of the frosting with heavy cream to make it easier to spread.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Rich Flavor: The combination of bourbon and vanilla beans creates a deep, complex flavor profile.
- Elegant Dessert: Perfect for celebrating special occasions or impressing guests with a sophisticated cake.
- Versatile: Can be dressed up with various garnishes or served simply for a delightful treat.
Enjoy making and indulging in this Bourbon Vanilla Bean Cake—a truly luxurious dessert experience!