We bet you've heard the word "vanilla" used disparagingly to mean bland, boring, or common. In our kitchen, there are few greater insults than suggesting that vanilla can't be exciting and exceptional! If, like us, you believe vanilla is as unique and mouth-watering a flavor as any other, you're going to love Kaysie Lackey's delicious Vanilla Bean Cake!

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter (unsalted)
• 1 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3/4 tsp vanilla paste
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 4 egg whites
• 1 1/4 cup cake flour
• 1 1/8 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 6 oz. whole milk

Preparation

Pre-heat your oven to 325ºf.
Grease and flour, or parchment line one 9"round cake pan. If you're making cupcakes, line a one dozen-cupcake tin.

Process

In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the salt and both types of vanilla.

Slowly incorporate the egg white, scraping the bowl regularly. Sift the dry ingredients and alternate additions of dries and milk. (Begin and end with dries.) Scrape well and beat on medium for about 20 seconds. Bake until the top edges start to golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

We hope you enjoy this Vanilla Bean Cake! It's a delicious and versatile flavor that pairs as well with fruit as it does with chocolate! You can even add sprinkles for a fun-fetti effect!