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Creamy French Vanilla Bean Sheet Cake

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A rich and moist sheet cake infused with real French vanilla bean flavor, topped with a silky smooth cream cheese and butter frosting. Perfect for any occasion, this easy homemade dessert delivers nostalgic comfort with a sophisticated twist.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (312g) all-purpose flour (sifted)
  • 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk (or dairy-free milk)
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste or seeds from 1 vanilla bean
  • 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
  • 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch sheet pan with butter or non-stick spray and lightly dust with flour.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together sifted flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition and scraping down the sides as needed.
  5. Stir in vanilla bean paste or seeds from the vanilla bean.
  6. Add the dry flour mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk in two parts (start and end with flour). Mix on low speed just until combined.
  7. Pour batter into prepared pan, spread evenly and smooth the top. Tap the pan gently to release air bubbles.
  8. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  9. Cool the cake completely in the pan on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before frosting.
  10. To make the frosting, beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
  11. Gradually add powdered sugar one cup at a time, beating on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud.
  12. Stir in vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract, then add cream or milk as needed until spreadable consistency is reached.
  13. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake using an offset spatula. Create soft swirls or peaks if desired.
  14. Chill the frosted cake in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to set the frosting, especially in warm kitchens.

Notes

Use room temperature butter, eggs, and cream cheese for smooth mixing and better texture. Avoid overmixing after adding flour to prevent toughness. If frosting is too thick, add cream or milk; if too thin, add more powdered sugar. Tent cake with foil if browning too fast. For gluten-free, substitute flour with a gluten-free blend containing xanthan gum.

Nutrition

Keywords: vanilla bean cake, sheet cake, creamy frosting, French vanilla, easy dessert, homemade cake, vanilla bean paste, cream cheese frosting

Find it online: https://leilameals.com/creamy-french-vanilla-bean-sheet-cake-recipe-easy-homemade-dessert-delight/