The Ultimate Fluffy Vanilla Bean Cake

Layers of white, soft, vanilla bean sponge, brushed with a vanilla milk cake soak, and frosted in vanilla bean chantilly. The ultimate triple vanilla cake.

I had gotten an Instagram DM requesting I develop a vanilla bean sponge: you ask and you shall receive! While I do already have a recipe for a Vanilla Olive Oil Cake, this cake is much more of a traditional white cake: light, fluffy, and speckled with flecks of vanilla bean.

This cake gets its rise from both baking powder and whipped egg whites, as well as its color from the absence of yolks, while its tender crumb can be attributed to the buttermilk, cake flour, and cream of tartar.

Instead of my usual simple syrup cake soaks, I’ve opted for a milk soak here. This adds a lovely, lactonic note, complemented by the chantilly frosting. This cake is the perfect base recipe to complement jams and fresh fruits, just in time for summer produce. Happy baking!