When the sweet scent of vanilla begins to fill my kitchen, I know something special is about to happen. A few weeks ago, I found myself craving a cake that would break the monotony of quick takeout meals, something that would invite friends over and spark laughter and shared memories. That’s when I whipped up this delightful Vanilla Bean Cake adorned with luscious Nutella frosting.
The magic lies in the contrast—the light, fluffy layers of vanilla bean cake complemented by the rich, creamy Nutella buttercream create a dessert that feels both comforting and indulgent. With just a handful of ingredients and a sprinkle of love, this recipe transforms everyday moments into celebrations full of flavor and warmth. Plus, you’ll be impressed by how simple it is to make this showstopper, proving that a homemade dessert doesn’t have to be complicated to be extraordinary.
Join me as we turn the ordinary into the extraordinary, one slice at a time!
Why is Vanilla Bean Cake with Nutella Frosting a Must-Try?
Irresistible flavors: The smooth, velvety Nutella frosting beautifully balances the aromatic notes of vanilla bean cake.
Quick and easy: With just a handful of common ingredients, you’ll have a scrumptious dessert ready in no time.
Crowd-pleaser: This cake is not just for special occasions; it’s perfect for sharing with friends and family, sparking joy and conversation.
Versatile treat: Dress it up for celebrations or enjoy a simple slice with coffee on a lazy afternoon.
Memory maker: Baking this cake transforms mundane days into cherished moments—just as it did for me! 🍰
For more delightful cake ideas, don’t miss checking out our cake recipe roundup!
Vanilla Bean Cake with Nutella Frosting Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 ½ cups cake flour – Adds a tender crumb to your vanilla bean cake.
- 1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour – Provides structure for the cake layers.
- 1 ½ cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the cake and enhances its moistness.
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder – Ensures your cake rises beautifully.
- ¾ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness for a well-rounded flavor.
- ¾ cup unsalted butter – Contributes to the rich, buttery flavor of the cake.
- 3 large eggs – Binds the ingredients and adds richness to the cake.
- ¾ cup whole milk – Keeps the cake moist and adds a touch of creaminess.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste – Infuses the cake with aromatic vanilla flavors.
- ½ teaspoon pure almond extract – Adds a delightful depth to the vanilla taste.
For the Nutella Buttercream Frosting
- 2 cups unsalted butter – Creates a fluffy and creamy texture for the frosting.
- 1 cup Nutella – Delivers that rich chocolate-hazelnut flavor we all adore.
- 4-5 cups confectioners’ sugar – Sweetens the frosting and helps achieve the right consistency.
- ¼ cup heavy cream – Makes the frosting smooth and spreadable.
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavors in the frosting.
- pinch of salt – Balances sweetness for a perfectly flavored frosting.
Now that you have all the ingredients for this irresistible Vanilla Bean Cake with Nutella Frosting, let’s get baking and create some sweet memories!
How to Make Vanilla Bean Cake with Nutella Frosting
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Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Don’t forget to grease your cake pans to prevent any sticking!
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake flour, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. This will be the essential dry base for your cake.
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Combine Butter and Flour Mixture: Add the unsalted butter to the dry ingredients and mix until it resembles a crumbly texture—this ensures a rich, buttery flavor.
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Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs, whole milk, vanilla bean paste, and almond extract into the mixture until everything is well combined and smooth.
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Divide the Batter: Carefully divide the batter evenly between your prepared cake pans, using a spatula to smooth the tops for an even bake.
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Bake the Cakes: Place the pans in your preheated oven, baking for about 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean when the cakes are ready.
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Cool Pans: Once baked, let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, gently transfer them to wire racks to cool completely and avoid sogginess.
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Prepare Buttercream Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter until creamy—this will form the delightful base for your Nutella frosting.
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Mix in Nutella: Add the Nutella to the butter, then sift in the confectioners’ sugar, pouring in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
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Frost the Cake: Make sure the cakes are completely cool! Frost the top of one layer, stack the second layer, and generously frost the top and sides of the entire cake for that stunning finish.
Optional: Decorate with chocolate shavings for an extra touch of elegance.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Vanilla Bean Cake with Nutella Frosting
Room Temperature: Keep the frosted cake in an airtight container for up to 2 days for optimal freshness without losing that delightful taste.
Fridge: If you need to store the cake longer, place it in the refrigerator, covered lightly. Enjoy within 5 days for the best flavor and texture.
Freezer: To freeze the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It can stay good for up to 3 months; just thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Reheating: The cake is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you prefer it warm, gently warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, avoiding the frosting.
Expert Tips for Vanilla Bean Cake with Nutella Frosting
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Measure Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour, to avoid a dense cake. Proper ratios are key when making vanilla bean cake.
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature. This helps create a better emulsion, resulting in a fluffier texture.
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Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until combined to prevent gluten development, which can lead to a tough cake. Lightly folding in ingredients preserves the cake’s lightness.
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Cool Completely: Allow cakes to cool fully before frosting. If they’re warm, the frosting may melt, resulting in a messy and less appealing finish.
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Consistency Check: For the Nutella frosting, adjust the confectioners’ sugar or heavy cream until desired consistency is reached. It should be spreadable but still hold its shape nicely.
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Frosting Techniques: For a polished look, use an offset spatula to smooth the frosting evenly on top and around the sides of the cake.
What to Serve with Vanilla Bean Cake with Nutella Frosting?
Every slice of this luscious cake is like a warm hug, inviting you to indulge in sweet, comforting moments spent with loved ones.
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Fresh Berries: The tartness of strawberries or raspberries cuts through the cake’s richness, adding a refreshing contrast and vibrant color to your plate.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream enhances the layered flavors and makes each bite even more decadent. Who can resist that classic pairing?
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Espresso Coffee: The bold, rich flavor of espresso perfectly complements the sweet chocolate-hazelnut notes in the cake, making it a delightful after-dinner treat.
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Whipped Cream: Light, airy whipped cream adds a delicate touch that balances the dense frosting brilliantly, creating a heavenly textural contrast that will delight your senses.
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Chocolate Ganache: For the ultimate chocolate experience, drizzle warm chocolate ganache over the cake’s top, intensifying its indulgent qualities.
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Lemon Zest: A sprinkle of fresh lemon zest not only adds a pop of brightness but also elevates the cake’s flavors with a hint of citrusy brightness.
Pair your Vanilla Bean Cake with Nutella Frosting with these delightful options for a memorable dessert experience!
Vanilla Bean Cake with Nutella Frosting Variations
Embrace your creativity and customize your cake with delightful twists that will make it uniquely yours.
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Gluten-Free: Substitute a gluten-free flour blend for the cake flour and all-purpose flour. Your cake will still be soft and delicious!
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Dairy-Free: Use a plant-based butter and almond or oat milk in place of unsalted butter and whole milk for a vegan-friendly option.
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Chocolate Layer: Add ½ cup of cocoa powder to the cake batter for a rich chocolate flavor that pairs beautifully with Nutella frosting. Chocolate lovers will rejoice!
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Nutty Twist: Fold in ½ cup of chopped hazelnuts into the cake batter for added crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the Nutella.
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Fruit Infusion: Add 1 cup of fresh raspberries or chopped strawberries into the batter before baking, creating a sweet surprise that contrasts with the frosting.
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Spice It Up: Enhance the flavor with a teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin spice in the batter for a warm, inviting twist that adds depth.
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Zesty Lemon: Incorporate the zest of one lemon into the batter for a refreshing citrus note that pairs excellently with the chocolatey richness.
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Decadent Topping: Drizzle warm Nutella over the top of the frosted cake, and sprinkle with sea salt for a sophisticated flair that adds a touch of elegance.
Dive into these variations to elevate your Vanilla Bean Cake with Nutella Frosting experience, ensuring that every bite remains a loving memory!
Make Ahead Options
These Vanilla Bean Cake with Nutella Frosting are perfect for busy home cooks who want to save time during the week! You can prepare the cake layers up to 24 hours in advance; just bake and let them cool completely before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerating. The Nutella buttercream can also be made ahead; store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply allow the cake layers to come to room temperature and frost with your pre-prepared Nutella buttercream. This way, you’ll have a delicious and delightful dessert ready with minimal effort, just as fresh and scrumptious as if made that day!
Vanilla Bean Cake with Nutella Frosting Recipe FAQs
What type of flour should I use for the best results?
I recommend using a combination of cake flour and all-purpose flour. The cake flour gives a tender crumb, while the all-purpose flour provides structure to the cake layers. This mix ensures a soft yet substantial cake!
How do I know when the cake is fully baked?
To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. This usually takes about 25-30 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Be sure not to open the oven door too early, as it can cause the cake to sink.
What’s the best way to store leftover cake?
To keep your frosted Vanilla Bean Cake with Nutella Frosting fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you plan to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to 5 days but make sure to cover it lightly to prevent drying out.
Can I freeze the cake, and if so, how?
Absolutely! For freezing, wrap the cooled cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. This double-layered method helps prevent freezer burn. The wrapped cake can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge before frosting or serving.
What should I do if my frosting is too thin?
If your Nutella frosting turns out too thin, you can thicken it by gradually adding more sifted confectioners’ sugar. Start with a tablespoon at a time until you achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency. Mixing in small increments will avoid over-thickening. If it gets too thick, add a few drops of heavy cream to loosen it up!
Is this cake suitable for those with nut allergies?
Since this recipe includes Nutella, which contains hazelnuts, it’s not suitable for those with nut allergies. However, you can create a similar frosting using a cocoa buttercream mix, which would still be creamy and delicious, just without the nuts. Be sure to use alternative spreads without nut ingredients for safety!
Irresistible Vanilla Bean Cake with Nutella Frosting Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your cake pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake flour, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the unsalted butter to the dry ingredients and mix until it resembles a crumbly texture.
- Beat in the eggs, whole milk, vanilla bean paste, and almond extract until well combined and smooth.
- Divide the batter evenly between your prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool the cakes in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
- Beat the softened unsalted butter in a mixing bowl until creamy for the frosting base.
- Add Nutella, sift in the confectioners' sugar, and mix in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
- Ensure the cakes are fully cool before frosting them; frost the top of one layer and stack the second layer, then frost the sides and top.