Vanilla Cake with Vanilla Bean Cream Cheese Icing

For the Cake

• 4 cups cake flour (480 g)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 170 g coconut oil, room temperature
• 170 g butter, room temperature (1.5 sticks)
• 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar (500 g)
• 8 egg whites
• 2 tablespoons vanilla bean paste
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon imitation vanilla extract (optional, adds nostalgic box-cake flavor)
• 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• 2 cups buttermilk (480 ml)

For the Vanilla Bean Cream Cheese Icing

• 2 sticks butter (226 g or 1 cup)
• 1 stick cream cheese (226 g or 8 ounces)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• 2 tablespoons vanilla bean paste (or 1 teaspoon vanilla)
• 6-8 cups powdered sugar

Directions

• Preheat the oven to 350F (180C). Grease three 8-inch cake pans and line with parchment.
• In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
• In a stand mixer (or with a hand mixer), cream together the butter, coconut oil, and sugar until pale, light and fluffy, about 5 minutes on medium-high. Scrape down the bowl halfway through.
• With the mixer running, slowly pour in the egg whites and whip 1-2 minutes until well combined.
• Add the extracts and mix until combined.
• Reduce to low speed and add 1/3 of the flour mixture until just combined, then 1/2 the buttermilk; repeat, alternating and ending with the dry mixture.
• Divide the batter evenly among the 3 prepared pans.
• Bake 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
• For the icing: beat the softened butter and cream cheese on medium-high until fluffy, about 2 minutes.
• Add salt, almond extract, and vanilla. Whip until combined.
• On low speed, add the powdered sugar 1 cup at a time.
• Once all the sugar is in, turn up the speed and whip on medium-high until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
• Spread the icing over the cooled cake in an even layer.

Two years of testing from Maddie & Jules. From Maddie & Jules on Instagram / kitchen-by-the-sea.com.