Ultimate Vanilla Bean Cake in 55 Minutes

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. Sift together cake flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a stand mixer bowl; mix on low for 30 seconds.
3. Add cubed butter to the dry ingredients and mix on low speed until the texture resembles coarse sand.
4. In a separate jug, whisk together eggs, sour cream, vanilla bean paste, and milk.
5. Gradually pour wet ingredients into the flour-butter mixture while mixing on medium-low until smooth and glossy.
6. Divide batter evenly between pans and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
7. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Whisk egg whites and sugar over a double boiler until sugar dissolves and mixture reaches 160°F (71°C).
9. Whip the mixture on high until stiff, glossy peaks form and the bowl is cool to the touch.
10. On medium speed, add softened butter one cube at a time.
11. Mix in vanilla bean paste and salt until the frosting is velvety and smooth.