Vanilla bean cake

Autumn is definitely upon us. The days are getting shorter and the air is getting crisper. It's sunny. And it rains. Then 5 minutes later, it's sunny again.
Don't get me wrong, I absolutely adore autumn, it's probably my favorite time of the year (ok, I think I say that about all seasons).
I feel more inspired and full of energy than ever, and I can finally wear my favorite clothes again. Yes, I wear clothes during summer too, but way to little for my taste. I always feel like I lose my sense of style (the little that I have..) when it's too hot outside.
In fact, I feel so inspired and have so many ideas that in the end, nothing gets done. Almost. Or maybe it's in my head because people around me tell me "But, you get SO much done" and I just shrug my shoulders.. I run around, doing a little bit of this and a little bit of that.
I'm wondering, are there any freelancers reading this? How are you coping with time management? I'm completely clueless so hit me up with your best tips please!

I actually surprised myself when I took these photos because they are so very summery, and my mood is set to autumn. I guess it's still summer though, after all, it's only August.

Vanilla bean cake
Makes one 6 inch cake / Serves 6-8

Recipes from my book Lomelinos tårtor


Ingredients
Cake
50 g (1/2 stick) butter
3 large eggs
1 cup (225 g) granulated sugar
1/2 tsp pure vanilla powder (or seeds from 1 vanilla bean)
1/3 cup 1 1/2 tbsp milk
1 1/4 cups (180 g) all purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
pinch of salt

Vanilla buttercream frosting
300 g butter, softened
1 1/2 - 2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 tsp pure vanilla powder (or seeds from 1/2 vanilla bean) or 1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
pink food coloring, if desired


Directions
Cake
1. Heat oven to 175°C (350F).
2. Butter and flour two 6 inch (15 cm) cake pans.
3. Melt the butter and let it cool.
4. Whip eggs, sugar and vanilla until very light and fluffy, about 5-7 minutes. Heat the milk until lukewarm and add to the egg mixture. Whisk in the melted butter.
5. Mix together flour, baking powder and salt in a bowl. Add dry mixture to the batter and stir until smooth.
6. Divide the batter between the two prepared pans.
7. Bake for 28-30 minutes, then let the cakes cool for 10 minutes in their pans before inverting them onto a cooling rack. Let cakes cool completely.


Frosting
1. Beat butter until smooth.
2. Add powdered sugar and beat until very fluffy and pale, about 3-4 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl every now and then.
3. Add vanilla and cream and whip for 30-60 seconds or until cream is fully incorporated.
4. If the frosting is full of air bubbles (because this frosting is fluffy!), stir with a spatula until smooth.


Assembly
1. Divide both cakes in half so you have four layers.
2. Put the first layer on a cake stand or serving platter. Spread about 1/4 cup of frosting on the first layer.
3. Repeat step 2 until you've used up all layers.
4. Spread a very thin layer of frosting all over the cake. Put cake in the fridge for 15 minutes.
5. Divide remaining frosting between two bowls and color into two different shades of pink if desired.
6. Spread a thick layer (alternating between the two colors of frosting) all over the cake, then use a large offset spatula two make patterns.
7. Store cake in the fridge (because of the cream) and bring to room temperature before eating.
8. Decorate with edible clover flowers.