Vanilla Bean Buttercream

In my opinion, one of the best frosting recipes to have in your repertoire is a Vanilla Bean Buttercream. It's sweet, buttery, full of flavor and goes well with almost any cupcake or cake flavor. I am a huge fan of Vanilla Bean Buttercream on nearly any cupcake, however most recently I became addicted to these Snickerdoodle Cupcakes, of which I frosted with Vanilla Bean Buttercream.  This recipe is as easy as they come, and as soon as you taste it you'll be hooked!

 

Easy Vanilla Bean Buttercream

Ingredients:

2½ sticks unsalted butter, softened
1 vanilla bean, halved lengthwise
2½ cups confectioners' sugar (10 ounces)
Pinch salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 Tablespoons heavy cream


Directions:

In a standing mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the butter at medium-high speed until smooth, about 20 seconds. Using a paring knife, scrape seeds from vanilla bean into butter and beat mixture at medium-high speed to combine, about 15 seconds.

Add confectioners' sugar and salt; beat at medium-low speed until most of the sugar is moistened, about 1 minute. Scrape down the bowl and beat at medium speed until mixture is fully incorporated, about 30 seconds; scrape bowl, add vanilla and heavy cream, and beat at medium speed until incorporated, about 20 seconds, then increase speed to medium-high and beat until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes, scraping down bowl once or twice.



Source: Brown Eyed Baker