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Adding real vanilla beans to delicious buttercream frosting makes a truly scrumptious Vanilla Bean Frosting that you’ll love using over and over again.

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I think everyone has requested this frosting more than any other frosting that I’ve made in the past few years. It’s been requested by everyone for their birthday cakes and for holiday treats.

I came up with this recipe when I created my Earl Grey Cake last year. Just look at all those vanilla beans in the frosting. The flavor is so amazing. It is the perfect frosting for just about any cake under the sun.

I was a little worried at first that there wouldn’t be enough “vanilla” flavor…but you just have to trust me that the vanilla flavor from using actual vanilla beans is soooo much better than using an extract. So don’t think it’s going to be the same, it’s not. It’s better!

I promise!

Check out my other frosting recipes here…I even have an egg-free Royal Icing that you don’t want to miss.

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Vanilla Bean Frosting

Name: Vanilla Bean Frosting
Prep time: 12 min
Total time: 12 min
Yield: 2 cups
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 whole vanilla bean pod; 1/2 cup butter, softened*; 1/2 cup shortening; 2 tbls warm water (2-3); 1 lb confectioners sugar

Yield: 2 cups

Prep Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 12 minutes

Fluffy vanilla buttercream frosting is the perfect topping or filling for cakes, cupcakes and cookies. This vanilla bean frosting is easy to make. See notes for a dairy free frosting version.

Ingredients

1 whole vanilla bean pod
1/2 cup butter, softened*
1/2 cup shortening
2 tbls warm water (2-3)
1 lb confectioners sugar

Instructions

Split Vanilla pod and scrape out all the beans with a sharp knife.
Beat together butter, shortening, 1 tbsp of warm water, and vanilla beans until smooth and creamy. Beat in the sugar gradually on a low setting. Scrape sides of bowl as needed.
Mixture will be very thick. After all sugar is incorporated, add 1-2 more tbsp. of warm water and beat at medium/medium-high speed for 1-2 more minutes. Adding more warm water will continue to thin the frosting consistency and bring down the sweetness even more. Add as much as you like to get the appropriate flavor and consistency. Be careful because a little goes a long way.
The frosting can also be made several days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature, then mix well before using. Leftovers should be refrigerated.