Vanilla bean buttercream frosting, soft and creamy, is anything but ordinary, thanks to the intense flavor of real vanilla bean caviar in the recipe.
As with most of the country this winter, my immediate world has been blanketed by a thick layer of snow. While I’m growing weary of the need to wear multiple layers of high-tech fabrics in order to avoid frostbite, I still never tire of the beauty that the near constant snowfall brings.
Just when I think that I can’t possibly tolerate another minute of bitter cold temperatures, we get a fresh dusting of snow to brighten the world. There is something so special about the simple beauty of newly fallen snow that makes me want to strap on my snowshoes toward sunset, and hike along the seemingly sugar coated bluffs overlooking the bay. One look at the tiny snowflakes shimmering in the remaining sunshine would strengthen my resolve to accept what I cannot change, and to celebrate the beauty of everyday.
Or it would…if I didn’t have approximately 62,000 loads of laundry to do, and about a billion papers to grade, and another gazillion photos to edit instead. But if I didn’t have all that other stuff to do, I’d totally be out snowshoeing and celebrating…and stuff. Celebrating life’s mundane moments is totally legit.
Like totally.
I can’t think of a better way to celebrate everyday moments such as these than with a homemade cake. Cake practically screams Celebration! Besides, baking a cake during the winter months is a great method of adding warmth to an otherwise drafty house. So you see, I’m practically forced to keep baking in order to keep my family warm and toasty.
That’s my story and I’m sticking to it!
Now let’s talk frosting. Every good cake needs a really great frosting to bring out it’s true beauty.
Vanilla Bean Buttercream adds a special loveliness to any cake with the intense flavor derived from a generous helping of vanilla bean flecks.
I realize that to some, vanilla frosting sounds, well…a little too bland…a little too vanilla. Let me assure you that this frosting is anything but ordinary. It’s too fluffy, creamy, and vanilla-y to be a bore!
I just love the natural, somewhat rustic vibe that Vanilla Bean Buttercream brings to cakes and cupcakes–it’s as simple and beautiful as freshly fallen snow. All the little brown flecks of vanilla caviar scattered throughout exude a calm confidence that says, “I may be simple, but you can’t help but adore me.”
♥♥♥
Kirsten Kubert
Yields 3.5 cups
Soft and creamy buttercream that is anything but ordinary, due in large part to the intense flavor of real vanilla bean caviar in the recipe.
15 minPrep Time
15 minTotal Time
Save RecipeIngredients
- ½ C. unsalted butter, softened
- 4 ½ C. powdered confectioner’s sugar
- 1 vanilla whole bean
- ½ tsp. pure vanilla extract
- 5 Tbs. 2% milk (or to desired consistency)
Instructions
- Split the vanilla bean pod in half lengthwise with a sharp knife. Using the back side of the blade, gently scrape the seeds, or “caviar,” from inside the pod; set the caviar aside while preparing the buttercream. (Reserve the empty pod for future use in vanilla sugar or homemade vanilla extract.)
- Whip the softened butter in a large bowl until creamy. Blend half of the powdered sugar into the butter, until smooth. Stir in the vanilla bean caviar and extract, as well as two tablespoons of the milk. Beat in the remaining powdered sugar. Drizzle one tablespoon of the remaining milk into the frosting at a time, mixing well in between, until the buttercream is smooth and has achieved the desired consistency.
♥♥♥
Be sure to come back tomorrow for these deliciously fudgy Coca Cola (or Dr. Pepper) Cupcakes!
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