Vanilla Bean Buttercream Frosting
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Today I’m going to share some tips on how to make the best Vanilla Bean Buttercream Frosting. Having a good frosting recipe is key for baking. And this Vanilla Bean Buttercream Frosting is one you can use for all kinds of desserts. From cupcakes, to cakes, to cookies, and brownies, this frosting recipe is a classic that goes with almost everything!
If you're looking for more frosting recipes, check out some of my other favorites like Honey Buttercream Frosting, 2 Ingredient Chocolate Ganache Frosting, or my Whipped Cream Frosting.
Table of Contents
Why You'll Love This Recipe
True Vanilla Bean Flavor: I use ground vanilla bean in this Vanilla Bean Buttercream Frosting recipe. This really provides a true vanilla flavor. It also gives the frosting small specs of vanilla bean, which I love the rustic look!
Easy: This Vanilla Bean Buttercream Frosting is incredibly easy to make. This is an easy American buttercream frosting recipe that you can use for almost anything! I love using this easy American buttercream frosting recipe because it just requires a few ingredients and it only takes a few minutes to whip up to fluffy perfection.
Use for Anything: This easy American buttercream frosting recipe can be used for cakes, cupcakes, loaf cakes, cookies, brownies, sandwich cookies and more. This classic Vanilla Bean Buttercream Frosting is good with literally anything!
How much frosting does this recipe make?
This easy American buttercream frosting recipe for Vanilla Bean Buttercream Frosting is enough for one 6-inch layer cake, 1 dozen cupcakes, one 9 x 9-inch sheet cake or 2 dozen sandwich cookies. If you’re making a 8-inch or 9-inch cake you can double this recipe and it will work for that!
Ingredients
Wholesome Sweeteners Powdered Sugar
Lafaza Organic Ground Vanilla Bean
Tools Needed
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Step by Step Instructions
Step 1
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add the butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla bean. Mix on low until combined.
Step 2
Speed up mixer to high and mix for 1 minute or until light and fluffy. Scrape down the mixer and paddle, and mix again for 1 to 2 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy. Add milk as needed to create the stiffness of frosting that you want.
Step 3
Use for cakes, cupcakes, sandwich cookies or enjoy with a spoon!
Baker's Tips
Soft Butter
It's best to have soft butter when making buttercream frosting. I like to leave butter out on the counter for a few hours or even overnight (depending on the weather) and let it soften naturally at room temperature. This is the best way, in my opinion, as you get the most even softening. But, you can also soften in the microwave if need be. For softening butter in the microwave, only do 10 seconds per 1/2 cup at one time. You may need to do intervals of 10 seconds if it is not soft after the first one, but the key is not let it go for more than 10 seconds at one time. If you have to do multiple intervals of 10 seconds, that is best! Your butter should be sticking to your wrapper, if it doesn't stick when you open it, then it's not soft enough!
Weigh Powdered Sugar
My next tip is weigh your powdered sugar. I believe in weighing all of your ingredients at all times, so here is no exception. When you weigh your powdered sugar, you get an exact amount which is what we want! Buy a digital food scale if you don't have one, the brand is not important, but that you have one is! I have multiple scales I recommend on my Baking Tools section of my Amazon Shop page.
Sift Powdered Sugar
It is so important to sift powdered sugar, all the time! Not just for frosting, but all the time! Powdered sugar can clump easily even if it just sits in the pantry for a short period of time. So, you must sift it every single time. Sifting powdered sugar is what makes a smooth and creamy frosting. If you don't sift powdered sugar, you will most likely have clumps in your frosting, which makes for an undesirable texture when eating.
Scrape Down the Bowl
Whenever making buttercream, you want to make sure you scrape down the sides of the bowl multiple times. When you whip frosting, the frosting that is stuck to the sides of your mixing bowl and also to your paddle will be more stiff than the light and fluffy parts that are being whipped. So, this is why it is important to scrape down the bowl and paddle so that all of the frosting has the opportunity to whip and fluff up.
Add Liquid As Needed
I always put a little bit of liquid into my buttercream frostings, as it helps get the consistency I want depending on what I'm using it for. This is why you may see a range measurement like 2 to 3 teaspoons organic milk. The amount of liquid needed can depends on how soft your butter is. If you didn't get it soft enough, you may need to add more liquid in. This is not necessarily a bad thing, unless you leave that cake out and the frosting gets too warm. But, if you keep it in the fridge, then that is no big deal. But, I always say to mix and scrape down your bowl first before adding liquid. You can't take out liquid if your buttercream frosting gets too soft, but if it's too stiff, you can always add it in!
FAQ's
Yes, you can, but it won't have the same flavor. It will still be delicious, but vanilla extract has a different vanilla flavor than vanilla bean. If you are using vanilla extract, double the amount.
Yes! Just use your favorite vegan butter and milk. My top picks are Miyoko's Vegan Butter or Spectrum Organic Vegetable Shortening along with organic coconut milk.
Store extra frosting in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Craving More?
Vanilla Bean Buttercream Frosting
Equipment
Ingredients
- 226 grams salted butter (softened)
- 454 grams powdered sugar (sifted)
- 1 teaspoon ground vanilla bean
- 2 to 3 teaspoons milk
Instructions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add the butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla bean. Mix on low until combined.
- Speed up mixer to high and mix for 1 minute or until light and fluffy. Scrape down the mixer and paddle, and mix again for 1 to 2 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy. Add milk as needed to create the stiffness of frosting that you want.
- Use for cakes, cupcakes, sandwich cookies or enjoy with a spoon!
Notes
Nutrition
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