Typically when I’m baking a cake I go straight for Betty Crocker cake mixes but this time, I wanted something with some extra vanilla kick to it. Duncan Hines just happens to make a French Vanilla cake mix that was exactly what I was looking for.
I like to bake the cakes first and let them cool off while I’m whipping up the buttercream.
As an alternative to using whole vanilla beans which can be very expensive ($10 for 2 beans) you can opt for Madagascar Vanilla Bean Paste
The vanilla bean seeds are easy to remove by cutting the bean length wise and scraping the inside with the side of your knife blade. As you can see, one bean doesn’t produce a lot, so I opted for two beans.
A really great thing you can do with the leftover beans, rather than let them go to waste, is to to make your own vanilla extract. All you need is a tightly sealed glass bottle (about the size of a beer bottle), premium vodka and the beans. You toss them in a jar, seal the top and store them in a cool, dark cabinet for 6 weeks – 6 months, depending on how strong you want your vanilla. I’ve been using the same jar for about 2 years now and just made an extra one today.
Recipe: Vanilla Bean Buttercream
Ingredients
- 2 sticks of butter
- 1 cup of vegetable shortening
- 1 TBS pure vanilla extract
- 2 TBS whole milk
- 2 whole vanilla beans
- 1 lb powdered sugar
Instructions
- Using a knife, cut the vanilla beans in half length wise. using the side of the blade, scrape the seeds from the bean and set aside.
- In an electric mixer, combine shortening, butter, milk and vanilla extract.
- Add vanilla bean seeds and combine
- Add powdered sugar and combine
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes before frosting your cake.
Cat,
I have never cooked using vanilla bean before. I love vanilla bean in just about anything and was craving something the other day. I’m going to pick up some at the store and try the frosting with my cake recipe. It looks delicious.
Jennifer,
I’m really surprised to hear that! I love using real vanilla beans whenever I can afford them. And being able to make my own vanilla bean extract is just a bonus, it always seems to taste more fresh when I do it myself.
Real vanilla! It sounds scrumptious! :)
OMG that looks incredible! The imitation vanilla extract doesn’t compare to using real vanilla beans and there is definitely a noticeable taste difference. I’m sure I have a bottle of vodka laying around some where that could be put to good use. Thanks for sharing how to make your own extract!
Oh no, imitation vanilla is a major no-no in this house. Definitely give the homemade vanilla a try, it takes awhile to make but it’s worth it when you use it all year long and seems to last forever in that quantity. There’s a few variations, some people use Brandy as well.
MM that looks so tasty! I would love to try that out! :)
OMG that looks soooo good! You’re making me so hungry. I can’t believe you did that all and it looks like something I’d buy at the bakery! WOW!
yumm I have never tried using the real vanilla bean sounds amazing
MMM, looks yummy! I always use REAL vanilla extract but I’ve never tried using the beans. I think I’ll try them soon though so I can make that homemade extract! I can’t wait to try it. Thanks for sharing :)
Oh Cat, that looks SOOOO incredibly yummy! I want to try this!
Looks yummy to me… wonder if vanilla in rum would work as well as vanilla in vodka?
This looks awesome, I think I’ll make it after my cinnamon coffee cake is gone. Wow, it actually makes me hungry. I love fresh vanilla.
ohhh, YUM! SO gotta try this! Thanks for visiting me from the UBP…loving your blog mama!
That looks delicious!
Mmmmm :] That. Looks. Amazing. Will most DEFINITELY be trying this out. Soon.
I’ve never used real vanilla, either!
This is absolutely sinful. I like the hint of vanilla beans extract here. I could I imagine the scent, just mouth watering. Thanks for the recipe, definitely gonna give it a shot.
I love buttercream..this looks delish.
I love your recipe section you always post such easy instructions and great pics!
Wow. This is so simple to make. And the finishing product looks mouth watereing. Thanks so much for sharing.
You are always making something yummy. I wish I was your neighbor!
Yum, dessert is the best, I’ll have to try making this one
I might start drooling soon! You made it look and sound delicious!
the picture of the finished product is making me crave something sweet
My dh would love this. He is pretty strict about his diet but he will always make an exception for vanilla buttercream.
I love using real vanilla beans have you tried a little bit in your pancake mixes? I love your recipes please keep posting new ones!
I love the smell and taste of fresh vanilla beans and I am going to have to steal this recipe LOL
Thank-you for posting!