Vanilla Bean Buttercream

• Add the softened butter to a bowl of your stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment. Beat at high speed until the butter is light and fluffy, this can take between 5 and 10 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl often with a rubber spatula.
• Switch the mixer's attachment to a paddle attachment and add the icing sugar to the whipped butter. Beat at a low speed until combined.
• Increase the speed of the mixer to medium-high and beat the buttercream frosting until it is light and fluffy about 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl often.
• Use a sharp knife to slice open the vanilla pod lengthways and use the back of a spoon to scoop out all of the vanilla bean seeds. Add the seeds to the frosting and beat again until the perfect consistency. 
• Add the frosting to a piping bag fitted with your chosen nozzle and pipe swirls of frosting onto cupcakes or use a spatula to spread it over your favorite cake. Enjoy!