Orange Vanilla Bean Cupcakes

INGREDIENTS

1 cup

unsalted butter, at room temperature

2 cups

sugar

vanilla beans, split lengthwise

2 tbsp

finely grated orange zest

large eggs

1 1/2 cups

heavy cream (or whole milk)

1/2 cup

freshly squeezed orange juice

2 tbsp

vanilla extract

4 cups

all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp

baking powder

1/2 tsp

baking soda

1/2 tsp

salt

1 1/2 cups

sugar

1 1/2 cups

water

About 30 small, thin orange slices

1 1/2 cups

plus 2 tbsp. (3 sticks plus 2 tbsp.) unsalted butter, at room temperature

3 cups

confectioners’ sugar, sifted

salt

vanilla bean, split lengthwise

1 tsp

vanilla extract

2 tbsp

heavy cream