Vegan Buttercream Frosting (Gluten-Free)

This easy vegan buttercream frosting (gluten-free) is light, fluffy and delicious! Who knew that vegan frosting could be so delicious! We like this version of buttercream even better than the dairy original. It only takes minutes to make, and is ideal for frosting and piping.

Use this versatile frosting for cupcakes, cake and the tops of cookies. Be sure to set your vegan butter stick(s) out well in advance – I put mine out the night before or several hours in advance. You want your butter to come fully to room temperature. Do not heat or microwave – setting out on the counter for several hours will do the trick!

We also recommend sifting your powdered sugar — it takes a minute more to do (use a fine sieve), but results in a creamier, smoother consistency. A scale will be your best bet for measuring the powdered sugar if you have that option; if not, refer to our cups conversion.

Using vanilla powder will keep the frosting as white as possible — it has a great vanilla taste too! In the absence of this, simply use vanilla paste or pure vanilla extract in a slightly smaller ratio.

For the ultimate ease, use a gluten-free mix to bake your cakes or cupcakes (like those from Simple Mills, Thrive Market, or Pillsbury). And try our Funfetti Passionfruit Cupcakes as well! The passionfruit curd adds a nice tangy note to the sweet frosting.

This vegan buttercream frosting (gluten-free) only takes a few ingredients and a few minutes and is super delicious. Let us know how you enjoy it!

Vegan Buttercream Frosting (Gluten-Free)

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: cake, dessert, vegan

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes minutes

Servings: 18 cupcakes

Calories: 122kcal

Author: Luxe Wellness

Who knew that vegan buttercream could be MORE delicious that regular buttercream frosting! We think this vegan blend will please even the most picky eater – it produces a frosting so light and fluffy you will adore using it on cupcakes, cookies and cakes. It's super easy to make, frost with, and pipe for your delicious treats! All you need are a few simple ingredients!

Print Recipe

Equipment

• Stand or Hand Mixer

Ingredients

• 112 grams vegan butter stick, at room temperature (1 4oz stick or approx 1/2 cup) we like Earth Balance
• 96 grams vegan shortening (approx 1/2 cup) like Spectrum
• 380 g powdered sugar, sifted about 2 1/2 cups
• 1 tbsp non-dairy milk like coconut milk
• 1 1/2 tsp white vanilla powder or 1/2 tsp vanilla extract or paste vanilla powder will keep the frosting super white

Instructions

• Before starting, be sure your vegan butter is at room temperature. I put mine out the night before
• In a stand mixer or with a hand mixer, beat together vegan butter and shortening on low
• Add the sugar in about 3 portions, mixing well between each. Sifting your sugar is not essential but it will lead to a smoother frosting
• Add the milk and vanilla beat until fluffy. Cover if not using immediately to frost

Notes

• We used this vanilla powder and love the flavor and color; if you don’t have this on hand, you can use pure vanilla extract or vanilla paste 
• If your frosting is too thick to pipe, add a smidge more coconut milk; if too runny you can add more sugar; however these ratios should lead to a perfect consistency
• This recipe conservatively frosts about 18-24 cupcakes, based on how thick/thin you like your icing. If you plan to pipe all cupcakes you’ll likely need more; double the recipe in this case
• For the ultimate ease, use a gluten-free mix to bake your cakes or cupcakes (like those from Simple Mills, Thrive Market, or Pillsbury)

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 122kcal