Recipe for Vegan Frosting That Tastes Amazing and Easy

Updated On: October 1, 2025

Vegan frosting is a delightful way to add creamy sweetness to your cakes, cupcakes, and cookies without any dairy or animal products. Whether you’re vegan, lactose intolerant, or simply looking to explore plant-based alternatives, this recipe offers a smooth, rich, and fluffy frosting that’s incredibly easy to make at home.

With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can whip up a frosting that’s perfect for any occasion—from birthday parties to cozy afternoons with a slice of your favorite treat. Say goodbye to traditional buttercream and hello to a delicious, cruelty-free option that everyone will love.

In this post, I’ll walk you through a foolproof recipe for vegan frosting, share tips for customizing flavors, and even suggest some creative serving ideas. Plus, if you’re interested in exploring more plant-based recipes, I’ll link to some fantastic related dishes to inspire your culinary adventures.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan frosting recipe stands out because it combines simplicity with versatility. It uses non-dairy butter and powdered sugar, making it quick to prepare without sacrificing taste or texture.

The frosting is perfectly creamy, light, and easy to spread or pipe for decorating.

Unlike some vegan frostings that can be grainy or overly sweet, this one balances just the right amount of sweetness with a hint of vanilla. It’s also free from common allergens like soy and nuts if you choose your ingredients carefully.

Whether you’re making a chocolate cake, vanilla cupcakes, or a festive holiday dessert, this frosting will elevate your baking to the next level.

Best of all, you can modify the frosting easily by adding cocoa powder, fruit purees, or different extracts to tailor it to your taste.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (227g) vegan butter, softened (e.g., Earth Balance or Miyoko’s)
  • 3-4 cups (360-480g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2-4 tablespoons non-dairy milk (such as almond, oat, or soy milk)
  • Pinch of salt to balance sweetness

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl – large enough for whipping the frosting
  • Electric hand mixer or stand mixer with a paddle or whisk attachment
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Sifter or fine mesh sieve for powdered sugar
  • Spatula for scraping bowl sides

Instructions

  1. Start by softening your vegan butter. Leave it at room temperature for about 30 minutes or soften gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds—be careful not to melt it.
  2. Place the softened vegan butter into your mixing bowl. Using your mixer on medium speed, beat the butter until it’s smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes.
  3. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar. Start with 3 cups and add more later if you want a thicker frosting. Beat on low speed initially to avoid a sugar cloud, then increase to medium-high until fully incorporated.
  4. Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Continue to beat the mixture until it’s fluffy and well combined.
  5. Slowly pour in the non-dairy milk, one tablespoon at a time. Mix well after each addition until you reach your desired consistency. The frosting should be smooth and spreadable but not runny.
  6. Give the frosting a final beat on high speed for 1-2 minutes. This step ensures a light and airy texture perfect for decorating.
  7. Use immediately or refrigerate. If refrigerated, allow the frosting to soften at room temperature and re-whip before using.

Tips & Variations

For the best texture, always sift your powdered sugar. This prevents lumps and ensures a silky smooth frosting.

Chocolate Vegan Frosting: Add 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder with the powdered sugar for a rich chocolate version. Adjust sweetness as needed.

Fruit-Flavored Frosting: Substitute 1 tablespoon of vanilla with fruit extracts like almond or lemon. You can also fold in 2 tablespoons of mashed berries or fruit puree for a natural tint and flavor.

Coconut Cream Frosting: Replace half of the vegan butter with chilled coconut cream for a tropical twist and extra fluffiness.

Allergy-Friendly Options: Use soy-free vegan butter and oat or rice milk if you have soy or nut allergies.

Keep in mind that temperature affects frosting consistency. If your kitchen is warm, you may need to refrigerate the frosting briefly to firm it up before decorating.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Serving (2 tbsp)
Calories 120
Total Fat 6g
Saturated Fat 5g
Carbohydrates 18g
Sugars 16g
Protein 0g
Fiber 0g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and depend on the specific brands of ingredients used.

Serving Suggestions

This vegan frosting pairs beautifully with a variety of baked goods. Use it to frost vegan chocolate cakes, vanilla cupcakes, or carrot cakes for a luscious finish.

It also works wonderfully as a creamy filling between cake layers or as a dip for fresh fruit.

For a fun twist, try piping the frosting into decorative shapes on cookies or vegan brownies. To impress guests at your next party, add sprinkles or edible flowers on top for a festive look.

If you want to explore more plant-based baked goodies to complement this frosting, check out these recipes for inspiration:

Conclusion

Making your own vegan frosting at home is easier than you might think and incredibly rewarding. This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a creamy, fluffy frosting perfect for a wide range of desserts.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just looking to try something new, this frosting will quickly become a staple in your baking arsenal.

Its versatility allows you to customize flavors and textures, making it suitable for everyday treats or special celebrations. Plus, by choosing plant-based options, you’re making a compassionate choice that’s better for animals and the planet.

Experiment with different variations, pair it with your favorite vegan cakes, and enjoy the sweet satisfaction of homemade goodness.

For more delicious vegan recipes and cooking inspiration, be sure to explore other fantastic dishes like Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals or Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas.

Happy baking!

📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Frosting

Description: A creamy and delicious vegan frosting perfect for cakes and cupcakes. Made with simple plant-based ingredients for a smooth texture and sweet flavor.

Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT0M
Total Time: PT10M

Servings: 12 servings

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup vegan butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup full-fat coconut milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)

Instructions

  1. Beat the vegan butter until creamy.
  2. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well.
  3. Add coconut milk and vanilla extract, continue to beat.
  4. Add salt and maple syrup if using, mix until smooth.
  5. Adjust consistency with more coconut milk or powdered sugar as needed.
  6. Use immediately or refrigerate until ready to frost.

Nutrition: Calories: 120 | Protein: 0.2g | Fat: 7g | Carbs: 15g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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