Frosting is one of those things that’s super easy to make, but also easy to mess up. Take it from me, I’ve had a few bad frosting experiments myself. When making frosting, it’s important to find that delicate balance in texture. Not too thick, but not too runny.
It sounds easy, but it can truly be a challenge! No worries though, as usual I’ve got you covered. This Easy Vegan Vanilla Frosting is the perfect consistency and super versatile. It could be easily paired with this Easy Vegan Vanilla Cake!
How to Make Vegan Vanilla Frosting:
To make this Easy Vegan Vanilla Frosting, you’ll need just a few ingredients. Softened vegan butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a little non-dairy milk. The great thing about this recipe is that it can easily be used for different things. I chose to use this for frosting cupcakes, but I could also see it being used for cakes as well.
I’ve made this Vegan Vanilla Frosting recipe a million times, so I know it works! The key is making sure your vegan butter is not melted. Otherwise you’ll have a runny mess on your hands.
For the best results, it’s important that you ensure your vegan butter is at room temperature. As a reference, I keep it at about 68-70 degrees in my home. Whenever I know I’m going to make frosting, I’ll usually take it out the night before (if I’m thinking that far ahead). If I’ve waited until the day-of, I’ll take it out and set it on the counter near the window sill and let it sit for 2-3 hours.
To keep things from getting too messy, you’ll take your vegan butter and mix it with a standing mixture or hand mixer until it appears whipped. Then slowly add in your organic powdered sugar, followed by the non-dairy milk and vanilla extract.
Alternatively, you could simply add in everything at once, but there’s a good chance you’ll end up with a cloud of powdered sugar over your workspace. I’m speaking from experience, haha!
Once all of your ingredients have been added and you’ve started blending everything together, your vegan frosting will appear right before your eyes!
If you’re looking for a frosting to use for piping, I would definitely recommend this one! I used a large piping tip to create a simple swirl on the top of my cupcakes. It held together really well over the next few days until they all disappeared! In the past, I’ve had experiences where the frosting doesn’t hold its shape and that’s definitely not the case here with this Vegan Vanilla Frosting.
Though you can probably find dairy-free frosting in the store, I would definitely recommend making your own! If you’ve never made frosting before, I would encourage you to try it. It’s a lot easier than you might think!
Tips for Making the Best Vegan Vanilla Frosting
- Use butter that is softened, not melted. Let your vegan butter sit out on the counter for 2-3 hours. I wouldn’t recommend using the microwave, this always ends in disaster for me! The butter should still be holding its shape well.
- Gradually add in the powdered sugar to avoid it flying up in your face. I’ve had this happen and it’s not only a waste of powdered sugar, but its more to clean up!
- Use a standing mixer or hand mixer. This will make the mixing process easy peasy.
I know you’ll love this Vegan Vanilla Frosting recipe. It’s super easy to make and versatile! I’m looking forward to using it on a lot of different recipes this year. Give this frosting a try and let me know what you think in the comments below!
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Easy Vegan Vanilla Frosting
Ingredients
- ½ cup vegan butter softened – not melted (I used Earth Balance)
- 2 cups organic powdered sugar sifted
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp non-dairy milk (I used almond milk)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened vegan butter until it appears whipped.½ cup vegan butter
- In that same bowl, gradually add in the powdered sugar, followed by the vanilla extract and non-dairy milk.2 cups organic powdered sugar, ½ tsp vanilla extract, 1 tbsp non-dairy milk
- Continue mixing until frosting is formed and is light and fluffy.
- Use as desired. Enjoy!
I think I’m going to try this for my friend’s upcoming birthday. I’m always bummed that I can’t make a true buttercream, but this looks great.
Great recipe!! I always make lame desserts for my vegan friends and they hate me for that ahahaha now I don’t have to lol you just saved me!! 😛
This is the perfect recipe to make vegan desserts for my friends and family! Easy step-by-step instructions also!
I have had several people ask me about baking vegan and this is perfect for my new challenges.
This vanilla frosting looks so thick and delicious! The perfect vegan option to top so many desserts.
I love this vegan vanilla frosting. It tasted amazing and nobody realized it was vegan.
Trting this for me nephew’s birthday ❤❤❤
I was JUST looking for a vegan frosting recipe. You’re right on time!
Best Frosting Ever Thanks, my whole family Loved it
Thanks Blanca! So glad you enjoyed it!
I followed the directions of having your butter at room temp for best results. That did NOT give me the best results, ha! I used Earth Balance soy free/dairy free butter, at room temp, the frosting was very runny. I put it in the fridge for a few hours, until it thickened up a bit. My cake was completely cool before I started icing. The icing melted off my cake. It was a disaster. The taste of the icing was just fine. I was able to add a little food coloring to some and it blended well and the color was nice.
Next time, I will not bring the butter to room temp. Hopefully it works out!
I love this frosting! I have made it twice now. The first time I used it on pumpkin cupcakes and the second time I used it on cinnamon raisin bread. It is so easy to make and really delicious. Thanks for an awesome recipe!
Turned out REALLY well!!! So exciting-who needs dairy! I used unsweetened oatmilk.