If you’ve ever wondered how to make dairy-free buttercream frosting, you’re in the right place! This step-by-step tutorial will demonstrate how easy it is to make perfect dairy-free buttercream frosting every time! Plus, we share our favorite dairy-free butter brands, tips for success, and recipes to put it to good use!
Dairy-Free Buttercream Frosting vs. Buttercream Frosting
The two main differences between traditional and dairy-free buttercream frosting are:
- The dairy butter is replaced with vegan butter.
- The whipping cream or milk is replaced with non-dairy milk.
As for preparation, the basic rules still apply:
- Use softened vegan (or dairy-free) butter, which blends better (and don’t microwave chilled butter to speed softening time – it will make your buttercream runny)
- Use quality powdered sugar and sift it before adding to the butter or it can form clumps
- If your buttercream gets too thick, simply thin with a little dairy-free milk of choice (ours being creamy coconut)
How to use it?
On cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and more, including:
- Apple Gingerbread Cake
- Gluten-Free Carrot Cake
- Vegan Sugar Cookies
- Gluten-Free Vanilla Cake
- Gluten-Free Vegan Pumpkin Cake
- Vegan Funfetti Cupcakes
- French Toast Sugar Cookies
- Vegan Pumpkin Sugar Cookies
- Vegan Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies
- Vegan Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls
That’s it!
We hope you LOVE this recipe! If you give it a try let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo #minimalistbaker on Instagram so we can see what you come up with. Cheers, friends!
How to Make Dairy-Free Buttercream Frosting
Fluffy Dairy-Free Buttercream Frosting made with 4 simple ingredients and 1 bowl! Perfect for decorating cupcakes, cakes, and more!
Ingredients
- 1 stick vegan butter (1 stick = 1/2 cup // our current preferred brand is Miyokos, but Earth Balance also works)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ½ - 3 cups sifted organic powdered sugar (ensure vegan-friendly as needed)
- 3-4 Tbsp full fat coconut milk or other dairy-free milk (optional // we prefer coconut)
Instructions
-
Add softened vegan butter to a large mixing bowl and use an electric hand mixer to cream butter until light and fluffy - about 1 minute. Then add vanilla and mix once more to combine.
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Add sifted powdered sugar in 1/2 cup measurements and continue mixing until well combined and fluffy, scraping down sides as needed.
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If too thick, add 1 Tbsp at a time of dairy-free milk until desired consistency is achieved (optional).
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Use immediately or store frosting in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or in the freezer up to 1 month.
Notes
*Frosting will melt and spoil if kept at room temperature for too long. We recommend frosting immediately before enjoying or storing cupcakes in the refrigerator after decorating.
*Recipe as written makes ~1 ¾ cup frosting
*Nutrition information is a rough estimate calculated with Miyokos dairy-free butter and with lesser amounts of ingredient ranges.
Nutrition Per Serving (1 of 14 two-tablespoon servings)
- Calories: 143
- Fat: 6.5g
- Saturated fat: 5.3g
- Sodium: 39mg
- Potassium: 7mg
- Carbohydrates: 21.5g
- Sugar: 21g
I made this recipe twice so far, I’m not sure what I’m doing wrong but the icing is very runny, even after I add more sugar and/or cornstarch to make it thicker. Maybe it’s because I’ve been using Earth Balance or using the blender too long? I’m not sure but the next time I will use Miyokos and let you know if there is a texture difference. You are my go to recipe blogger for all things vegan, most things I’ve tried via Minimalist Baker does not disappoint!!
Hmm, are you melting the butter? If you microwave chilled butter to speed softening time – it will make your buttercream runny.
I am not! I let it soften organically, room temperature. Maybe it’s I’ve been using the tub vs sticks?!
Ahh, yes- that could definitely be! Let us know if you are still having an issue after trying the sticks.
Hi, can you use margarine instead of vegan butter?
We’ve never tried it, but it might work. Let us know if you give it a try!
Could I use homemade vegan butter?
Hm, we haven’t tried that and aren’t sure how it would turn out. Let us know if you try it!
Can you taste the coconut? My dad doesn’t like coconut and I want to do something that he would like for his birthday.
You could use almond milk (or another non-dairy milk) instead of coconut milk. Hope that helps!
Can you recommend specific types of vegan butter to use?
I have made a cream cheese frosting for a vegan carrot cake. I used Earth Balance sticks and the frosting tasted off.
Hi Tomo, our current preferred brand is Miyokos. Hope that helps!
Hello! Quick question, and it may be a silly one. But I want to make sure I have it correct!! So I have the earth balance butter. In the recipe, you say 1 stick. They are like half sticks (half of a regular stick of butter that is) So, is it one stick (one of the 4 in the box) that this recipe is calling for? Thanks so much!!
Hi Cristie, 1 stick would be 1/2 cup or 114 grams. We aren’t exactly sure which size of butter you are referring to, but hope that helps!
Thanks so much, that does help!!
This has become my go-to buttercream! Delicious as vanilla, but a perfect base to launch any flavor. I made the vegan peppermint cupcakes today (Christmas), and added half vanilla extract and half peppermint to this buttercream for a wonderfully subtle peppermint flavor. I thought about tossing in some crushed candy cane at the end, but opted for a sprinkle on top and a mint leaf for garnish. Thanks for all the wonderful, easy, one bowl recipes!
Thanks so much for your kind words and lovely review, Michelle! We’re so glad you enjoyed this and are other recipes! xo
Hi there – I made this per recipe, but it separated? Any suggestions? Thanks!
Hmm, sounds like some liquid got into the batch. Was the bowl or utensil wet? Did you add liquid sweetener?
I made this recipe just as it was written and loved it! Light and fluffy!
Thanks so much for the lovely review, Lori. We are so glad you enjoy it! Next time, would you mind leaving a rating with your review? It’s super helpful for us and other readers. Thanks so much! Xo
I have a multigrain sandwich round with vegan butter and cinnamon every morning. It tastes like a cinnamon bun, but it is much healthier. This morning, I whipped up this super easy butter cream icing and topped my “cinnabun” with it, and it was decadent! I used Silk Original Protein Nut milk instead of cow’s milk, and it worked beautifully! Thank you so much for this recipe!
Thanks for sharing, Donna!
Hi there, how can I make the frosting harden up? I added 1 tbsp of milk in during the process. Thanks
Hi Kate, the powdered sugar is what helps it harden. Hope that helps!
My good friend baked a cake for my “Blessingway Memorial” in honor of my baby. (Our stillbirthday cake)
We only took home about 3 slices! It was delicious and I especially enjoyed this buttercream. No one else at the event was vegan but everyone was raving about it!
💛💙💔💙💛
Thanks for sharing, Korrin. So glad everyone enjoyed it. Sounds like a lovely memorial.
Delicious! I just made this recipe, although I admit I also added 1/4c. of shortening, and only 1Tblsp of milk, instead of 3. So it wasn’t exactly your recipe. I didn’t have coconut from the can, but I did have an almond/coconut blend of half and half I subbed instead. I thought it might help it hold a bit better with the crisco. It ended up piping nicely, although it was a bit softer than I’d prefer. I am interested to see how it holds up overnight in the fridge, and then at the party. The taste was perfect!
We’re so glad you enjoyed it, Rachael! Thanks for sharing your experience!
Hi! Does the full fat, coconut milk or the almond milk have to be room temperature?
Nope!
This may sound like a dumb question, but can I add food coloring to it?
Not a dumb question and yes, that will work!
Is there a big difference if you dont use the organic powdered sugar? All I have is the powdered sugar that has corn starch in it. Would it still be considered soy and dairy free?
Hi Samantha, that should work! We mentioned organic for those who want to make sure their sugar is vegan.
Do you think this will be okay sitting out in a 67-70 deg F room for 2-3 hours?
Should work, yes!
How long will the buttercream last out of the fridge? Can I make cake two days before?
It should last at least a week or more!
I’m thinking of using this recipe in-between the cake layers and to use as a crumb coat before covering in fondant. Will the fondant hold up on top of this icing?
It should. I would suggest Earth Balance vs. Moyoko’s though (and adding plenty of powdered sugar so it’s on the thicker side) for best results.
Did the icing hold up under fondant? I was gonna do the same!
Hi, I don’t have an electric hand mixer, so I am just wondering if it will still work if I do this by hand? If not, then do you happen to have any suggestions? Thanks in advance!
Yes! That should work! Just use some muscle ;D
I’m wanting to use this to frost a cake “naked” style ;) It will be a multi-level cake (two 8 in cakes stacked and two 6 in cakes stacked) will one batch do it, being that it goes on so thin, or should I make 2?
I’m thinking one batch should do it! Or, times it by 1.5 to be sure! Find the option to adjust serving size just about the ingredients.
Did I do something wrong? After following this to a T. I ended up with a pile of buttery sugar that wouldn’t spread and was not the right consistency. It gave me a headache just tasting it.
Hi Mike, sorry to hear that! It sounds like something went wrong. Did you make any modifications? What brand/type of butter did you use?
I’m so excited to find this recipe! I love making homemade frosting, and your recipe is perfect to top my favorite dairy free, egg free cupcakes.
Can I store or freeze the left over buttercream?
We haven’t tried freezing, but in the fridge it should keep for 1-2 weeks.
Would this be enough frosting to entirely frost a two layer cake?
Thanks in advance!
Yes, a modest layer. So if you want it to be generous, times the serving size by 1.5!
I just made this frosting with earth balance and rice milk. I colored the frosting with gel and it has white specks. I have whipped it several times but the specks won’t go away. Any advice??
Did you sift the powdered sugar? That usually causes white flecks.
Hi!
I’m frosting my wedding cake in a couple days and I wondered whether this recipe would be okay.. considering the cake will sit at room temperature for some time on display. If it isn’t okay – do you have a recommendation? Thanks so much!
Franki
That should work well, actually! In that case though, I’d recommend using Earth Balance vs. Myokos b/c myokos tends to melt quicker! Happy wedding day!
Hello,
My daughter has a milk protein allergy and I need to make her birthday cake, but we live in Florida so even though her birthday is November it’s going to be pretty warm. My question is have you ever used rice milk in the recipe, if so how did it turn out or do you just recommend using the canned coconut milk?
Hi there! I think that should work. We haven’t tried it but I don’t see any reason why it wouldn’t. Let us know how it goes!
HI there…can you please tell me what is the brand of your sprinkles used on top of the buttercream as well as the funfetti vanilla cupcakes you make.. thank you for sharing your magic with us xo:)
I believe these are ones we got at Whole Foods! Not sure of the brand – sorry!
My butter will not get fluffy! I’m using earth balance at room temp. Any suggestions?
Hmm, did you whip in the sifted powdered sugar yet? That’s what will make it fluff up well.
Which type of coconut milk do you mean (canned?) and can you taste coconut?
Use light or full fat canned coconut milk vs those that come in a carton, which are very watery.
Hi, I find that if you use Kara coconut cream or any coconut cream not milk, it works so much better and more fluffier . The cream usually settles up at the top of the can or carton and you can use that and try not to stir it.
Can I replace the powdered sugar with maple syrup or coconut sugar and still have it turn out?
Thanks.
Hi Janis, we don’t think that would work as it will impact the color and texture.
I have a question or two I’m hoping you can help with! I’ve been asked to make a birthday cake for a three year old and while I have done a lot of vegan cooking, I don’t have a ton of experience with vegan baking (or baking at all, for that matter!). I see this recipe makes about 1 3/4 cups of frosting, would that be enough to frost an 8” cake with two layers, or would you recommend doubling the recipe? I’m also trying to figure out what brand of butter to buy, I see you recommend earth balance for something that will keep its shape outside of the fridge. Would that be the earth balance baking sticks or spread, or does that even make a difference? I’m sure I’m overthinking this, but any help you can give me would be wonderful! I always feel pressure to prove that vegan food is every bit as good as the regular version and want it all to turn out right. ?
I’d recommend the “butter” sticks, yes, vs the kind that comes in tubs. And I think 1 batch should be sufficient! However, if you like more frosting, try multiplying the quantities by 1.5!
Yes, I did 1.5 recipes for a 2-layer 9” cake. Delicious!
I just finished this recipe!!! Delicious!!!
I used:
3/4 cup homemade ghee
1 1/2 cup icing sugar
1/8 cup + 1 tsp cocoa
1/2 tsp vanilla
3 tbsp almond milk
Followed exactly your instructions.
Thank you for your always RELIABLE recipes. Thanks again.
Aww, thanks so much for your sweet note, Gizelle! Thanks for sharing!
Love it. But realize ghee means it’s no longer vegan. What vegan oil can I use that not a pre-made processed food like earth balance?
Hi Hank, we aren’t sure of any brands like that, but let us know if you find something!
I have replaced butters and processed oils with coconut oil with almost perfect results. I haven’t tried it yet with this recipe but I’ve been using it for about six years and it’s always been consistent. A straight across 1:1 replacement has worked in all my baking!
I loved this recipe plus my vegan friend liked it sooooooo much that she even ended up asking me where I got the amazing recipe from, so I recommended your website. She has been cooking of it 24 7 now (:
Somebody is getting popular around my neighborhood! ?
Thanks, Vera!!
Love all of your recipes! Can you PLEASE do a strawberry cake/cupcake recipe? I can’t find any good ones that are Vegan and/or GF.
Some use Strawberry jam, purée or freeze-dried strawberries. I’d love to see how you would choose to do it.
Thanks for all the great recipes!
Thanks for the suggestion, Hayley! We will add it to our ideas list.
Just used this frosting recipe for some vegan vanilla cupcakes I made, and they were a hit! The frosting was easy to make and it was sooooo delicious! Non-vegans ate the most!! Going to make it again this weekend for a graduation party! Thanks for a great recipe!
Hi! I love your recipes!
A few questions
Any suggestions on why the frosting has a gritty/grainy texture? I am using vegan/organic powdered sugar and sifting prior.
I’ve heard some vegan bakers use vegetable shortening and butter?
Lastly, once cake/cupcakes are decorated I store in the fridge but then frosting gets hard but if I leave it out it gets soft… I am useing earth balance butter.
Thank you
Always make sure your butter is softened before whipping, and sift your powdered sugar into the butter to prevent clumps.
Vegan butter is a little trickier to work with as it is more temperature sensitive. But Earth balance is the best way to go in my experience.
Sorry I couldn’t be of more help!
I need to make cupcakes for a party. I want the buttercream to be the consistency to pipe flowers and they will need to sit out at room temperature for 6-8 hours. Any suggestions to make sure they dont melt? What do you do if cannot keep it refridgerated? Also do you have a recipe and suggestions to make a vegan royal icing to decorate cookies (pipe and flood)?
Thank you
Hi Becky, We haven’t tried that and can’t say for sure, but we think using Earth Balance would be a better choice than Miyokos for this. We would recommend using the maximum amount of powdered sugar you can without it getting clumpy. Also, it would be best to omit or reduce the dairy-free milk. We don’t have a recipe for vegan royal icing, but it’s on our ideas list. Hope that helps! Let us know if you give it a try!
I used your icing recipe last night for the vegan chocolate birthday cake I made my grandson. I added a bit more powdered sugar to ensure the icing would hold up. It did! Even when the cake was left on the counter for hours. Everyone loved it. So impressed!
Yay! So glad to hear this! Thanks for sharing! xo
Hi, could I use this recipe to make chocolate buttercream?
Would I add melted chips or cocoa powder?
We have a chocolate buttercream in this recipe. Hope that helps!
Hello I am always confused with coconut milk. Do you mean the kind in the can or the kind in the milk carton? Thanks! Will definitely try these.
Hi Noelle, In this recipe, we recommend full-fat canned coconut milk, but the carton milks should work as well since it is a small amount and is primarily used to add moisture, not flavor. Hope that helps!
Hello! Would this recipe work for making decorative flowers?
We think that would work well- Earth Balance would probably be a better choice than Miyokos for this. We would recommend using the maximum amount of powdered sugar you can without it getting clumpy. Also, it would be best to omit or reduce the dairy-free milk. Hope that helps!
Yes! Awesome. Looking forward to trying this out.