If you have recently embraced a vegan diet and want to make plant-based buttercream frosting, you have arrived at the right place! This easy tutorial and list of ingredients will demonstrate how buttercream frosting can be made without using dairy products.
Plant-based buttercream frosting is free of dairy and can substitute traditional buttercream frosting. It is crafted using natural ingredients derived from plants—that help achieve the same rich flavour and creamy texture. For this recipe, you will have to replace dairy butter with its vegan alternative, and the milk will be substituted by plant-based milk. Let us see what ingredients and equipment you need to nail this vegan recipe!
You need 1/2 cup of vegan butter, one teaspoon of vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste. Three cups of sifted powdered sugar (ensure it is organic and vegan-friendly). Three to four tablespoons of coconut milk (or any other plant-based milk of your choice).
The recipe for dairy-free buttercream frosting is simple, but you should have the right equipment to simplify the process and achieve the best results. You need a stand or electric mixer to beat the plant-based butter while adding the sugar. All the ingredients should be beaten thoroughly to achieve a creamy and smooth texture. Don’t try to whisk it manually—you will get lumpy frosting and sore biceps.
Next, you need a mixing bowl to combine all the ingredients. Get a spatula to mix all the ingredients. You will need a sieve to sift the icing sugar before adding butter to it—to avoid lump formation.
Don't forget your measuring spoons and a kitchen scale because to nail this recipe, you have to swear by accurate measurements. Lastly, the most vital tool is the piping bag (obviously).
If you are using a stand mixer, add the vegan butter (should be at room temperature) to the bowl—with paddle attachment. You can also beat the butter using an electric hand mixer. Beat the vegan butter for three minutes on medium speed, occasionally pause, and use a spatula to scrape down the splattered butter from the sides of the bowl. It ensures the butter is creamy and smooth.
Decrease the speed of the mixer to low and slowly add the icing sugar (one tablespoon at a time). After every addition, allow the icing sugar to mix properly before pouring more. This step will enable you to acquire a silky-smooth texture. Don’t rush this process.
After adding all the icing sugar, pour the vanilla extract or the vanilla bean paste. Increase the speed of the mixer to high—and for another 30 to 40 seconds—beat the buttercream. Whisk until the concoction achieves a fluffy consistency.
If you feel the consistency of your frosting is thick, add one tablespoon of coconut milk (or any other plant-based milk) to achieve the desired consistency. Your buttercream frosting is now ready to be emptied into piping bags and for application.
If you are wondering if dairy-free buttercream frosting can match the texture and flavour of its dairy equivalent, the answer is YES! With the correct ingredients and preparation techniques, you can get a smooth and creamy consistency that can rival traditional buttercream frosting. Remember, the secret is using superior-quality plant-based butter and combining the vanilla and sugar properly.
