A small batch of creamy Vanilla Butter Free Frosting that is just as good as its dairy counterpart! This dairy free frosting recipe is made with coconut milk and coconut oil. The frosting is rich in vanilla flavor and perfectly sweet. This butter free frosting is great as a filling or to simply frost cakes, cupcakes or bars.
RECIPE AND POST UPDATED June 2021
Butter Free Frosting
I love receiving feedback on my recipes. It is great to see folks making what I have created and enjoying the treats as much as I did (thank you!) However, I am human and I will be the first to acknowledge when something needs to be refined – like this Vanilla Butter Free Frosting.
I have seen a few comments on Pinterest that the original recipe was not working for some. The issue – the frosting was not setting up, and it appeared it was behaving more like a glaze. Now, full disclosure – I have made this recipe (old and new) more than a dozen times and it always turns out just as pictured.
So, after some researching (and contemplating) what may have gone wrong, I have updated the recipe again.
RECIPE UPDATES – With only 4 ingredients, there is not much to change, with the exception of the ratio of the ingredients.
- Use equal parts of coconut milk solids and cold-pressed coconut oil
Dairy Free Frosting Made With Coconut Milk And Coconut Oil
Helpful tips for canned coconut milk:
- First – in a can of unsweetened coconut milk, the liquid separates from the solids. We want the solids from the can.
- Refrigerate the can of coconut milk overnight. This helps the liquid and separation process. I actually keep at least 3 cans in the refrigerator at all times.
- Use full fat coconut milk or cream. We need the full fat variety to create a thick and creamy frosting.
- Use canned coconut milk that includes guar gum. Guar gum acts as a thickener and stabilizer.
- If your can of coconut milk does not have coconut solids, this recipe will probably not work. And sometimes (I speak from experience), a can may not have much, if any, coconut solid. It could be that somewhere along the way the can was shaken and the liquid and solids never separated. If this is the case, use that can for smoothies, and try another can.
- Second – you may see a few options for canned coconut milk.
- Canned unsweetened coconut milk and canned unsweetened coconut cream. I have tried both, and have not found a noticeable difference. The cream version may have a bit more solids. But, for the sake of price, I always use the milk version.
- There are cans of coconut milk that are sweetened. And I mean really sweetened. Do not use those for this recipe! Those cans of coconut milk are best used for Pina Coladas or Coconut Cake.
Helpful tips for cold-pressed coconut oil:
- The coconut oil we are using for this recipe is solid – And just as the name implies, the oil is extracted from the coconut flesh and pressed into a solid form.
- Do not use liquid coconut oil for this recipe. I honestly have no idea how it would turn out, but because the liquid version goes through more processing that makes it turn to liquid, I can’t imagine it would work.
- I recommend refined coconut oil – This means it has gone through a little more processing to remove some of the coconut flavor. Which makes it great for cooking and baking.
- I’ve seen coconut oil at both my grocery and Target – It seems to be a pretty common item and should be easy to find, and can also be purchased online.
Coconut Milk Brands I Recommend To Make Butter Free Frosting
Good and Gather
- Where to buy: Target
- Description:
- It whips up nicely, is thick and creamy, and I successfully use it to make Butter Free Frosting and Whipped Coconut Cream.
- Pros:
- Does not have a strong coconut flavor, includes guar gum which acts as a stabilizer, and the coconut solids are smooth and creamy.
- Cons:
- It can be hit or miss on how much coconut solid you are able to get from can to can.
Thai Kitchen
- Where to buy: Walmart or Amazon
- Description:
- This used to be my go-to, but it has become harder to find. It whips light and fluffy and I had success making Butter Free Frosting and Whipped Coconut Cream.
- Pros:
- Does not have a strong coconut flavor and includes guar gum which acts as a stabilizer.
- Cons:
- Some may find the texture chalky. But I find this unnoticeable when whipped into frosting or whipped cream.
Disclaimer: This information is purely subjective and my own opinion based on testing the product. Others may have different experiences. Additionally, I find canned coconut milk is not consistent from can to can. Ratio of coconut solids and liquid can vary.
If you are curious about other brands of canned coconut milk I have tested, I have outlined those below. Also helpful when making your ingredient purchase decisions.
Coconut Milk Brands I Have Tested And Do Not Recommend For Butter Free Frosting
365 Organic Coconut Milk
- Where to buy: Whole Foods
- Description:
- It works to make Butter Free Frosting and Whipped Coconut Cream. However, I didn’t care for the strong coconut flavor.
- Pros:
- Includes guar gum, which acts as a stabilizer.
- Cons:
-
Has a pronounced coconut flavor, and a bit of a chalky texture.
-
Native Forest Organic Coconut Milk
- Where to buy: Whole Foods
- Description:
- This did not work for me when testing Butter Free Frosting. It did not whip to a thick and creamy consistency. My thought is because it did not have guar gum in it to stabilize it.
- Pros:
- Good separation of coconut solids and liquid when refrigerated.
- Does not include guar gum. A pro if you are looking for no guar gum coconut milk.
- Cons:
- Did not work for Butter Free Frosting.
- Has a pronounced coconut flavor.
Native Forest Organic Coconut Cream
- Where to buy: Whole Foods
- Description:
- It works to make Butter Free Frosting and Whipped Coconut Cream. However, I didn’t care for the strong coconut flavor – especially in the frosting.
- Pros:
- Includes guar gum, which acts as a stabilizer.
- Works to make Whipped Coconut Cream.
- Cons:
- Has a pronounced coconut flavor.
Andre Prost Unsweetened Coconut Milk
- Where to buy: Target, Walmart, Amazon
- Description:
- I couldn’t really test this as the cans I tried did not have any separation of coconut solids and liquid.
- Pros:
- Seems to be available in a variety of stores – usually in the baking aisle.
- Cons:
- Poor separation of coconut solids and liquid.
- Pronounced coconut flavor.
Disclaimer: This information is purely subjective and my own opinion based on testing the product. Others may have different experiences. Additionally, I find canned coconut milk is not consistent from can to can. Ratio of coconut solids and liquid can vary.
Tips For Making Vanilla Butter Free Frosting
- Use unsweetened canned coconut milk (or cream) – I use canned coconut milk because it is less expensive than cans of coconut cream. Carton coconut milk will not work.
- Do not use light or lowfat coconut milk or cream – We need the full fat variety to create a thick and creamy frosting.
- The canned coconut milk (or cream) should have guar gum in it – Guar gum acts as a thickener and stabilizer. If you are opposed to guar gum, you could try replacing the coconut milk and coconut oil with vegan butter. I have not had success using ‘no guar’ coconut milk.
- Refrigerate the can of coconut milk (or cream) overnight – This helps the coconut liquid and solids to separate.
- Only use the coconut solids from the can – If the can doesn’t have any or is already mixed up, try a new can.
- You will have extra coconut milk – Use the extra for smoothies!
- Use cold-pressed refined coconut oil – Refined because it doesn’t have a strong coconut flavor. Cold pressed because it is solid and not processed like liquid coconut oil.
- Store your coconut oil in your pantry – This is just good for the product as it is sensitive to temperature and can loosen in warmer environments.
- Do not overheat the mix when melting it together – The mix of coconut solid and coconut oil just needs to melt together. We don’t need to overheat it.
- Add a little powdered sugar to the mix when melting – I find a little powdered sugar gives all of the fat particles something to attach to, and not separate.
- Allow the mix to cool to room temperature – This will give the mixture some time to start setting back up.
- Add powdered sugar in 1/2 cup increments – I have found this makes for a creamier texture.
- Refrigerating the frosting will set it even more – You can make it ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 1 week in a sealed container. Bring it to room temp and stir/mix before using.
- If you want to make the frosting truly vegan – I would recommend looking for organic powdered sugar. Sometimes the process of manufacturing the powdered sugar may not be 100% vegan. No animal product in the sugar itself, just the processing of it.
Common Questions To Make Butter Free Frosting
I have not tested a larger batch, but I think it would be ok.
In my opinion, like a creamy vanilla frosting. I find that it does not leave a greasy residue like dairy buttercream sometimes can.
At room temperature, it is thick and creamy, like store-bought frosting in a tub. When it is refrigerated, the frosting sets up firm. If you are refrigerating the frosting, I recommend letting it come to room temperature and stir/mix before using.
The frosting should easily frost 6 cupcakes, or a small 6-inch layer cake.
I consistently use the store brand from Target. It always produces a creamy frosting.
This forces the separation of coconut solids and liquid. We only use the coconut solids from the can. Too much liquid in the coconut solids, and the frosting may not turn out. It is kind of like what would happen if you add too much cream (or even water) to American buttercream. It will probably result in a soupy mess.
Guar gum acts as a stabilizer and thickener. I have tested cans of coconut milk that do not have guar gum, and the frosting did not turn out.
Even though cold-pressed coconut oil is solid like butter, I find it doesn’t whip up smooth. Melting the coconut milk and oil creates a homogenous base for the frosting.
A few questions/thoughts: Did your can of coconut milk have guar gum? Was the coconut truly solid from the can, or was it soupy and loose? Did you use cold-pressed coconut oil? Was the powdered sugar added in 1/2 cup increments and mixed for at least 1 minute after each addition? Did you try refrigerating the frosting for a few minutes, and try to whip again?
This butter free frosting is not identical to dairy buttercream, and I don’t think it would make intricate designs like dairy buttercream. I find this frosting is similar to the store-bought frosting in tubs.
I find this butter free frosting to be creamier and thicker than American buttercream.
Yes! I have used it as a frosting and filling on cookies.
More Frosting Recipes
- Chocolate Butter Free Frosting
- Strawberry Whipped Buttercream Frosting
- Glossy Marshmallow Meringue Frosting
- Blueberry Whipped Coconut Cream
- Vanilla Whipped Coconut Cream
Vanilla Butter Free Frosting
Ingredients
- 5 tablespoons unsweetened canned coconut milk or cream - see recommendations in Blog Post
- 5 tablespoons cold pressed refined coconut oil - this coconut oil is solid
- 2 cups + 1 tablespoon powdered sugar - a naturally Vegan option – Wholesome! organic powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Refrigerate the can of coconut milk at least overnight. This causes the liquid and coconut solids to separate – we are only using the solids from the can. You will have extra coconut milk solids and liquid which can be used in smoothies.
- In a small saucepan, add the coconut milk solids, solid coconut oil, and 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar. Heat over medium-low heat and stir the mix with a spatula until it has completely melted together – this should only take about 1 minute. Do not boil. The mixture will resemble a creamy soup.
- Transfer the mix to a small mixing bowl and stir in the vanilla extract. Let cool to room temperature – about 10 – 15 minutes. You still want the mix to be be liquid when you add the powdered sugar. Note – You can also refrigerate it for a few minutes to speed up the cool down.
- Add the remaining 2 cups of powdered sugar in 1/2 cup increments at a time. Using a handheld mixer fitted with the whisk attachments, add a 1/2 cup of the powered sugar to the coconut mixture. Start at low speed to incorporate the powdered sugar and avoid having it spray everywhere. Turn up the speed to high and beat for 1 minute. At this point, the frosting will look sticky and gooey.
- Continue to add a 1/2 cup of powdered sugar at a time – beating for at least 1 minute after each addition. With the final 1/2 cup, beat the frosting for an additional 2 – 3 minutes, until it is light and creamy. The frosting should be thick and creamy and resemble the store-bought frosting you buy in the small tubs at the grocery. If the frosting still looks loose, refrigerate it for about 10 minutes, then beat for a couple more minutes until it thickens. See Notes and the Blog Post for more tips and faq's that are helpful for making and troubleshooting the frosting.
- The frosting is ready to use right away or can be refrigerated. If refrigerating, the frosting will firm even more. Allow refrigerated frosting to come to room temperature and stir/mix to fluff before frosting.
Notes
- Use unsweetened canned coconut milk that includes guar gum. The guar gum works as a stabilizer to help the frosting set. Do not use carton coconut milk.
- Do not use light or lowfat coconut milk or cream. We need the full fat variety to create a thick and creamy frosting.
- Unsweetened canned coconut cream will work too, as long as it has guar gum. It separates into a solid and liquid just like canned coconut milk does, and I have not found significant differences between the two.
- Brand recommendations are in the Blog Post.
- The coconut milk (or cream) solids must be solid. Any extra water could impact the way the frosting turns out.
- It can be hit or miss sometimes on how solid the coconut milk (cream) is in the can. If your can does not have coconut solids, you may want to save that can for another recipe and try a new one.
- The coconut oil for this recipe is solid – not liquid. It almost resembles a lighter shortening.
- I keep my coconut oil in the pantry – away from heat and light.
- Refrigerating the frosting will set it even more. You can make it ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 1 week in a sealed container.
- This recipe has only been tested for a small batch.
- The recipe makes enough frosting for 6 cupcakes or a small 6-inch, 2 layer cake.
- I have piped this frosting into a simple swirl on cupcakes and as a filling in cookies. Do not expect the frosting to work for intricate designs or flowers.
- The texture and consistency of the frosting is similar to the store-bought frosting in the small tubs.
- This frosting is great as a filling in cakes, cupcakes, or cookies. Or to simply frost cakes, cupcakes, or bars.
- If you want to make the frosting truly vegan, I would recommend looking for organic powdered sugar. Sometimes (it’s hard to say), the process of manufacturing the powdered sugar may not be 100% vegan. No animal product in the sugar itself, just the processing of it.
Thank you for this beautiful yummy tasty recipe!!!
My experience went 50/50!!
I doubled the ingredients because I needed it for a carrot cake decoration, the letting it melt and cool down took naturally much much longer, for me living in already a cold climate I probably wouldn’t have needed to keep the ingredients in the fridge that delayed the process for me. At first once my liquid mix cooled down I thought it would never ever frost, once I added the icing sugar (I kept the 2 cups qty for double of everything else and the sweetness was perfect). It frosted and it was perfect, the peaks were a little on the soft side but that’s maybe due to the fact I put a lot less icing sugar and I was so worried to cuddle the mix I stopped maybe a bit early. Now here’s where I went wrong I believe, I was worried my frosting would melt at room temp so I put it in the fridge and when I realised it would be far to hard to spread (10min later) I took it out and mixed it again…. and that’s when it curdle leaving me with a watery frosting! My own fault though, the taste was delicious but my skills messed it up 🤣 I will definitely try again on a smaller batch this time 🙏🏽 Thank you
Hi Sarah – I’m so glad you liked the frosting! And I appreciate the nice note and feedback!
Hi! I attempted to make this earlier today. The taste is great, but the texture is off. It’s a bit grainy/gritty as of all the ingredients didn’t incorporate correctly. I have reread the instructions and feel I followed them. Any tips or suggestions of what I may have done wrong? The canned coconut milk was solid and my coconut oil was solid. Any thoughts/tips would be appreciated. The taste is amazing, I just need some help getting a smooth creamy texture. 😊
Hi Katie – thank you for trying the recipe! A few things I can think of – perhaps the coconut oil didn’t melt all the way? It can leave little bits if not fully melted? Or, the liquid mix cooled too long before being whipped and the coconut oil started to firm up. You could try just letting it cool for 5 minutes on the counter rather than the fridge. Another thing that may be the culprit is the powdered sugar – sifting it helps get out any persistent lumps. If all that doesn’t seem to work, you could try adding a bit more powdered sugar to get it fluffy – a tablespoon at a time. Just taste it as you are whipping it up – it can get very sweet quickly. Hope some of this helps!
Hello, may I use shortening instead of coconut oil ?
Thank you very much. ^-^
Hi Brooklyn – since I have not tested the recipe with shortening, I can’t say for certain how it would turn out. I know that there are frosting recipes that just use shortening and they turn out nice. I think Crisco may even have a recipe on the back of their container (or they used to!) Thanks for visiting the blog!
This icing is AMAZING. I am so thankful I found this!
I am wondering if you have ever made ice cream with similar ingredients? After storing this in the fridge it tastes so similar to ice cream just wondering what you would add to shift the consistency and keep it vegan? It’s SO good I’m tempted to eat it all by itself 🤣
Hi Braci – I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed it! I’ve been known to eat it by the spoonful 🙂 I do have a couple of ice cream recipes that I use canned coconut milk too – Strawberry Ice Cream, and Pina Colada Ice Cream. I used honey in the ice cream, but you could swap in maple syrup to make it vegan. Thank you for visiting the blog!
This frosting is incredible! It’s like ganache when it’s fully set. I am so thrilled it’s the best vegan frosting I’ve come across so far! Thank you!!
Hi Steph – I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Every time I make it, I think I eat more by the spoonful than what goes on my cakes! 🙂 Thank you for trying the recipe and visiting the blog!
Seems like people need to use the Coconut Cream & start from that point from comments on Pinterest. My only question is how many cups of frosting this makes? Need to fill & cover an 8″/6 layer cake + piped decorations.
Hi Laurie! This is a small batch recipe and will make approx. 1 and 1/2 cups. For the size of the cake you are making, I don’t think that will be enough. You could double the recipe, just please note I have not tested doubling the recipe.