Light and fluffy and perfectly sweet - this recipe for vegan vanilla frosting is everything you want in a classic frosting, minus the dairy! Unlike a lot of vegan frosting, this one doesn't use coconut milk. Instead, it blends vegan butter and icing sugar with dairy-free milk. Whip it up in minutes and it is stable enough to use for cakes, cupcakes, cookies and more.

Frosting is a must when it comes to cakes and sugar cookies, even if they're vegan! In fact, I'm always thinking of dairy-free dessert ideas so this buttercream frosting with vegan butter certainly comes in handy.
This quick and easy homemade frosting is perfectly spreadable and totally decadent. Unlike store-bought frosting, it has zero artificial colors or flavors and zero high fructose corn syrup. It's allergy-friendly too!
It's thick, creamy, perfectly sweet, and adds that just-right finishing touch to your favorite treats. Plus it only uses four ingredients and can be made in just a couple minutes. What a win! Your baked goods will positively shine with this frosting on top!
Ingredients
While most of my recipes are free of refined sugar, this recipe does call for powdered sugar (I use organic). All things in moderation! Using just four simple ingredients, this frosting without dairy has a lovely subtle vanilla flavor.
I use soy-free vegan butter and prefer a splash of almond milk. Feel free to use any type of non-dairy milk you wish!
How to Make this Vegan Vanilla Frosting
Have no fear: despite being homemade and vegan, this frosting holds up extremely well. It's not complicated and anyone can definitely master this recipe! All you have to do is just mix them all together with a hand mixer.
The frosting is best when fresh but can be stored in your refrigerator. It's so easy to make that I can get my kids in on the fun, which just adds to the excitement of decorating their favorite treats!
No Hand-Mixer?
No problem! If you have a high-speed blender, this vanilla icing made with cashews takes just a few minutes as well. Plus it is refined sugar-free!
My Favorite Treats to Frost
I'm of the belief that any treat is better with a dollop of vanilla frosting... and I think my kids would agree with me, too! Here are the recipes that I love to use vegan vanilla frosting on:

Vegan Vanilla Frosting (No Coconut Milk)
- Total Time: 5 mins
- Yield: 6
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Light and fluffy and perfectly sweet - this recipe for vegan vanilla frosting is everything you want in a classic frosting, minus the dairy! Unlike a lot of vegan frosting, this one doesn't use coconut milk. Instead, it blends vegan butter and icing sugar with dairy-free milk. Whip it up in minutes and it is stable enough to use for cakes, cupcakes, cookies and more.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup soy-free, vegan butter (softened not melted)
- ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup organic, all natural powdered sugar
- Splash of non-dairy milk
Instructions
- Beat softened butter with a hand mixer on low speed until light and fluffy. Then add vanilla and beat again on low speed.
- Add powdered sugar ½ cup at a time and continue mixing until creamy. You may want to increase the speed slightly.
- Drizzle in a little non-dairy milk if clumpy. I used 1 teaspoon of unsweetened vanilla almond milk but any plant-based milk will work. Mix until smooth and creamy. Use immediately or see storage information below.
Equipment
Notes
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in refrigerator for up to one week. If using straight from the refrigerator, allow to warm to room temperature before spreading.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Category: Dessert
Mary says
The frosting was great!
Elaine Gordon says
Thank you so much, Mary! Best, Elaine
ShanaM says
This is our go-to icing! It's delicious!
Elaine Gordon says
Thank you so much, Shana! I'm so happy to hear you enjoy this one so much. Best, Elaine
Blair says
How much does this recipe yield? Meaning, if you had to frost ~20 cupcakes…. Would you double recipe?
Thanks!
Elaine Gordon says
I would say the recipe makes enough to put a modest amount of frosting on 12 cupcakes. So I would double for 20 especially if you plan to use a lot of frosting per cupcake. I hope that helps!