This Vegan Vanilla Frosting is smooth, creamy and sweet. No one would ever know it contains zero milk of any kind! As always, it’s gluten free and nut free too! No dairy allergies or not vegan? No worries, you can easily make it with dairy!
This vegan vanilla frosting is the most perfect base for so many baked goods! It only requires 4 ingredients and is so simple to make!
If you’re looking for more frosting recipes, try Vegan Strawberry Buttercream Frosting, Vegan Raspberry Buttercream Frosting and Chocolate Fudge Frosting.
Jump to:
Reasons to love this frosting
- Allergy Friendly- This recipe is gluten free, nut free and vegan.
- Smooth & Creamy- This vanilla frosting is so soft and silky!
- Easy to Make- Whips up in one bowl with only 4 ingredients!
Ingredient Notes
- Vegan Baking Stick- Make sure to use unsalted softened and not melted. Melted will make the frosting runny and it won’t even be fixed by putting it in the fridge.
- Vanilla- Make sure to only use pure vanilla extract that is gluten free and vegan. If you use one that is not pure, the frosting will have a chemical taste.
- Water- This frosting uses water instead of milk!
See my recipe card below for a complete list of the ingredients with measurements.
Substitutions and Variations
How to Ensure this is Vegan
- Make sure to use vegan baking sticks instead of butter.
- Only use pure vanilla extract that's made in a gluten free and vegan facility.
How to Make with Dairy
- Use unsalted butter instead of vegan baking sticks
This recipe has not been tested with these substitutions and/or variations due to celiac disease and food allergies. If you change any of the ingredients, please let us know how the recipe turned out in the comments below!
How to Make Vegan Vanilla Frosting
Here are the steps to make this frosting!
Step 1: Cream the Vegan Baking Stick or Butter
In the large bowl of an electric mixer or using a hand held mixer, beat the softened vegan baking stick or butter until smooth and creamy. About 2 minutes.
Step 2: Add in the Vanilla
Add in the vanilla and beat until combined.
Step 3: Add in the Remaining Ingredients Half at a Time
With the mixer on low speed, slowly add in half the confectioners’ sugar and half the water. Beat until combined. It will look chunky at first.
Step 4: Add The Second Half Of Ingredients
Then add in the second half of the confectioners' sugar and water and beat until combined again, creamy and smooth.
Expert Baking Tips
- Cream the Vegan Baking Stick or Butter- You could technically put all the ingredients in the bowl together and beat them at the same time. However, this can leave chunks of vegan baking stick throughout the frosting. Your best bet is to beat the softened vegan baking stick first until it is smooth and creamy for about two minutes. Then beat in all the other ingredients.
- Be Careful Not To Melt the Vegan Baking Stick- If your vegan baking stick is not at room temperature and soft, be careful if you plan on popping it in the microwave. Vegan baking sticks are different than butter in the sense that if they are too melted in your frosting, they will create a liquid mess and your frosting will be sliding all over your cakes and cupcakes. At that point, even putting the frosting in the fridge would not help. It will still be a liquid mess. If you are using butter, popping the frosting in the fridge would help resolidify and make the frosting thicker and firmer but not with a vegan baking stick.
Recipe FAQs
If the frosting is too thick, add more water ¼ teaspoon at a time until you get the desired consistency.
If the frosting is too thin, add more confectioners’ sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time until you get the desired consistency.
You can make this frosting the night before you need to use it.
Store it in an airtight container or a bowl covered with plastic wrap, in the fridge.
When ready to use, let it come to room temperature and rewhip to get that creamy consistency.
This recipe makes about 5 cups of frosting.
That should be enough for a 3-4 layer cake or 24 cupcakes.
For 12 cupcakes or a one layer cake, divide the recipe in half.
Yes! If there are no dairy allergies in your home or if you're not vegan, simply replace the vegan baking sticks with unsalted butter.
Storing and Freezing
Storing
Store extra vegan vanilla frosting in an airtight container or a bowl covered in plastic wrap in the fridge for up to 3 days.
When ready to use, let it come to room temperature on the counter and rewhip to get that creamy consistency.
Freezing
You can freeze the frosting for up to one month in an airtight freezer safe container.
To defrost, put the frosting in the fridge the night before.
When ready to use, let it come to room temperature on the counter and rewhip to get that creamy consistency.
Other Vanilla Recipes You'll Love
Did you try this recipe? Please leave me a ⭐ review below!
Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @laneandgreyfare and follow along on Pinterest, Facebook and YouTube! Enjoy!!!
📖 Recipe
Vegan Vanilla Frosting
Ingredients
- 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted vegan baking stick or butter
- 4 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 9 cups confectioners’ sugar
- ½ cup water
Instructions
- In a large bowl of an electric mixer or using a hand held mixer, beat the softened vegan baking stick or butter until it is smooth and creamy. About 2-3 minutes.
- Add in the vanilla and beat till combined.
- Add half the confectioners’ sugar and water and beat until combined. It will look chunky at first.
- Beat in second half of the confectioner's sugar and water until combined, creamy and smooth.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
John
Such a quick and easy recipe for vegan frosting! Thanks!
Lee
Thank you!
Anne Billman
The only frosting recipe I use anymore! I use reg. butter and it turns out perfect every time! Foolproof❤️
Lee
Thank you so much! So glad!!!
Dawn
This vegan frosting recipe is perfect! It turns out so creamy & smooth, perfect for cake or cupcakes! Thank you Lee! 🤍
Lee
Thank you, Dawn! SO glad!