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    Home » Desserts

    Gluten-Free Vanilla Buttercream Frosting {Dairy-Free & Vegan Option}

    Published: Apr 15, 2021 · by Audrey

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    glutten-free vanilla buttercream frosting Pinterest pin 1n

    An easy recipe for gluten-free vanilla buttercream frosting. This gluten-free frosting recipe also has a dairy-free and vegan option. 

    gluten-free vanilla buttercream frosting on a vanilla cupcakes with the frosting and cupcakes in the background

    Gluten-Free Frosting

    Making homemade gluten-free frosting only takes a few minutes and a few simple ingredients! I love the creamy flavor of homemade vanilla buttercream frosting.

    The recipe makes enough frosting for 24 cupcakes, two 9-inch cakes, or one 9×13-inch cake.  It’s my tried and true frosting recipe I use when I make my Gluten-Free Vanilla Cupcakes.

    You can see just how easy it is to make gluten-free frosting in the recipe video.

    gluten-free frosting ingredients

    How To Make Gluten-Free Frosting

    • For the creamiest frosting, sift the powdered sugar. (photo 1)
    • In a large bowl, cream the softened butter until smooth and creamy. (photo 2)
    • Scrape down the sides of the bowl. (photo 3)
    • Add the pure vanilla extract and salt mix until fully combined.
    • Add the confectioners’ sugar 1 cup at a time and mix until fully combined. Scape down the sides of the bowl as needed. (photo 4)
    • Add the milk 1 teaspoon at a time, depending on how firm you want the frosting, and beat until smooth and spreadable. (photo 5 & 6)

    gluten-free frosting recipe steps photo collage

    Tips For Making The Best Gluten-Free Frosting

    • Sifting the powdered sugar will make sure the frosting is super smooth.
    • Make sure the butter is softened. You can easily soften the butter on the countertop for 30 minutes. Your butter is soft enough when you poke it with your finger and see an indent in the butter.
    • For a whiter buttercream frosting, use less expensive butter. More expensive butter tends to be more yellow. I use the Great Value Unsalted Butter (Walmart) or Smart Balance dairy-free butter.
    • Another trick to make your buttercream frosting whiter is to mix in a tiny drop of purple food coloring.
    • If you want a firmer frosting, use less milk or add more powdered sugar.
    • If you see your frosting has bubbles caused by overwhipping, just use a large spoon to stir the frosting until the bubbles pop.
    • I like to line a frosting piping bag in a tall glass and then add the frosting. It makes it easier and less messy to fill.
    • My favorite frosting tip is the Wilton 1M.

    bowl of gluten-free frosting with a frosting piping bag, vanilla cupcakes in the background

    Is Powdered Confectioners Sugar Gluten-Free?

    I live in the United States, and I have never seen a brand of powdered sugar that was not gluten-free. I know in other countries companies may use different starches. Please make sure to always check the ingredients on the label.

    Is Vanilla Extract Gluten-Free?

    Not all brands of vanilla extract are gluten-free because of the type of alcohol they use. I buy pure vanilla extract or Watkins Baking Vanilla.

    gluten-free frosted cakes photo collage

    Can You Change The Flavor Or Color The Frosting?

    It is easy to change the flavor of this gluten-free frosting by adding your favorite gluten-free flavor extract. Just like when I make my Gluten-Free Lemon Cake.

    This gluten-free frosting recipe can be easily colored with gluten-free gel food color. I prefer gel food color because it does not add extra liquid to the frosting.

    Can You Freeze Frosting?

    The frosting is easy to freeze. You can freeze for up to 3 months in an airtight container or freezer bag. Defrost the frosting in the refrigerator overnight, bring it to room temperature, and re-whip.

    gluten-free vanilla buttercream frosting on a cupcake with vanilla cupcakes and the frosting in the background

    Dairy-Free And Vegan Frosting

    It is super easy to make this gluten-free frosting both dairy-free and vegan. You can use your favorite brand of dairy-free/vegan butter and dairy-free milk. I used Smart Balance and unsweetened almond milk.

    Some brands of dairy-free/vegan butter are softer than traditional butter. You may need to add more powdered sugar to the recipe. 

    Easy Gluten-Free Frosting

    Skip the canned frosting and make this homemade gluten-free frosting! This vanilla buttercream frosting is perfect for your cakes and cupcakes. It is room stable and easily piped into beautiful decorations.

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    More Gluten-Free Cake Recipes To Try!

    • Easy Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake {Dairy-Free Option}
    • Gluten-Free Angel Food Cake {Dairy-Free}
    • Gluten-Free Birthday Cake {Dairy-Free Option}
    gluten-free frosting piped on top of a vanilla cupcake
    Print Pin

    Gluten-Free Vanilla Buttercream Frosting {Dairy-Free & Vegan Option}

    An easy recipe for gluten-free vanilla buttercream frosting. This gluten-free frosting recipe also has a dairy-free and vegan option.
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Keyword gluten-free dairy-free frosting, gluten-free frosting, gluten-free vegan frosting, vanilla buttercream frosting
    Prep Time 15 minutes
    Cook Time 0 minutes
    Servings 12 servings
    Calories 156kcal
    Author Audrey from Mama Knows Gluten Free

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Dairy-free/vegan use Smart Balance Butter.
    • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • 4 cups gluten-free powdered confectioners’ sugar, shifted
    • 1-3 tablespoons milk Dairy-free/vegan use unsweetened almond milk.
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    • For the creamiest frosting shift the powered sugar.
    • In a large bowl, cream the softened butter until smooth and creamy.
    • Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
    • Add the pure vanilla extract and salt mix until fully combined.
    • Add the powdered sugar 1 cup at a time and mix until fully combined. Scape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
    • Add the milk 1 teaspoon at a time, depending on how firm you want the frosting, and beat until smooth and spreadable.
    • Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate.

    Video

    Notes

    • The recipe makes enough frosting for 24 cupcakes, two 9-inch cakes, or one 9x13-inch cake. 
    • For the dairy-free/vegan option, I used Smart Balance butter and unsweetened almond milk.
    • Some brands of dairy-free/vegan butter are softer than traditional butter. You may need to add more powdered sugar to the recipe. 
    • The frosting can be frozen for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator, bring to room temperature, and re-whip.   
    • See the recipe post for all of my tips for the best gluten-free frosting. 

    Nutrition

    Serving: 3tablespoons | Calories: 156kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 41mg | Sodium: 185mg | Potassium: 8mg | Sugar: 30g | Vitamin A: 475IU | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 1mg
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    Did you enjoy this recipe? Please give it a star rating below in the comments. Thank you!
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    DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Share a recipe pic with me and mention @MamaKnowsGlutenFree and use the tag #mamaknowsglutenfree!

     

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    Audrey Roberts in a white kitchen for a profile photo

    I'm Audrey Roberts, a busy mama of four and I love sharing the recipes that I make for my family. I make gluten-free family-friendly recipes that are simple and delicious that you can too! I use easy to find ingredients that won't break your budget. You will also find dairy-free options and Paleo recipes. I am also the author of  The Everything Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Cookbook, which is an Amazon Best Selling Cookbook in the US and Internationally. Living gluten-free since 2010. I hope by me sharing my journey it may help you with yours.  Read More…

     

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