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

5 from 2 votes

on Apr 15, 2021

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

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.

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)

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.

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.

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.

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.

More Gluten-Free Cake Recipes To Try!

5 from 2 votes