Vegan American Buttercream Frosting

Total time10 min

Prep time10 min

Cook time0 min

This classic frosting whips up thick, pale, and cloud-like, with sifted powdered sugar folded in gradually for that signature smooth, no-grit texture. A touch of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt round out the sweetness, giving it real depth instead of a one-note sugary hit. Whether you're spreading it thick across a layer cake or piping it into swirls on cupcakes, it holds its shape beautifully and takes color or flavor add-ins with ease. The consistency is fully adjustable too — loosen it for easy spreading or stiffen it up for detailed piping work, depending on what your dessert calls for. It's a dependable, crowd-pleasing frosting to keep on hand, and it fits neatly into a vegan baking rotation. Make it ahead and store it covered for up to five days, then give it a quick re-beat before frosting.

About Fig

Fig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.

Learn more →

Ingredients

12 servings

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
Country Crock Dairy Free Plant Butter Made With Olive Oil Miyoko's Creamery Plant Milk European Style Salted Butter, 8 oz Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Sticks Violife 100% Vegan Unsalted Plant Butter Country Crock Dairy Free Plant Butter with Avocado Oil
See all
Chef's tip
Use a stick or block-style dairy-free butter - not a soft tub spread - and swap one-for-one.
3 ½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
3 tbsp heavy cream
Chef's tip
Use unsweetened dairy-free heavy cream in cooked sauces, soups, and ganache. For whipped uses, choose a product labeled whippable.
1 ½ tsp pure vanilla extract
¼ tsp fine salt

Instructions

1
Beat the softened butter in a large bowl with a stand mixer or hand mixer on medium speed for 2–3 minutes, until pale and fluffy.
2
Reduce the mixer to low and add the sifted powdered sugar one cup at a time, mixing after each addition until just incorporated before adding the next. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed.

Want the full recipe?

Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!