Vegan Chocolate Buttercream Frosting (dairy-free, paleo)

User Reviews

4.9

120 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    15 mins

  • Total Time

    15 mins

  • Servings

    16 servings

  • Calories

    3661 kcal

  • Course

    Dessert

  • Cuisine

    American

Vegan Chocolate Buttercream Frosting (dairy-free, paleo)

This Vegan Chocolate Buttercream Frosting uses powdered sugar, raw cacao powder, palm shortening or vegan butter, almond milk, and vanilla extract to create a smooth, dairy-free chocolate frosting. The frosting has the richness of traditional buttercream but is suitable for paleo and vegan diets. The consistency can be adjusted with additional milk or powdered sugar as needed.

Description

The Vegan Chocolate Buttercream Frosting is made by combining large quantities of powdered sugar and raw cacao powder with palm shortening or vegan butter for creaminess and richness. Almond milk is gradually added to achieve the desired consistency, while vanilla extract provides flavor depth. Mixing begins at low speed and increases to high in a stand mixer to incorporate air, resulting in a light, fluffy frosting. The recipe yields approximately 3 cups, enough to cover standard-sized cakes or cupcakes.

This frosting replicates the texture and appearance of traditional chocolate buttercream without any dairy products. Palm shortening contributes a firm base that helps frosting hold shape, making it suitable for piping and decorating. The flexibility in adjusting thickness allows for customization depending on the use—thinner for spreading, thicker for decorating.

The notes suggest using a KitchenAid stand mixer with a beater blade for efficient mixing and scraping of bowl sides. It also references a homemade cashew milk recipe as an alternative base for dairy-free liquids. The recipe supports a vegan and paleo lifestyle while delivering chocolate buttercream's characteristic taste and texture.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 8 cups powdered sugar or powdered coconut sugar, powdered succanat, etc, organic
  • 1 cup raw cacao powder
  • 1 cup palm shortening or vegan butter or a combination of both, organic
  • 1/2-3/4 cup almond milk cashew milk or coconut milk
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Add all ingredients to a stand mixer and blend on low for 30 seconds. 
  2. Once the ingredients have started to combine, slowly increase the speed to high and blend for one minute.
  3. To thin the consistency (if needed) add more milk, or to thicken add more powdered sugar.

Notes

  • Using a stand mixer with a beater blade helps mix and scrape bowl sides efficiently.
  • This recipe produces about 3 cups of frosting, suitable for a standard cake or many cupcakes.
  • Homemade cashew milk can be used as an alternative dairy-free liquid in this recipe.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 366.1kcal (18%) Carbohydrates 63g (21%) Protein 1g (2%) Fat 13.6g (21%) Saturated Fat 6g (30%) Sodium 6.6mg (0%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 58.8g (118%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 16servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 3661 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 366.1kcal 18%
Carbohydrates 63g 21%
Protein 1g 2%
Fat 13.6g 21%
Saturated Fat 6g 30%
Sodium 6.6mg 0%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 58.8g 118%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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User Reviews

Overall Rating

4.9

120 reviews
Excellent

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