8 Ways To Make Frosting Without Butter - The Three Snackateers (2024)

How To Make Icing Without Butter

1. Cream Cheese Frosting

Cream cheese is a really great substitute for butter in frostings. It’s one of the most popular alternatives because it creates a smooth, creamy consistency.

It also has an underlying tangy flavor that helps offset the sweetness of many baked goods like warm cinnamon rolls, red velvet cupcakes or your favorite cookies.

For best results when using cream cheese as a butter alternative, it should be softened to room temperature first. There are also some brands that create whipped cream cheeses that can give you a fluffy frosting with a lighter appearance and texture.

Cream cheese is usually available in a block. Similar to butter, the wrapper has measuring marks which makes it a convenient option for using in recipes.

Cream Cheese Icing Without Butter Recipe

• 8 ounces cream cheese, full-fat
• 2-3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 Tbsp vanilla extract (vanilla bean paste or almond extract can also be used)
• Pinch of salt

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese with a paddle attachment in your stand mixer or electric mixer until creamy.
2. Slowly add in a little powdered sugar at a time, incorporating after each addition.
3. Add vanilla and a pinch of salt. Combine well.

Looking for cinnamon roll icing? Check out 10 Delicious Cinnamon Roll Icing Recipes (With and Without Cream Cheese)

2. Powdered Sugar Glaze

A simple powdered sugar glaze is a quick and easy way to create a butter-free icing. Glaze is perfect for drizzling or pouring over baked goods like donuts or muffins.

No-Butter Powdered Sugar Glaze Recipe

• 2cupsconfectioners’ sugar, sifted
• 2-4tablespoonsmilk
• 1teaspoonpure vanilla extract

1. Add powdered sugar and a teaspoon of vanilla extract to a medium-size bowl.
2. Slowly add small amounts of milk and stir until the glaze is smooth and you’ve reached your desired consistency.

3. Whipped Cream Frosting

Whipped cream frosting is light, creamy, and delicious. It’s the perfect frosting for a delicate dessert like an angel food cake or shortcake. It’s important to note that this frosting won’t hold up in warm temperatures.

Angel Food Cake Whipped Cream Frosting Recipe

• 1pintheavy whipping cream
• ½cupbrown sugar
• ½tspvanilla extract

1. In a large mixing bowl, add the heavy cream, brown sugar and vanilla.
2. Beat on high speed until stiff peaks form, usually about 3-4 minutes.

Related Reading: Cool Whip Vs Whipped Cream: Which One Is Right For You?

Common Substitutes For Butter In Frosting Recipes

1. Margarine

Margarine is a common substitute for butter in icing. Your frosting will not have exactly the same rich flavor or texture that butter provides. But when considering other substitutes, margarine is a really close second to homemade buttercream icing.

When using margarine instead of butter, it can be substituted at a 1 to 1 ratio. For example, if the recipe calls for one cup of butter you could substitute 1 cup of margarine.

2. Butter Flavored Shortening

Butter-flavored shortening is another option for icing. You can also use unflavored shortening if preferred.

Both have an appearance similar to butter, allowing you to have a smooth, creamy finish that is similar to a regular buttercream recipe. The butter-flavored shortening has more of a yellow color and a richer taste. Unflavored vegetable shortening has more of a pure white color.

Shortening can be purchased in a large can. But it is also conveniently available in sticks that make it easy to measure for recipes.

When using shortening instead of butter, it can be substituted at a 1 to 1 ratio.

3. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is another substitute for butter in icing. When refrigerated or kept below room temperature, coconut oil solidifies and has an appearance that is similar to butter or shortening.

Coconut oil does have a slight coconut flavor that will come through in your frosting. Some people find the flavor to be pleasant, while others might find this a drawback of using the oil as a butter substitute.

It’s also important to remember that coconut oil is sensitive to heat, so your frosting will be more prone to melting in warmer temperatures. Keep it stored in a cool place until you’re ready to serve.

When using coconut oil instead of butter, it can be substituted at a 1 to 1 ratio.

4. Vegan Butter

If you’re looking for vegan-friendly frosting, the good news is that there are quite a few brands and types of vegan butter available at the grocery store that you can use. These kinds of butter contain no animal products and can be used in place of real butter for a vegan-friendly frosting.

For the best results, you should select a vegan butter that has a fairly firm texture. This will help ensure your vegan buttercream frosting has a thicker consistency that is creamy and spreadable, but not too soft.

When using vegan butter instead of regular butter, it can be substituted at a 1 to 1 ratio.