8 Sweet Vegan Icing Recipes for Baking

Oh. My. Gosh. Vegan icing, people! Is there anything more glorious? 🎂✨

Get ready to elevate your plant-based baking game with these 8 sweet vegan icing recipes that’ll make you wonder why you ever bothered with dairy. I’ve teamed up with some seriously talented vegan bakers to bring you foolproof frosting formulas for every occasion.

Whether you’re whipping up cupcakes for a birthday bash or just want to slather something delicious on that slice of toast (no judgment here), we’ve got you covered. From classic vanilla to adventurous matcha, there’s an animal-free option for every sweet tooth.

The best part? These recipes are so easy, you’ll be frosting like a pro in no time. So grab your whisk, put on your apron, and let’s dive into the wonderful world of vegan icing!

Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

Let’s kick things off with a classic, shall we? This vanilla buttercream is the Little Black Dress of frostings – it goes with everything and never goes out of style.

To make this creamy dream, you’ll need vegan butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a splash of plant-based milk. Whip it all together until it’s light and fluffy, and voila! You’ve got yourself a frosting that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.

Pro tip: Make sure your vegan butter is at room temperature before you start. Cold butter = lumpy frosting, and nobody wants that drama in their life.

I once used this frosting for my niece’s birthday cake, and let me tell you, those kids had NO idea it was vegan. Sneaky? Maybe. Delicious? Absolutely.

Chocolate Ganache

Chocolate lovers, unite! This rich, glossy ganache is about to become your new obsession.

All you need is some high-quality dark chocolate (make sure it’s vegan!) and coconut cream. Melt them together, and you’ve got a decadent topping that’s perfect for cakes, cupcakes, or just eating straight out of the bowl with a spoon (I won’t tell if you don’t).

Fun fact: I once made this ganache for a dinner party, and my non-vegan friend said, and I quote, “If this is vegan, I might have to reconsider my life choices.” Mission accomplished, my friends.

Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

Pucker up, buttercup! This tangy lemon cream cheese frosting is about to rock your world.

You’ll need vegan cream cheese, vegan butter, powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix it all together, and you’ve got a zesty frosting that’ll make your taste buds do the cha-cha.

This frosting is perfect for summer desserts, or really any time you need a little sunshine in your life. And let’s be real, who doesn’t need that?

I once used this frosting on a vegan carrot cake, and it was so good, I may or may not have licked the bowl clean. Don’t judge me until you’ve tried it yourself!

Strawberry Buttercream

Get ready for a frosting that’s pretty in pink and tastes like summer in a bowl.

To make this berry-licious creation, you’ll need vegan butter, powdered sugar, and fresh strawberries (or strawberry puree if you’re feeling fancy). Blend it all together, and you’ve got a fruity frosting that’ll make your desserts look like they came straight out of a fairy tale.

Word to the wise: This frosting is dangerously addictive. I once made a batch for cupcakes and ended up eating half of it before I even started frosting. Oops?

Salted Caramel Frosting

Sweet, salty, and oh-so-indulgent – this salted caramel frosting is what dessert dreams are made of.

You’ll need to make a quick vegan caramel sauce (don’t worry, it’s easier than it sounds!), then mix it with vegan butter, powdered sugar, and a pinch of sea salt. The result? A frosting that’ll make you want to lick the spoon, the bowl, and possibly your entire kitchen.

I once used this frosting on a vegan apple cake, and let me tell you, it was a religious experience. I’m pretty sure I heard angels singing with every bite.

Matcha Green Tea Frosting

For all you trendy foodies out there, this matcha green tea frosting is about to become your new Instagram darling.

You’ll need vegan butter, powdered sugar, matcha powder, and a splash of plant-based milk. Mix it all up, and you’ve got a frosting that’s not only delicious but also looks like it belongs in a fancy Japanese patisserie.

Full disclosure: The first time I made this, I may have gone a little overboard with the matcha and ended up with a frosting that looked more “Hulk” than “zen garden.” Learn from my mistakes, folks – a little matcha goes a long way!

Peanut Butter Frosting

Calling all peanut butter addicts! This frosting is about to become your new favorite food group.

All you need is creamy peanut butter, vegan butter, powdered sugar, and a splash of plant-based milk. Whip it up, and you’ve got a frosting that’s so good, you’ll be tempted to eat it straight out of the bowl with a spoon. (And honestly? I say go for it. Live your best life.)

Pro tip: This frosting pairs amazingly well with chocolate cake. It’s like a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, but in cake form. You’re welcome.

Coconut Whipped Cream

Last but certainly not least, we have the light and airy coconut whipped cream. It’s like a cloud, but tastier.

The secret to this one is using full-fat coconut milk that’s been chilled overnight. Scoop out the solid cream, whip it up with a little powdered sugar and vanilla, and boom – you’ve got a dairy-free whipped cream that’ll make you forget all about the original.

I once served this at a family gathering, and my dairy-loving uncle couldn’t believe it wasn’t “real” whipped cream. Score one for the vegans!

So there you have it, folks – 8 sweet vegan icing recipes that’ll take your baking game to the next level. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan baker or just dipping your toes into the plant-based pool, these frostings are sure to impress.

Remember, baking is all about experimentation and having fun. So don’t be afraid to mix and match these recipes, add your own twists, or even invent entirely new flavor combinations. The vegan baking world is your oyster! (Okay, maybe not the best metaphor for vegans, but you get the idea.)

Now, get out there and start frosting! Your taste buds (and lucky friends who get to sample your creations) will thank you. And hey, if you end up with frosting all over your face, just call it a new skincare routine. That’s what I do, anyway.

Happy baking, my sweet-toothed friends! May your cakes be moist, your frostings be fluffy, and your kitchen always smell like a little slice of vegan heaven. 🍰🌱💖