Vegan Chocolate Frosting

Ingredients

• 1 cup vegan butter (Softened to room temperature; Earth Balance brand sticks are preferred.)
• 0.75 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Natural or Dutch-processed; sift if clumpy. Natural cocoa powder is recommended for a lighter-colored frosting.)
• 3.5 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 3 tbsp unsweetened soy milk (Add another tablespoon if the frosting is too thick.)

Steps

1. 1

   Soften the vegan butter. If using baking sticks, let them sit at room temperature for 15–30 minutes. If using vegan butter from a tub, measure out 16 tablespoons, place it in the mixing bowl, and let it soften for 10–15 minutes. Avoid microwaving; if necessary, microwave for only 10 seconds at a time. Do not allow the butter to melt, or the frosting will be difficult to work with.

2. 2

   Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat the softened butter on medium speed for about 2 minutes, until creamy.

3. 3

   Sift the cocoa powder if it is clumpy.

4. 4

   Add the cocoa powder, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and soy milk to the beaten butter.

5. 5

   Beat on low speed for 30 seconds, then increase the mixer speed to high and beat for 2–3 minutes, until the frosting is combined and fluffy.

6. 6

   If the frosting is too thick, add another tablespoon of soy milk and mix until the desired consistency is reached.

7. 7

   If the frosting is too thin, add an additional 1/4 cup powdered sugar and mix until the desired consistency is reached.

8. 8

   Use the frosting immediately, or store it in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Before using refrigerated frosting, let it come to room temperature, then mix it well or beat it again. The frosting can also be frozen for 2–3 months.

Notes

For best results, use vegan butter sticks rather than tub-style vegan butter, and soften the butter without melting it. The author recommends natural unsweetened cocoa powder for a lighter frosting and advises against using canned coconut milk, which can make the frosting unusually thick. Additional milk or powdered sugar may be needed to adjust consistency.

Nutrition per serving

• dessert
• vegan
• dairy-free
• egg-free
• frosting
• no-bake
• pipeable
• chocolate