Vegan Lemon Buttercream Frosting

completed Lemon Buttercream Frosting in a white bowl against a white background

5 from 33 votes

Make light and fluffy vegan lemon buttercream frosting with just 3 base ingredients (regular or keto) and either a stand mixer or handheld mixer. This delicious dairy-free lemon frosting is perfect for spreading and piping work, with an adjustable consistency!

Prep Time10

Cook Time0

Total Time10

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Diet: Vegan

Servings: -16 (for pipped cupcakes)

Calories: 130kcal

Author: Toni Okamoto

Equipment

Ingredients

1 cup of softened unsalted vegan butter at room temperature (salted is fine, if that’s what you have)
1 package confectioner’s sugar (3 ½ cups) (1-pound) package
2 tablespoons of lemon juice
2 teaspoons of lemon zest
2 teaspoons of vanilla extract

Instructions

In the bowl of a stand mixer (or a large bowl if you’re using a handheld electric mixer), add the room temperature vegan butter. Whisk the butter on medium speed for 2 minutes.
Slowly add the confectioner’s sugar while continuously beating the vegan butter. Add in the lemon juice and vanilla extract and beat for an additional three minutes until light and fluffy.

Video

Notes

To avoid lumps: It's best to sift the icing sugar before adding it to the beaten vegan butter.
Use softened vegan butter: Otherwise, it won't beat as smoothly. If you need to soften the butter quickly, pour boiling water into a glass or bowl and leave it to sit for a minute or two. Then remove the liquid and place the cup/bowl over your butter (make sure it's not touching the glass). It will be soft in no time. Alternatively, grate the plant butter into your bowl/stand mixer bowl, and it'll be soft in no time!
Adjust the amount of powdered sugar: Non-vegan American buttercream uses a 2:1 ratio of powdered sugar to butter. However, I found I needed more for the best texture. The exact amount will differ based on the vegan butter used. So feel free not to use the full amount listed, if it's not necessary to reach your desired consistency.
To make homemade powdered sugar: If you've run out of confectioners sugar, here's how you can make your own. Add the granulated sugar (or a granulated sweetener) to either a high-speed blender or coffee/spice grinder. Then process into a powered consistency. Make sure to sift it through a fine-mesh sieve afterward.
To color the frosting: Add a few drops of natural yellow food coloring based on how vibrant you want the vegan lemon frosting to be. A small pinch of ground turmeric would also work, but be careful not to add too much. Otherwise, you'll be able to taste it.
Frost cooled bakes: Wait until the baked good has cooled before using the vegan lemon frosting, so it doesn't melt.
Chill before piping: It can help to chill the frosting for just 10-15 minutes before using it for piping.

Nutrition