This homemade healthy vanilla buttercream frosting recipe is light, sweet, and perfect for cupcakes and cakes! Made with four simple ingredients, this healthy frosting is less sweet than traditional recipes, pipes perfectly, and is the best.
The best healthy vanilla buttercream frosting
I am so in love with this healthy vanilla buttercream frosting recipe. It is light, creamy, and just melts in your mouth.
I made a batch of cupcakes for my friend's birthday last week and decided to use this vanilla frosting. Everyone (even non-healthy eaters) loved it so much they were begging for the recipe. I am not exaggerating. That's when I decided that I needed to share it!
Made less sweet with four ingredients, this homemade healthy vanilla buttercream frosting is easy to make in under 15 minutes. It pipes well for cupcakes and is easy to spread on cakes. Plus, it's gluten free and can be made dairy free. You can even double the recipe if you are making a ton of cupcakes for a party.
What makes this frosting healthy?
You are going to love this homemade healthy vanilla buttercream frosting for so many reasons! Here are three ways this frosting is healthier:
- Less butter. Instead of using two sticks of butter, like most recipes, we use 6 Tablespoons. This is about ½ of the amount of butter.
- Less sugar. Instead of using 5 cups of powdered sugar, like most recipes, we use 3 cups. This is about ⅓ of the amount of sugar.
- Coconut Cream. We use coconut cream to get that buttercream creamy texture while only using ½ the amount of butter!
What is Buttercream frosting?
Buttercream frosting is a type of creamy, rich, and sweet cake and cupcake frosting. Instead of sugar-based icing, buttercream is made by whipping butter and powdered sugar together to creamy a smooth and rich frosting. There are many flavor variations; it is easy to pipe and melts in your mouth.
Ingredients
This healthier vanilla buttercream frosting recipe is sure to be your new favorite and does not compromise on that classic creamy taste! The list of ingredients is short, and everything can be found at your local grocery store. Here is a list of what you will need to make this less sweet buttercream frosting, so you have everything prepared:
- Butter: First up, we need 6 Tablespoons of room temperature butter. This is ½ the amount typical recipes use, which makes it healthier. Personally, I like to use salted butter, but you can certainly use unsalted.
- Coconut Cream: Since we are using less butter, we add room-temperature coconut cream to get the best consistency and creamy buttercream frosting. Don't worry, you CAN'T taste the coconut at all.
- Powdered Sugar: Next up, we need 3 cups of powdered sugar to sweeten this healthier frosting. This buttercream frosting is less sweet than traditional recipes since they usually call for 5 cups of powdered sugar.
- Vanilla Extract: This adds the best flavor!
How to make homemade healthy vanilla frosting
Healthy vanilla frosting does not compromise on flavor and texture! It comes together in three steps in under 15 minutes. Here are detailed step-by-step instructions for any level baker:
Step 1: Frist, beat butter on its own in a stand mixer for 5-10 minutes on high until pale and fluffy.
Step 2: Next, add coconut cream and beat on medium until combined, just about 15 - 30 seconds.
Step 3: Finally, add 1 cup powdered sugar beat to combine. Repeat two more times with the remaining powdered sugar. Add vanilla & beat on high for two more minutes until combined. Ice 12 cupcakes or one 9-inch cake and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you taste coconut from the coconut cream?
NO! You cannot taste any coconut trust me, I don't even like coconut, and this is my favorite healthy frosting.
Can I make ahead of time?
Absolutely! One of the best things about this healthy vanilla frosting recipe is that you can make this buttercream up to 1 week in advance, store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and then frost cupcakes or a cake when ready. I highly recommend letting the frosting sit at room temperature for 8 - 15 minutes before frosting or pipping.
Is buttercream gluten free?
Yes, this healthier homemade buttercream frosting is gluten-free.
How long does buttercream last?
Homemade buttercream can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week before icing cupcakes or a cake.
Is buttercream and frosting the same?
Buttercream is a type of frosting. So yes, they are the same.
Is it less sweet?
Yes, this is a less sweet buttercream recipe, which is what makes it healthier. Typical buttercreams call for 5 cups of powdered sugar; however, we use ⅓ less sugar.
Can I make it dairy free?
Yes, to make this vanilla buttercream frosting dairy free, use vegan butter instead of the regular butter.
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Did you make this recipe?
If you make this recipe, be sure to comment and rate it down below. Also, don't forget to tag me @healthfulblondie on Instagram and use the hashtag #healthfulblondie so I can see your delicious creation and share it with my followers!
📖 Recipe
Healthy Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoon butter, room temperature (I like to use salted butter)
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup coconut cream, room temperature
Instructions
- Beat butter on its own in a stand mixer for 5-10 minutes on high until pale and fluffy.
- Add coconut cream and beat on medium until combined, just about 15 - 30 seconds.
- Add 1 cup powdered sugar, beat to combine. Repeat 2 more times with remaining powdered sugar. Add vanilla & beat on high 2 more minutes until combined.
- Ice 12 cupcakes or one 9-inch cake; enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
I only recommend products I absolutely love and use myself. In full disclosure, by purchasing a product I recommend, I may receive a small compensation. Thank you for supporting Healthful Blondie!
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Annie S. says
Wow it looks to amazing! I just wanted to let you know that you accidentally put 3 tablespoons instead of cups towards the middle of the post. =)
Tati Chermayeff says
Thank you!!
Maddie says
Hi,
Can you use food colouring as you would for normal frosting with this? Does it work with coconut cream?
Thanks!
Tati Chermayeff says
Hi! Yes, you can use food coloring 🙂
Star says
Delicious!!
Jonina says
Will dairy cream work in this recipe? I want to make today and do not have coconut cream.
Tati Chermayeff says
Hi Jonina! I am not sure, as I have not tried that. If you do decide to test it out, let me know how it turns out. 🙂
Alexis Nichols says
These came out soooo delicious I ate like 3 in one sitting. So sooo good the coconut in the frosting is the best!
Lisa Shawn Hogan says
Should I buy unsweetened coconut cream? Where would I find that in the store?
Tati Chermayeff says
Hi Lisa, I have used both regular and unsweetened before. I prefer sweetened. I buy mine in the "Asian" section of the grocery store.
Chloe says
This frosting is delish !!! You can really not taste the coconut as much which is great. I only used 3/4 cup of powdered sugar as it was sweet enough for me at that point. Thank you!!!
Kerry says
This frosting is fantastic!!
Kerry says
This buttercream frosting is delicious! Never thought of using coconut cream. This will be my go-to homemade frosting!!
Aida F. says
Does this recipe crust? . I’m wanting to know if this recipe will be stable in order for me to transport my cupcakes to a restaurant .I also live in LA and it is hot.
Miss M says
Thank you for this recipe! I’m always looking for healthy homemade alternatives. I followed the recipe while using dairy free margarine. However, the icing separated once I put it on refrigerated cupcakes. I couldn’t even pipe it. What could have gone wrong?
Thanks in advance!