Because it is so versatile, my three-ingredient vanilla buttercream frosting deserves it’s own post. I have incorporated it into numerous recipes in the past, so I wanted to offer a quick reference point on my website. Use it to ice your next cake, sandwich between two cookies, or even enjoy a spoonful to satisfy your sweet tooth (I have done all of those things!).
What makes this vanilla buttercream frosting healthier?
Traditional buttercream frosting includes butter, confectioners sugar, vanilla extract, and sometimes milk. If you are dairy-free, or simply choose not to consume it, eating the real deal is out of the question (or would simply cause a stomach ache). For you dairy-free folks (and I used to be one of them), you can substitute the grass-fed butter for vegan butter or palm oil shortening. I have changed my tune on certain types of dairy (like butter, yogurt, and high quality cheese), so I do use it in this recipe, but know that those substitutions are available to you.
Instead of confectioners sugar, or even regular powdered white sugar, I use powdered monk fruit. This results in a recipe that is technically sugar-free. I like monk fruit, and it is a staple sweetener in my baking pantry. It can cause digestive distress for some people, or be an acquired taste, but if you haven’t tried it (or it isn’t an issue for you), I urge you to use it here. It not only has zero calories (if that is something you care about), but studies show it even has health benefits.
Planning and prep
You will need to bring your butter to room temperature. An hour or so before you plan to make it, simply set it on your countertop. Then you are ready to whip!
Healthier Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
Equipment
- mixing bowl
- Hand beater or blender
Ingredients
- 1 cup grass-fed butter room temperature; or sub with vegan butter or palm oil shortening
- 1 cup powdered monk fruit or use regular powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Place the softened butter in a medium or large bowl. Use a hand beater to blend until fluffy, about 30 seconds to 1 minute, intermittently scraping down the sides of the bowl and beating again if needed. Add the powdered monk fruit and vanilla extract and beat again until just incorporated.
- Use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl and mix. Use immediately to frost, or transfer to an airtight container for a later use. You can store the frosting at room temperature for up the 3 days.
