Icing Without Powdered Sugar
Icing Without Powdered Sugar
Want to make icing without powdered sugar? Read on to see how to making healthy, plant-based icing with no powdered sugar!
I have a confession to make: I’m not a big icing person. Me and icing have a so-so relationship due to the fact that I find most icings to be too sweet when it’s coupled with already-sweet desserts. But lo and behold: it is possible to make a vegan icing that’s not too sweet, because this icing contains no powdered sugar!
This recipe for icing with no powdered sugar also happens to be healthy, vegan, plant-based, and delicious! As a baker, I know the importance of ingredients and the ingredients for this vanilla icing are simply good and good for you.
Want to guess what the main ingredient is for our plant based icing? Read on to find out the answer! But first…
What is the difference between icing and frosting?
The terms frosting and icing are used interchangeably, but frosting usually refers to a thick, fluffy whipped topping while icing is generally thinner and hardens when set. Think of frosting as something you would pipe with a piping bag while icing can be drizzled onto desserts with a spoon.
While this blog post is dedicated to my icing without powdered sugar recipe, I DO have a recipe for frosting that is made without powdered sugar, too! That recipe can be found here on my Instagram.
What is the ingredient for this plant based icing?
The so-called ‘secret’ ingredient for this icing made without powdered sugar is… coconut butter! Ever heard of it?
For the unitiatied, coconut butter is NOT the same as coconut oil. While coconut oil is made by extracting the oil from coconut meat, coconut butter is made by blending dried coconut into a pulp that then forms a thick paste. Coconut butter can be found in most health food stores (here is a link to it on Amazon), but you can also make your own! It’s very simple to make.
Note: do NOT try to substitute coconut oil for coconut butter in this icing recipe. It will not work!
Where do I find coconut butter?
Coconut butter can be found in most health food stores. Here are a few brands that sell it on Amazon:
How do I make my own coconut butter?
If you can’t find coconut butter in stores (or you’re in a time crunch and don’t want to wait for Amazon delivery), then you can certainly make your own! Remember, coconut butter is made by grinding dried coconut into a paste. All you need to make homemade coconut butter is a package of unsweetened coconut flakes, like this one.
Simply pour the coconut flakes into a food processor (NOT a blender, it won’t work the same way), and blend it until the coconut break down into a paste. To be honest, this take a long time (I’m talking like 10 minutes). If your food processor is loud, as most are, then it’s kind of an annoying task.
When I made my homemade coconut butter, I was a bit impatient and didn’t wait for it to form a smooth paste. My no-sugar icing was therefore not as smooth and lump-free as traditional icing, but I didn’t really mind it. If you want a completely smooth icing, then blend blend blend those coconut flakes in a food processor until it’s a paste.
OR, save yourself the trouble and get some store bought coconut butter, like this one.
Does this no sugar icing harden?
This icing will firm up, but don’t expect it to get hard and crack like traditional icing. It will always be a little bit soft and sticky on the inside.
Any other tips for this recipe?
Yes! While this recipe is very easy to make, it can also lead to errors if the icing is cooked for too long, or if the measurements are not exact. Follow this recipe closely, but also be sure to keep an eye on the icing as it’s cooking and don’t be afraid to add more non-dairy milk than called for if it starts to get too thick. Use your best judgement, don’t take it too seriously, and have fun!
Icing Without Powdered Sugar
Ingredients
- 1/2 c coconut butter*
- 1/2 c non-dairy milk
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a saucepan over low heat. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the icing starts to bubble a little bit and thicken. Add a splash more non-dairy milk if the icing gets too thick.
- Remove the pan from heat and allow to cool completely before using for cookies, cakes, etc.
Notes
*Coconut butter can be found in most health food stores. If you can’t find it, then you can certainly make your own! You just need a package of dried, unsweetened coconut flakes. Pour the coconut flakes into a food processor and blend until the coconut flakes break down into a paste. This takes a while–about 10 minutes.
When I did it this way, my coconut flakes did not completely break down into a paste (but I was a bit impatient). My icing had a little more texture to it, but it was still delicious.
**This recipe can be easily doubled, or tripled!
I started salt n sprinkles to show that making good food is both fun and easy to do. My recipes are mostly plant-based, and always delicious. I know you'll find just what you're looking for!