Keto Frosting Recipes {3 Flavors} (2024)

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Learn how to make three keto frosting recipes to frost your cakes, muffins, brownies, and more! Vanilla frosting, chocolate frosting, and a simple cream cheese frosting. Low carb, sugar free and quick and easy!

Keto Frosting Recipes {3 Flavors} (1)

See, I’ve got plenty of keto desserts that can ALL be taken up a notch by adding a thick layer of frosting, or a thinner icing.

After making a chocolate mug cake, I thought adding a chocolate icing would make it even better. I wanted one that could be as thick or thin as needed and as such, I HAD to create a sugar free frosting.

Is frosting keto?

Traditional frosting or icing recipes are not suitable for a keto diet. The main ingredient for any frosting recipe is powdered sugar, which is definitely not keto or low carb. However, by using keto powdered sugar, you can replicate all your favorite frosting flavors, that taste just like the real deal!

This sugar free frosting is so quick and easy to make, you will never leave a dessert unfrosted again!

It’s sweet, creamy, and can be made thick, like a buttercream, or thinned out, like a glaze or icing.

As much as I love a good chocolate frosting, I am also a fan of the classic vanilla and cream cheese frostings. With just ONE recipe base, you can easily create at least three frosting flavors, that are perfect for various kinds of desserts.

Here are the frosting flavors-

  • Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
  • Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
  • Cream Cheese Frosting
Keto Frosting Recipes {3 Flavors} (2)

How do you make keto frosting

There are three main ingredients that go into all three frosting flavors. After you’ve selected which flavor you want, all you need to do then is just add the extra 1 or 2 ingredients and you will be done!

The Ingredients

  • Powdered sugar– The key to any good frosting recipe. I used homemade keto powdered sugar, which is ridiculously quick and easy to make at home.
  • Butter– Use room temperature butter, but not melted. Also, avoid using salted butter, unless you want your frosting to have a slightly salty tinge.
  • Vanilla extract– A must for any dessert recipe.

The Instructions

Start by beating together your powdered sugar and butter on low, until combined. Add in your vanilla extract, followed by the additional ingredients (based on which flavor you are going for). Continue to beat until thick and creamy. If you’d like a thick frosting (than can easily be piped),

Flavor Variations

For all three frosting options, make the base frosting first, then add the extra ingredients as listed.

Chocolate Frosting

  • Basic frosting
  • Cocoa powder
  • Milk of choice
Keto Frosting Recipes {3 Flavors} (3)

Vanilla Frosting

  • Basic frosting
  • Milk of choice
  • Vanilla bean pod (optional)
Keto Frosting Recipes {3 Flavors} (4)

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • Basic frosting
  • Cream Cheese (full fat or dairy free)
Keto Frosting Recipes {3 Flavors} (5)

Can I make vegan frostings?

All the frostings can easily be made dairy free, especially if you want a vegan frosting. To make them vegan, make these substitutions-

  • Butter– Use dairy free butter for all flavors
  • Milk of choice– Use a plant based milk, like almond milk or soy milk
  • Cream cheese– Use a dairy free cream cheese, preferably from a block (not a spread).

Tips for the best keto frosting

  • For a thicker frosting, do not add any extra milk or water. If it isn’t thick enough to your liking, add more sugar free confectioners’ sugar.
  • If you’d prefer a thin frosting, or want to a more ‘icing’ like texture, add more milk or water.
  • Add some flavor extracts to change the flavors further- Lemon extract, strawberry extract, and coffee extract can all be added to the vanilla base.
  • If you don’t have a stand mixer or hand mixer, you can mix by hand. However, make sure your butter is room temperature and that your sugar has been sifted.

How do you store frosting?

  • To store: Regardless of which flavor you make, you must store them all in the refrigerator, in a sealable container. They will all keep well for up to 1 week. Be sure to let your frosting sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes, before using.
  • To freeze: If you’d like to freeze leftover frosting, store it in a shallow container and use it within 2 months of freezing. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, and let it sit at room temperature before frosting a cake or other dessert.
Keto Frosting Recipes {3 Flavors} (6)

Ways to use frosting

  • Cakes– Any of the frostings would be great with some keto birthday cake, chocolate cake, or a flourless chocolate cake.
  • Brownies– Use the cream cheese frosting in cheesecake brownies, the chocolate frosting in flourless brownies, and the vanilla frosting in the cookie dough brownies.
  • Muffins– Add some on the tops of breakfast muffins or fudgy chocolate muffins.
  • Cupcakes– I used the cream cheese and vanilla frostings on keto cupcakes and the chocolate frosting on the vegan cupcakes.

Keto Frosting Recipes {3 Flavors} (7)

Keto Frosting {3 Flavors}

5 from 538 votes

Learn how to make keto frosting using 3 ingredients and with 3 flavor options- Chocolate frosting, vanilla frosting, and cream cheese frosting! These sugar free frosting recipes are made with low carb ingredients!

Servings: 12 servings

Prep: 5 minutes mins

Cook: 5 minutes mins

Total: 10 minutes mins

Ingredients

For the frosting base

Chocolate Frosting

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1-2 tablespoon milk of choice * see notes

Vanilla Frosting

Instructions

  • In a large mixing bowl, beat your powdered sugar and butter until combined, and smooth. Add in your vanilla extract.

  • Add your flavor ingredients and continue beating until the desired texture is received. For a thinner texture, add more milk.

Notes

1 serving is 1/2 cup.

For vegan frostings, replace the butter with dairy free butter and dairy free cream cheese.

* Start with 1 tablespoon and add more, as needed.

TO STORE: Regardless of which flavor you make, you must store them all in the refrigerator, in a sealable container. They will all keep well for up to 1 week. Be sure to let your frosting sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes, before using.

TO FREEZE: If you’d like to freeze leftover frosting, store it in a shallow container and use it within 2 months of freezing. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, and let it sit at room temperature before frosting a cake or other dessert.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 107kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 1gFat: 11gSodium: 100mgPotassium: 61mgFiber: 1gVitamin A: 368IUCalcium: 22mgIron: 1mgNET CARBS: 1g

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Author: Arman Liew

Tried this recipe?Give us a shout at @thebigmansworld or tag #thebigmansworld!

Keto Frosting Recipes {3 Flavors} (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret ingredient that will improve your frosting? ›

But, there are ways to make it more interesting; one such way is to hit it with a shot of vinegar. Don't worry, the icing won't taste sour or like vinegar at all, but the acid will help balance out the sweetness, making it taste more pleasant. Even better, it will make the icing stronger and more durable.

What is the best frosting that is not too sweet? ›

For a sturdy, yet lightly sweetened frosting, try Swiss meringue buttercream. If you need a whipped buttercream, use the frosting found with this vanilla sheet cake. Or search for whipped frosting made without cream cheese—some recipes use cornstarch or instant pudding mix instead.

What is a good substitute for buttercream frosting? ›

Ganache, cream cheese frosting, whipped cream frosting, fondant, and meringue frosting are all excellent options that are easy to make and delicious to taste. With the right recipe and techniques, you can achieve a beautifully iced cake without using buttercream.

What are the four types of frosting? ›

4 Common Types Of Frosting For Desserts
  • Cream cheese frosting. Cream cheese frosting and red velvet cake are traditionally paired with one another. ...
  • Ganache. ...
  • Basic buttercream frosting. ...
  • Whipped cream frosting.
Dec 29, 2016

Why put vinegar in frosting? ›

Add white vinegar.

Although many do so to avoid cracks and to achieve a smooth appearance, I find just the tiniest bit — about 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon — also curbs the sweetness, allowing the wonderfully creamy mouth-feel of the icing to truly shine.

How do you stabilize frosting without powdered sugar? ›

Add corn starch

If you want to thicken your royal icing without adding additional sugar, you can add a minimal amount of corn starch (less than a teaspoon) to help your icing thicken up.

What frosting do professionals use for cakes? ›

Swiss meringue buttercream is a favorite among many cake decorators because of its smooth finish on the outside cakes and its ability to hold piping detail.

What can I use instead of sugar for frosting? ›

7 Substitutes For Powdered Sugar
  • Granulated sugar. 495 caloriesWe'll get into the substitutes for powdered sugar right away. ...
  • Granulated sugar. ...
  • Stevia. ...
  • Honey or maple syrup. ...
  • Coconut sugar. ...
  • Agave nectar. ...
  • Mashed bananas. ...
  • Powdered monk fruit sweetener.
Jun 16, 2023

What is a less sweet substitute for icing sugar? ›

If you're looking for a healthier option, coconut sugar is a bit less sweet and has a lower glycemic index than traditional white sugars, and can serve as the primary swap ingredient. Just blend the coconut sugar until it becomes a fine powder.

What happens if you use margarine instead of butter in buttercream? ›

As the name implies, butter is meant to be the main ingredient in this sweet frosting. It's what gives buttercream its structure, so it can be easily piped or spread over the cake. When you opt for a substitute, like margarine or shortening, it will alter the flavor, mouthfeel, and structure of the buttercream.

Which buttercream is easiest to make? ›

American buttercream is deliciously creamy, super sweet, and incredibly fluffy, and by far the easiest buttercream to master. It's just a matter of beating softened butter until it's fluffy, adding powdered sugar, cream, and a little vanilla and whipping it all together. No cooking required!

What is the difference between frosting and buttercream? ›

The best way to distinguish frosting from buttercream is through the ingredients. While both contain powdered sugar, fat, flavouring and sometimes milk or water, frosting does not contain any butter whatsoever. Instead, frosting is usually made with shortening or cream cheese.

What kind of frosting do most bakeries use? ›

American Buttercream

It's the kind of frosting most often found on cupcakes at your neighborhood bakery and at birthday parties. Due to all of the powdered sugar used to stiffen this frosting, it's harder to flavor, especially with other sweet elements like fruit preserves or caramel.

What is a cake without frosting called? ›

Naked cakes are layer cakes that are unadorned (or nearly bare) on the sides. That's right: no swoops of frosting or colorful iced patterns.

Which frosting is best for beginners? ›

In terms of ease, buttercream is the best frosting to use as it's easy to make and relatively easy to spread.

How can I make frosting better? ›

For a (16-ounce) tub of frosting, anywhere from ½ cup to 1 cup of crunchy additions will do the trick. Toasted nuts, coconut flakes, chocolate chips or chunks, halvah, and toffee will all add a fun new dimension of flavor. Stir in chopped up canned pineapple or fresh berries for an extra fruity kick.

What is the most important ingredient in frosting? ›

Sugar is the most important ingredient in all types of frostings, providing sweetness, flavor, bulk and structure.

What is the secret to buttercream frosting? ›

6 Secrets for Perfect Buttercream
  • Use the right powdered sugar the right way. ...
  • Beat, beat, beat the butter! ...
  • You can use cream OR milk, just use the right amount. ...
  • Adjust the sugar to your preference. ...
  • Never add too much liquid to your buttercream. ...
  • Prevent your buttercream from melting on a hot or humid day.
Jan 15, 2018

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