This dairy-free chocolate frosting is smooth, creamy, and tastes just like the classic version. It comes together in minutes and works anywhere traditional chocolate frosting does.
With just 5 ingredients -- dairy-free butter, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a splash of milk -- it comes together quickly with a rich, chocolatey finish.
I most frequently make this vegan chocolate buttercream frosting with my Vegan Gluten-Free Chocolate cake! These two recipes go perfectly together for a traditional chocolate birthday, Christmas, or other celebration cake.
Because this recipe is so easy, I no longer buy store-bought frosting and keep these ingredients on hand for last minute cupcake and cake-making.
For more dairy-free and vegan dessert recipes, check out my Vegan Gluten-Free Funfetti Cake, Dairy Free Gelato, Vegan Chocolate Cream Pie (no bake), and Dairy Free Brownies with oil.
For similar recipes that work just as well with vegan butter and milk, check out my No Bake Peanut Butter Truffle Balls and Dark Chocolate Maple Buttercream Candies.
How to make it (with photos)
Ingredients Notes + Substitutions
You need only 5 common ingredients to make this awesome vegan chocolate frosting recipe!
- vegan butter - My favorite vegan butter for baking is Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Sticks. I do not recommend using coconut oil in this recipe since I have not tested it myself. If using unsalted butter, add ¼ teaspoon of salt to this recipe.
- plant milk - I use unsweetened almond milk in this recipe. You can use any plant based milk that you have on hand as a substitute.
- cocoa powder - As long as there are no other additives, cocoa powder is vegan. You can also substitute Cacao powder. Viva Naturals Organic Cacao Powder is my favorite for this and all of my chocolate recipes.
- powdered sugar - Use organic powdered sugar to make sure this recipe is vegan friendly.
You also need vanilla extract to make this recipe.
See the recipe card for a full list of ingredients with quantities.
Step-by-Step Instructions
There are just two easy steps to make this creamy dairy-free chocolate frosting recipe!
- Frosting Base: In a medium mixing bowl, add the vegan butter, cocoa powder, almond milk, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer to beat until mixed. It's ok if there are still some chunks of vegan butter.
- Powdered Sugar: Add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, and mix in. Start on a slow speed to prevent the sugar from flying out of the bowl and then gradually increase the speed. Once all the powdered sugar has been added, add additional powdered sugar to thicken the chocolate frosting or small splashes of milk (no more than 1 tablespoon at a time) to thin the frosting.
Expert Tips
Make your perfect dairy-free chocolate frosting with these expert tips!
A little milk thins frosting a lot.
If the frosting is thicker than you like, add additional almond milk in very small amounts. Just a little bit of milk can thin a powdered-sugar-based frosting a lot. Add no more than 1 tablespoon of plant milk at a time.
Vegan butter doesn't cream like dairy butter.
Most vegan butters do not "cream" with an electric mixer in the same way traditional dairy butter does. It makes absolutely no difference in how this dairy-free frosting turns out, so don't worry!
Recipe FAQs
Here I answered some frequently asked questions about this Vegan + Dairy-Free Chocolate Frosting. Don't see your question? Leave it in the comments at the end of this post and I'll answer within two business days.
Store leftover vegan chocolate frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If frosting a cake, I recommend making this recipe fresh at the time of frosting. Otherwise, you will need to let it warm to room temperature and may need to thin it a bit more.
If you're here for the gluten-free recipes and happily eat dairy, traditional salted butter and dairy milk are fine substitutes for the vegan version in this recipe. The amounts and instructions remain the same.
If substituting unsalted butter for the salted butter in this recipe, add ¼ teaspoon of salt to this recipe.
If you don't have a plant-based milk, you can use water in place of the milk in this recipe.
Related vegan chocolate dessert recipes to consider...
Looking for more vegan chocolate dessert recipes recipes like this dairy-free chocolate buttercream frosting? Check these out:
Love this recipe? Please leave a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating in the recipe card or comment field below. Thank you!
📖 Recipe
Dairy-Free Chocolate Frosting
Ingredients
- ¾ cup salted vegan butter , softened to room temperature (1 ½ sticks or 12 tablespoons)
- ¾ cup cocoa powder
- 6 tablespoons unsweetened almond milk , plus more to thin if you like
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Frosting Base: In a medium mixing bowl, add the vegan butter, cocoa powder, almond milk, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer to beat until mixed. It's ok if there are still some chunks of vegan butter.
- Powdered Sugar: Add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, and mix in. Start on a slow speed to prevent the sugar from flying out of the bowl and then gradually increase the speed. Once all the powdered sugar has been added, add additional powdered sugar to thicken the chocolate frosting or small splashes of milk (no more than 1 tablespoon at a time) to thin the frosting.
Janelle says
I make this vegan chocolate frosting with the vegan gluten-free chocolate cake recipe on this site and they are an amazing pair! I also made the frosting to try with the funfetti cake and it was a good combo as well.
Jean says
This vegan chocolate frosting goes so well with your chocolate cake! We loved the combination and are looking forward to trying this chocolate frosting recipe on your funfetti cake for my youngest son's birthday next month.