Vegan Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

This easy vegan chocolate buttercream frosting uses simple ingredients, is rich, silky, and perfect to top on cupcakes and cakes.

For my vegan chocolate buttercream frosting, you will need:

• Vegan Butter - I've tried a variety of different vegan butters and have struggled with how soft they are. I'm so happy to report success using the Becel Plant Based Bricks. I recommend using a vegan butter than is in a brick instead of in a tub. The tubs seem to be softer and don't hold their consistency as well as the bricks.
• Shortening - At the recommendation of Katie from Caked by Katie, I now always add shortening to my vegan buttercream frostings. Shortening has a higher melting point than vegan butters, so it helps to prevent the buttercream from becoming too soft. It doesn't have a strong taste and works like a charm!
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
• Powdered (confectioners, icing) Sugar - it's important to check the ingredient labeling. Some powdered sugars are not vegan.
• Vanilla Extract
• Salt – I like to add a small amount of salt to cut some of the sweetness from the powdered sugar. It gives that sweet-salt taste!
• Soy Chocolate Milk – not essential, but I like it to create an extra creamy frosting. Be cautious not to add too much or your frosting will become extremely thin and difficult to spread.

How to Make Vegan Buttercream

Begin by creaming together your vegan butter and shortening using an electric stand or hand mixer. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and make sure they are completely incorporated before adding in the powdered sugar.

Next, add in your powdered sugar one cup at a time. Mix until combined.

Finish by adding in the cocoa powder, soy chocolate milk, vanilla, and salt. Whip until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes). It's important to whip your buttercream long enough. If you don't, your frosting will be challenging to spread.

For more buttercream frosting recipes check out:

Fluffy Chocolate Cake Recipe with Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

Easy Swiss Meringue Buttercream Frosting

Nutella Buttercream Frosting

I like to pair this vegan buttercream with my easy vegan chocolate cake recipe!

If you try this recipe, make sure you take a photo and tag BAKED by Blair on social media and use the #bakedbyblair. I would love to hear how you enjoyed the recipe, so comment below! If you want to pin this recipe and save it for later, go ahead and click the pin button any of the photos above and save it to your favourite desserts board on Pinterest! ENJOY!