This is the perfect recipe for Sugar Free Buttercream Frosting (2024)

Published: Feb 25, 2022 by thesugarfreediva. · This post may contain affiliate or amazon links.
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This is the perfect recipe for Sugar Free Buttercream Frosting that you can use for that next batch of cupcakes or yummy cake. This recipe is low in carbs and keto friendly.

See The Recipe

This is an easy and really delicious recipe for Sugar Free Buttercream Frosting .

A lot of folks like this recipe because it is friendly to so many diets as well.

Sugar Free Buttercream Frosting

This is for everyone who wants to have their (sugar free) cake and eat it too!

Also because we all know that cakes taste better with something on top (at least most of the time...).

Have you tried my my Sugar Free Magnolia Style Cupcakes

Those tasty cupcakes are a copycat version of that famous cupcake only, made without adding sugar.
This buttercream frosting would go well on top of those cupcakes.

To make this recipe you will need sugar free powdered sugar. You can find a good selection of sugar free powdered sugar here.

People ask what exactly is buttercream.

You have probably enjoyed buttercream frosting on a cake or cupcake at some point.
It is a popular choice to topping cakes and cupcakes because it goes well with many flavors and textures.

Buttercream is just what it sounds like it is.

It is a mixture of butter and cream along with a bit of flavor added to it.
The texture is a thick and creamy that adds moisture to any baked goodie that it goes on top of.

This recipe is especially for anyone asking what can I use instead of sugar for frosting.

Sugar is added to frosting for two basic reasons.
It adds both flavor and the texture needed for frosting to frost your baked goods.

Instead of sugar we are using a sugar alternative.

Sugar free powdered sugar behaves like regular powdered sugar in this recipe.

However, if the sugar free powdered sugar that you choose to use does not measure 1:1 with regular powdered sugar, you may need to adjust your other ingredients for the taste and consistency that you want.

Here are some tips for making your Sugar Free Buttercream Frosting

Using butter, rather than a butter alternative such as margarine, is essential to making this recipe a success. Also, using sugar free powdered sugar , rather than sugar alternative in another form, is just as essential to this recipe.

Here are some more helpful tips for making frosting.

Using unsalted butter is not a big issue in this recipe. Salt is usually added in order to balance out another flavor, such as sweetness.
If you have added the powdered sugar and you feel as if your frosting is still not thick enough, you can try adding small amounts of a thickener. Examples of thickeners that may help include arrowroot starch, unsweetened gelatin, or tapioca.
Make your frosting more interesting by adding a few drops of food coloring or subtituting a flavored extract for the vanilal extract
For best results, please make sure that your cake has fully cooled before frosting it. You would probably not want your frosting to melt on top of the cake. I have seen this happen and it is not pretty 🙂 . A cake also needs to set enough to not fall apart when a spatula or frosting knife touches it.

You may also be wondering how to store butter cream frosting.

Since buttercream frosting does contain butter and butter is a dairy product, I would also agree that storing it is important. My suggestion is to store the buttercream frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also store your frosting in a the freezer!

Here are some similar recipes that you may also like.

Sugar Free Sponge Cake
Stevia Cream Cheese Frosting
Sugar Free Greek Yogurt Frosting
10 Sugar Free Frozen Ice Cream and Popsicle Recipes
FABULOUS Sugar Free Fudge
No sugar added oatmeal and raisin cookies
Sugar Free Devil's Food Cake.
Also, Sugar Free Red Velvet Cupcakes.
And Sugar Free Yellow Cake.

Keep up to date with my recipes

You can check out my guide on baking with sugar alternatives on Amazon

I have some great tips on which alternatives may work in a recipe such as this one.

Be sure to follow me on facebook and subscribe to my recipes via email to keep up to date as well.

This is the perfect recipe for Sugar Free Buttercream Frosting (3)

The recipe for Sugar Free Buttercream Frosting

I mentioned above that you will need to use sugar free powdered sugar in this recipe.

You can make this sugar yourself using this recipe or buy sugar free powdered sugar online here.

You can also make your buttercream frosting more interesting.

Make your frosting more interesting by adding a few drops of food coloring or subtituting a flavored extract for the vanilal extract.

Ingredients needed to make this Sugar Free Buttercream Frosting

Sugar Free Powdered Sugar- 3 cups. You can make this sugar yourself using this recipe or buy sugar free powdered sugar online here.
Butter- 2 sticks (1 cup) softened to room temperature.
Milk, Cream, Whipping Cream, or similar dairy- 1 tablespoon (can use up to 2 tablspoons if you want a more fluid frosting to work with). The more 'fat' the better your frosting will turn out.
Vanilla Extract- 2 teaspoons.

This is the perfect recipe for Sugar Free Buttercream Frosting (4)

How to make Sugar Free Buttercream Frosting

For best results, I recommend using standing mixer if you have one. Also, fit the mixer with a whisk attachment.
In a large mixing bowl, and your mixer outfitted with a whisk attachment,
cream together the sugar free powdered sugar and the butter by mixing on low for one minute. Once this becomes somewhat blended you can increase the speed to medium to get a more whipped texture. It should take about 2 ½- 3 minutes to get a good texture.
Scrape the sides of the bowl by hand and then add the milk (or alternative)and the vanilla. Start with 1 tablespoon of the milk and add more as needed. Finally, continue to mix on medium for 1- 1 ½ minutes or until you get that desired consistency.
This frosting works great in a decorating tool or with tips! You may need to make a few adjustments in the texture of your frosting.

The Recipe Card for Sugar Free Buttercream Frosting

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4.33 from 418 votes

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Sugar Free Buttercream Frosting

This is the perfect recipe for Sugar Free Buttercream Frosting that you can use for that next batch of cupcakes or yummy cake. This recipe is low in carbs and keto friendly.

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Search Result: buttercream, cake, cupcake, dessert, frosting, keto, sugar free

Servings: 12

Ingredients

3 cups Sugar Free Powdered Sugar
1 cup Butter -softened to room temperature.
1 tbsp Milk can use Cream, Whipping Cream, or similar dairy- 1 tablespoon (can use up to 2 tablespoons if you want a more fluid frosting to work with).
2 tsp Vanilla Extract

Instructions

I recommend using standing mixer if you have one. Also, fit the mixer with a whisk attachment.
Cream together the sugar free powdered sugar and the butter by mixing on low for one minute. Once these appear to be somewhat blended you can increase the speed to medium to get a more whipped texture. It should take about 2 ½- 3 minutes to get a good texture.
Scrape the sides of the bowl by hand and then add the milk (or alternative)and the vanilla. Start with 1 tablespoon of the milk and add more as needed. Continue to mix on medium for 1- 1 ½ minutes or until you get that desired consistency.

Recipe Notes

I mentioned above that you will need to use sugar free powdered sugar in this recipe.

You can make this sugar yourself using this recipe or buy sugar free powdered sugar online here.

I also mentioned that you can make your buttercream frosting more interesting.

Make your frosting more interesting by adding a few drops of food coloring or subtituting a flavored extract for the vanilal extract.

*Please check the nutritional labels to assure that you are sticking to your diet restrictions for any substitutions used.

- see post for alternatives

Please see recipe post for further details on this recipe.
Nutritional Information is only an estimate and can vary especially with ingredients that are used.

most recently updated:

February 25, 2022

*About Sugar Alternatives

Specific sugar alternatives are not given in the recipes presented on this site. Only suggestions are given as to the 'kind' of alternative to use. It is up to you to select the alternative to use that suits your needs best. If the recipe is heated or cooked, it is best to use an alternative that can be heated or cooked with for best results. This site does not endorse any specific ingredients,

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that the links on this website, and specifically on this post, that lead to other sites may be affiliate links.

Nutrition

Please note: Nutritional data has been calculated using a tool that comes with this recipe card and not by me. This means that Nutritional Information is only an estimate and can vary especially with ingredients that you use. The accuracy of this tool may differ from other tools as expected. Also note that there is no instructional value to the video that may be attached to this recipe. It is only there for visual pleasure. For more information about the images in this recipe, please refer the the recipe instructions. Thank you!

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Happy baking, eating, and enjoying life!

Nutritional Information is only an estimate and can vary especially with ingredients that are used.

This is the perfect recipe for Sugar Free Buttercream Frosting. Keto low carb and sugar free diet friendly.

Please see the recipe post for further details on this recipe.

You can see items that have been featured on my Sugar Free Sunday Spotlight here.

updated 2/2020 2/22

This is the perfect recipe for Sugar Free Buttercream Frosting (2024)

FAQs

What is a good substitute for icing sugar in buttercream frosting? ›

Granulated sugar

It will add some sweetness, just like with icing sugar, however, the texture will be different as the end result will feel grainy and crunchier. You can also use granulated sugar to make icing.

Learn More ›

How do you stiffen buttercream without sugar? ›

If you are trying to avoid adding more sugar to an already sweet dessert, try adding a flavor-appropriate thickening agent to your frosting. These thickening agents include: cornstarch, gelatin, cream cheese, cocoa powder, cold heavy cream, tapioca, arrowroot starch, flour and even butter.

How do you reduce sugar in buttercream frosting? ›

Salt can help counteract sweetness in buttercream frosting, so adding a little more salt than the recipe calls for can help make the frosting less sweet. However, you don't want to add too much salt, or your frosting will taste salty and unpleasant.

What is the trick 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

Discover More ›

What is a sugar free substitute for icing sugar? ›

To make the powdered sugar substitute, combine 1 cup of Splenda with 1 teaspoon of cornstarch in a mixer or food processor. Blend on high speed for approximately 1 minute or until the texture is similar to powdered sugar.

Learn More ›

How to make firm buttercream without excessive sweetness? ›

Use powdered sugar to make your buttercream thicker, but you need to consider what you're doing with the buttercream. Stiff frosting can be difficult for piping cupcakes. As you continue to add powdered sugar, your frosting will be sweeter. Consider adding a pinch of salt to cut the sweetness.

Discover More Details ›

How do you thicken buttercream without making it too sweet? ›

Cornstarch Stir in 1 tsp (3.25 g) of cornstarch with your frosting mixture and see if it becomes less runny overall. Always work in small increments, rather than adding too much at once. This can be a great way to thicken your frosting without making it sweeter in the process.

What are the thickening agents for buttercream frosting? ›

I sometimes fold in some heavy cream to make a thicker frosting instead of milk. Powdered Sugar Alternatives: If you're looking for alternatives to powdered sugar, consider tapioca starch or arrowroot starch. These can serve as excellent thickening agents for your frosting, providing a unique texture to your creation.

Learn More Now ›

Is it better to use shortening or butter for buttercream frosting? ›

I've found that a mixture of the two yields the best results. In my opinion, the fat from the butter is crucial for the flavor, and the shortening makes the frosting more stable and allows it to hold its shape better.

What is the hardest buttercream to make? ›

Italian Meringue Buttercream

This is considered one of the very difficult methods for making buttercream because the sugar syrup must be cooked to a specific temperature and then, while piping hot, poured into the whipped egg whites.

Explore More ›

What brand of butter is best for buttercream icing? ›

Kerrygold, Organic Valley, and other European styles unsalted butter are great to the taste of buttercream too.

See Details ›

What can you use if you don't have icing sugar? ›

If you have run out of icing sugar or can't find any to buy, you can make your own by whizzing granulated or caster sugar in a food processor, powerful blender, standard blender, coffee or spice grinder, or more laboriously, in a mortar and pestle.

Show Me More ›

What can I use in place of powdered sugar for icing? ›

It is possible to simply use granulated sugar in a slightly smaller amount, though you'll have to accept that the texture may not be ideal, especially for icing or other recipes that are supposed to be super smooth. Just substitute 1 cup of granulated sugar for every 1 ¾ cups powdered sugar and proceed as directed.

What is the closest sugar to icing sugar? ›

In a pinch you can use granulated sugar instead and get very similar results. Made by crushing white sugar into powder, it has other names including confectioner's sugar and powdered sugar. It dissolves instantly and is perfect for icings, whipped cream, and sugar cooking.

Read The Full Story ›

Can you use normal sugar instead of icing sugar for frosting? ›

Flour buttercream frostings, like the one from the original devil's food cake recipe, use granulated sugar, flour, butter, and milk or water. Can you make frosting without powdered sugar, but instead make it with granulated sugar on the stove? Yes.

Read On ›