Vegan Lavender Buttercream

How to Make Vegan Lavender Buttercream

1. Infuse the Lavender

The first step to creating the lavender flavor in your buttercream is to infuse the lavender into the non-dairy milk. To do this:

• Heat 2 tablespoons of your non-dairy milk in a small saucepan over medium heat.
• Once warm (but not boiling), add the dried lavender flowers to the milk. Stir gently and let the lavender steep for about 5-7 minutes. The goal is to extract the lavender’s essential oils and flavor into the milk.
• After steeping, strain out the lavender flowers and set the lavender-infused milk aside to cool completely.

2. Whip the Vegan Butter

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened vegan butter on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes, or until it becomes light and fluffy. This is an important step to ensure that the buttercream has the right consistency and smooth texture.

3. Add Powdered Sugar

Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, about ½ cup at a time, while continuing to beat the butter on low speed. This helps to avoid sugar flying out of the bowl. Once all the powdered sugar is incorporated, increase the speed to medium and continue mixing for another 2-3 minutes until the frosting becomes light and fluffy.

4. Incorporate the Lavender Milk

Once the lavender-infused milk has cooled, add 2 tablespoons of the milk to the buttercream along with the vanilla extract. Beat the mixture for 2 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. If the frosting is too thick, add another tablespoon of lavender milk. If it’s too runny, add more powdered sugar, a little at a time, until you achieve the desired consistency.

5. Adjust Consistency and Flavor

Taste the buttercream and adjust the flavors. If you want a stronger lavender taste, you can add an additional ½ teaspoon of culinary lavender, letting it steep in a bit more non-dairy milk. If you find the frosting too sweet, a pinch of salt can help balance the flavors.

6. Chill (Optional)

If your buttercream seems too soft or you want it to firm up a bit, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes before using. This can be especially helpful if you plan to pipe the buttercream onto cupcakes or cakes, as it will hold its shape better when chilled.

7. Frost Your Favorite Baked Goods

Once your Vegan Lavender Buttercream is ready, spread it generously on cakes, cupcakes, cookies, or even scones! For a beautiful finish, you can pipe the buttercream using a piping bag fitted with your desired nozzle.

Tips for Perfect Vegan Lavender Buttercream

• Infusing Lavender: The key to a great lavender flavor is the infusion. If you don’t want any lavender buds in your buttercream, strain the milk carefully to remove all of the lavender pieces. You can also blend the steeped lavender into the milk to create a smoother texture.
• Culinary Lavender: Make sure to use food-grade, culinary lavender, which is specifically grown for use in cooking and baking. Lavender from gardens or craft stores may not be safe to eat.
• Consistency Adjustments: If your frosting is too stiff, add more non-dairy milk, one teaspoon at a time. If it’s too runny, add powdered sugar until it reaches the right consistency.
• Storage: Vegan lavender buttercream can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5-7 days. Before using, bring it to room temperature and re-whip for a smooth, fluffy texture.

Why You’ll Love Vegan Lavender Buttercream

• Floral and Unique: Lavender offers a delicate, floral flavor that transforms simple desserts into something special. It’s a sophisticated alternative to traditional buttercream flavors like chocolate or vanilla.
• Dairy-Free and Vegan: This frosting is completely dairy-free and vegan, making it suitable for people with dairy allergies or those following a plant-based diet. It’s also free from artificial colors or preservatives found in many store-bought frostings.
• Versatile: Vegan lavender buttercream pairs wonderfully with many types of baked goods. It’s perfect for topping lemon cakes, vanilla cupcakes, or even as a filling for cookies. It also pairs beautifully with fruity desserts like berry cakes or scones.

Final Thoughts

Vegan Lavender Buttercream is a fragrant, indulgent, and dairy-free frosting that will elevate your baked goods in both flavor and appearance. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking to try something new, this buttercream will add a unique twist to your desserts with its floral, subtly sweet flavor.

With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels. The next time you bake a cake or batch of cupcakes, give this vegan lavender buttercream a try and let the delightful aroma and taste of lavender transform your treat into something extraordinary!