As I was whipping up a fresh batch of cupcakes last weekend, I decided my go-to frosting needed a floral upgrade. Enter the Vegan Lavender Buttercream, a creamy concoction that turns simple desserts into delightful surprises. This buttercream is not just rich in texture; it also introduces a charming, aromatic twist that will mesmerize your taste buds. Perfect for those who lead a vegan lifestyle, it brings a refreshing twist to traditional baking without sacrificing flavor. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for both busy weeknights and special occasions. So, are you ready to elevate your cakes and cupcakes with this unexpected floral delight? Let’s dive into the recipe!

Why try vegan lavender buttercream?

Unique flavor experience: The combination of delicate lavender and creamy sweetness makes this buttercream a standout choice for any dessert.
Vegan-friendly: Enjoy the rich, velvety texture without any animal products—perfect for those following a vegan diet!
Quick and easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this frosting comes together in no time.
Versatile pairing: It pairs beautifully with a variety of cakes and cupcakes, from lemon to chocolate, enhancing any flavor profile it touches.
Showstopper appeal: The alluring pastel color and floral aroma are sure to impress your guests, making any dessert a showstopper at gatherings.

Vegan Lavender Buttercream Ingredients

For the Buttercream Base
• Dried Culinary Lavender – This ingredient provides the unique floral flavor, so make sure to use culinary-grade lavender for the best taste.
• Dairy-Free Milk – Acts as the liquid base; almond or oat milk are great substitutes depending on your preference.
• Dairy-Free Butter – Essential for that creamy texture; select your favorite brand that is vegan-friendly.
• Vanilla Extract – Adds warmth and richness to the frosting; opt for pure vanilla extract for optimal flavor.
• Icing Sugar – Sweetens the buttercream and gives it structure; adjust the amount based on your desired sweetness.
• Pinch of Salt – Balances the flavors, enhancing the overall experience.

Optional Enhancements
• Gel Food Colouring – If you desire a pop of color, choose vegan-certified gel food coloring for a visually appealing touch.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Vegan Lavender Buttercream

Step 1: Infuse the Lavender
Begin by pouring your dairy-free milk into a bowl and adding the dried culinary lavender. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. If time permits, letting it steep overnight yields an even more robust lavender flavor. After steeping, strain the milk to remove the lavender, ensuring a smooth buttercream base without any bits.

Step 2: Cream the Butter
In a stand mixer or a large mixing bowl using a hand mixer, add the dairy-free butter along with the vanilla extract. Beat the mixture on medium speed for 1-2 minutes until it becomes light and creamy. You’ll know it’s ready when it appears fluffy and well-combined, with no lumps remaining, forming the ideal base for your Vegan Lavender Buttercream.

Step 3: Add Icing Sugar
Gradually incorporate 2 cups of icing sugar into the creamed butter mixture, mixing on a low speed to avoid a sugary cloud. Once combined, increase the speed to medium and include another cup of icing sugar. Continue beating until the mixture blends smoothly, creating a sweet, thick frosting that retains a lovely structure perfect for spreading or piping.

Step 4: Incorporate Lavender Milk
Now it’s time to add the lavender-infused milk, pouring it in gradually while mixing on low speed. Keep an eye on the consistency; you want a thick but spreadable texture akin to frosting. If needed, adjust by adding more icing sugar for thickness or a splash more milk for creaminess, ensuring your Vegan Lavender Buttercream remains impeccably smooth.

Step 5: Final Touches
To elevate your buttercream further, mix in a pinch of salt, which enhances the overall flavor profile beautifully. If you choose to use gel food coloring for a vibrant pastel hue, add it at this stage and blend until fully integrated. The mixture should now be visually appealing and pack a delicious aromatic punch of lavender.

Step 6: Frost or Store
Your creamy Vegan Lavender Buttercream is now ready to use! Frost your cooled cupcakes or cakes generously, creating an aesthetically delightful finish. If not using immediately, transfer the buttercream into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to use, allow it to come to room temperature and give it a quick mix to restore its delightful creamy texture.

Make Ahead Options

This Vegan Lavender Buttercream is a fantastic choice for meal prep, allowing you to save valuable time during those busy weeks! You can infuse the dairy-free milk with dried culinary lavender up to 24 hours in advance; simply refrigerate it to maximize flavor infusion. Once infused, strain and store it in an airtight container. The buttercream itself can also be prepared up to 3 days ahead. After mixing, store the buttercream in the refrigerator, ensuring it’s tightly covered to maintain its creamy texture. When it’s time to serve, allow the buttercream to come to room temperature and give it a quick re-mix to achieve that velvety consistency just like fresh!

Vegan Lavender Buttercream Variations

Feel free to get creative and make this vegan lavender buttercream your own with these delightful twists!

Nuts:
Add finely chopped nuts like almonds or hazelnuts for a delightful crunch that complements the smooth buttercream.
Different Milks:
Switch out almond milk for oat or coconut milk to alter the flavor profile and add creaminess.
Herbal Infusions:
Infuse the milk with other herbs like chamomile or mint for a surprising aromatic twist that pairs beautifully with the lavender.
Citrus Zest:
Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to enhance the floral notes and bring brightness to your frosting.
Chocolate Delight:
Mix in cocoa powder or melted dairy-free chocolate for a rich, indulgent chocolate-lavender fusion that’s sure to impress.
Spice It Up:
Incorporate a dash of cardamom or cinnamon for a warm, aromatic touch that adds depth to this floral frosting.
Sweet Substitute:
For less sweetness, substitute some icing sugar with powdered coconut sugar or a sugar-free alternative to meet your dietary needs.
Fruity Swirls:
Fold in a swirl of fruit puree, like raspberry or blueberry, to add a vibrant color and a tangy contrast to the sweet buttercream.

Feel free to explore these variations to elevate your dessert game! For an even more scrumptious pairing, consider using this on lemon-flavored cakes or even alongside some earl grey tea cupcakes. Each option creates a unique experience, leaving your guests enchanted and satisfied!

What to Serve with Creamy Vegan Lavender Buttercream

Imagine the delightful harmony that comes together in a full meal with a touch of floral sweetness.

Lemon Drizzle Cake: The zesty brightness of lemon perfectly contrasts the creamy vegan lavender buttercream, making each bite refreshing.
Earl Grey Tea Cupcakes: The bergamot notes in these cupcakes complement the lavender beautifully, creating an aromatic dessert experience.
Chocolate Brownies: Rich, fudgy brownies paired with the floral buttercream present a divine balance of flavors and textures—an unexpected delight!
Fresh Berry Tart: The tartness of fresh berries adds a burst of flavor, enhancing the lavender’s floral essence for a vibrant dessert option.
Vanilla Bean Scones: These tender scones serve as a delicious base for your lavender buttercream—perfect for afternoon tea!
Sparkling Lemonade: A light, bubbly drink elevates the dessert experience, providing a refreshing palate cleanser between bites.
Almond Biscotti: Crunchy and lightly sweet, these cookies are ideal for dipping into the luscious vegan lavender buttercream while savoring every morsel.
Coconut Macaroons: The chewy texture of macaroons contrasts the smooth buttercream, while the coconut’s natural sweetness enhances the floral flavor.
Raspberry Sorbet: This light and fruity sorbet is a delightful, refreshing pairing that will cleanse the palate before savoring richer desserts.

Expert Tips for Vegan Lavender Buttercream

• Steep Properly: Ensure you infuse the dairy-free milk with lavender for the recommended time to maximize flavor. Don’t rush this step!

• Adjust Consistency: If the frosting is too thick, add dairy-free milk by the teaspoon. This will help you achieve the perfect creamy texture for your vegan lavender buttercream.

• Re-mix After Storage: When storing, it may become a bit firmer. Whisk it again at room temperature to restore its lovely, spreadable consistency.

• Test Flavor Balance: Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors. Taste as you go to find the perfect balance for your sweet treats!

• Coloring Considerations: If using food coloring, ensure it’s vegan-certified to adhere to your dietary needs and maintain the integrity of your recipe.

How to Store and Freeze Vegan Lavender Buttercream

Fridge: Store your vegan lavender buttercream in an airtight container for up to one week. Allow it to come to room temperature before reusing, and give it a quick whisk to regain that creamy texture.

Freezer: If you need to store it longer, freeze the buttercream in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before use, and re-mix before frosting.

Wrapping: If storing in the fridge, always ensure the container is tightly sealed to prevent any odor absorption or drying out.

Reheating: To make it spreadable after refrigeration, let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes, then re-mix lightly. Enjoy using this delightful vegan lavender buttercream on your favorite desserts!

Vegan Lavender Buttercream Recipe FAQs

How do I select the best dried culinary lavender?
Absolutely! When choosing dried culinary lavender, make sure to look for lavender labeled as “culinary” to avoid any soapy taste. It should have a vibrant, fragrant scent without any dark spots or an overly dusty appearance. Brands specializing in organic herbs and spices often provide quality lavender suitable for baking.

How should I store Vegan Lavender Buttercream?
Store your vegan lavender buttercream in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Make sure the lid is tightly sealed to prevent absorbing other odors. Before using, allow it to come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes, then give it a good whisk to restore its creamy texture.

Can I freeze Vegan Lavender Buttercream?
Very much! To freeze your buttercream, place it in a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then mix it lightly to bring back its fluffy consistency before applying to your desserts.

What should I do if the buttercream is too thick?
No worries! If your frosting turns out too thick, simply add dairy-free milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired creamy texture. Mix well after each addition to ensure it’s fully incorporated, giving you that perfect spreadable consistency.

Is this Vegan Lavender Buttercream safe for pets or allergens?
It’s important to note that while this buttercream is vegan, it still contains ingredients like dairy-free butter and sugar that can be problematic for certain animals or individuals with allergies. Always check with your vet before sharing human food with pets, and adjust ingredients based on any specific allergies or dietary restrictions you may encounter.

Can I add more flavors to this buttercream?
Certainly! The more the merrier! You can experiment by adding other flavor extracts like lemon or almond to complement the floral notes. Just keep in mind to adjust the quantities of your other ingredients accordingly to maintain the right buttercream consistency. Enjoy the creative process!