Gluten-Free Frosting

Name: Gluten Free Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 stick butter; 4 cups confectioners sugar (✅ ); 3-4 tablespoons milk; 1 teaspoon clear vanilla extract (or almond extract) (✅ ); 1/8 teaspoon salt

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Introducing a scrumptious treat – Gluten-Free Frosting! This delectable buttercream recipe is tailor-made to complement your cherished gluten-free cakes, cupcakes, or cookies.

With just a few simple ingredients and just 15 minutes of your time, you’ll have a velvety, light frosting that can be customized to suit your every whim. Prepare to keep this recipe close by due to how effortlessly you can transform a conventional buttercream into a safe haven for those with celiac sensitivities, without sacrificing taste or texture.

white frosting piped onto gluten free frosting

Some store-bought frostings do contain gluten, which inspired us to create a recipe that is celiac safe yet delicious, easily made right at home. Skip over the canned frosting and make this homemade version today!

Along with frosting, we also have you covered with delicious gluten-free cake recipes. From our chewy Gluten Free Cookie Cake to our decadent Gluten Free White Cake and Gluten Free Vanilla Cupcakes, your guests will be impressed with every bite!

Get started by gathering the equipment and ingredients then following the step-by-step instructions below.

powdered sugar, butter, salt, oil and soy milk on sheet pan

Table of Contents

Ingredients

1 stick butter
4 cups confectioners sugar ✅
3-4 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon clear vanilla extract (or almond extract) ✅
1/8 teaspoon salt

Gluten-Free Guide: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten.

powdered sugar in mixing bowl with creamed butter

gluten free white frosting in mixing bowl

How To Make Gluten-Free Buttercream Frosting

Whip the butter and vanilla extract

Add butter and vanilla extract to the bowl of the mixer. Whip for 1-2 minutes until it’s light and fluffy.

Add the other ingredients

Add the confectioner’s sugar, 3 tablespoons milk, and salt. Slowly blend until powdered sugar is incorporated. Add more milk if the mixture is too thick. Turn mixer to high speed and whisk for 2-3 minutes or until the icing is light and fluffy.

Add to decorating bag

Place desired tip into the decorating bag. Fold the top of the bag over to avoid getting icing on the outside of the bag. Fill the bag with icing, just over half full. Twist the top and gently squeeze until icing comes out. Use as desired.

Pro Tip: If a decorating bag is unavailable, use a ziplock bag by filling with frosting then snipping the corner off of the bag.

white gluten free frosting in piping bag

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Flavor with almond or vanilla extract or easily swap with lemon, orange, or peppermint extract depending on your baking needs.
For a chocolate buttercream, mix 1/2 cup of cocoa powder in with the other ingredients.
It is super easy to turn this gluten-free frosting dairy-free. Follow these simple step-by-step directions for a dairy-free version: Dairy Free Frosting.
Buttercream frosting can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to use, place in the fridge overnight to thaw then bring to room temperature on the counter. Whip in a mixer until the desired consistency is reached.
Store in the fridge covered for up to 2 weeks. Bring to room temperature when ready to use, whipping in the mixer if needed to reach your desired consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you change the flavor of buttercream frosting?

Almond or vanilla extract are our top favorites when it comes to flavoring frosting. Easily swap with lemon, orange, peppermint extract depending on your baking needs.

How to make chocolate buttercream frosting?

For a chocolate buttercream, mix 1/2 cup of cocoa powder in with the other ingredients.

Can I make this frosting dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute dairy-free butter and dairy-free milk for the butter and milk in the recipe to make it dairy-free. Or check out our Dairy Free Frosting recipe.

Can I make this frosting in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare this frosting ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week or in the freezer for up to three months.

Can I use this frosting as a filling for macarons or whoopie pies?

Absolutely! This frosting works well as a filling for macarons, whoopie pies, and other dessert sandwiches.

Storage Instructions

When it comes to storing your freshly made gluten-free frosting, there are a few essential guidelines to keep it in its prime condition. After preparing gently transfer the frosting into an airtight container, making sure it’s tightly sealed. It’s crucial to store it in the refrigerator if you’re not using it immediately. In the fridge, your frosting will maintain its texture and flavor for up to one week.

If you’ve got plans to use the frosting at a later date, you can opt for freezing it. For this, make sure the frosting is in a freezer-safe container. Label it with the date of preparation for easy reference. When stored in the freezer, this frosting can maintain its quality for up to three months. When you’re ready to use it, simply transfer it to the refrigerator for a few hours to allow it to thaw.

Gluten Free Desserts

CKC Features both Gluten-Free Guidance and Kids Cooking Instructions: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten or cross-contamination.

The ⭐️ symbol in the recipe below denotes the steps in which kid cooks may need a helper (depending on age). If there is no ⭐️ symbol, that step (or recipe) doesn’t require a helper.

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