Vegan Lavender Buttercream

This Vegan Lavender Buttercream is a delightful, creamy frosting that elevates any dessert with its subtle floral flavor. Perfect for various occasions, this buttercream adds a unique touch to cakes and cupcakes, making them not only delicious but also beautiful. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a stunning treat that impresses everyone.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The light floral taste of lavender pairs beautifully with sweet desserts, creating a refreshing twist.
• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, anyone can whip up this buttercream in no time.
• Versatile Use: Ideal for decorating cakes, cupcakes, or even cookies—this frosting adapts to any dessert occasion.
• Dairy-Free Option: Made with dairy-free ingredients, it caters to a variety of dietary preferences without compromising on taste.
• Customizable Color: Add gel food coloring to match your event theme or personal style for an extra pop.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Vegan Lavender Buttercream, you’ll need some essential tools to make the process smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Strainer
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: These tools make it easy to achieve the desired creamy texture without too much effort.
• Mixing bowl: A good-sized bowl helps you mix all ingredients thoroughly without spills.
• Strainer: Essential for infusing the milk with lavender and removing any solid bits before mixing.

Ingredients

To create this Vegan Lavender Buttercream, gather the following ingredients:

For the Lavender Infusion

• 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender
• 2 tablespoons dairy-free milk

For the Buttercream

• 125 grams dairy-free butter
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3-4 cups icing sugar
• pinch salt (to taste)
• gel food coloring (optional)

How to Make Vegan Lavender Buttercream

Creating this delicious Vegan Lavender Buttercream is straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfect frosting.

Step 1: Infuse the Milk

1. Combine the dried culinary lavender with the dairy-free milk in a small container.
2. Place it in the fridge to infuse for at least 2 hours or overnight for the best flavor.
3. After infusion, strain the mixture to remove the lavender while keeping the milk.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Vanilla

1. In a mixing bowl, add the dairy-free butter and vanilla extract.
2. Beat together using a stand mixer or hand mixer on medium speed for about 1-2 minutes until creamy.

Step 3: Mix in Icing Sugar and Infused Milk

1. Gradually add in 2 cups of icing sugar, beating on medium until combined.
2. Add another cup of icing sugar and mix until well integrated.
3. As the mixture thickens, slowly add in the infused dairy-free milk until you achieve a thick, creamy consistency.
4. If too thin or buttery tasting, add more icing sugar; if too thick, add more dairy-free milk.

Step 4: Final Touches and Storage

1. Add a pinch of salt to enhance flavor and a few drops of gel food coloring if desired.
2. Continue mixing until super creamy.
3. Store covered in the fridge until ready to use or pipe directly onto your cupcakes or cake.

Enjoy your homemade Vegan Lavender Buttercream as an elegant addition to your favorite desserts!

How to Serve Vegan Lavender Buttercream

This delightful vegan lavender buttercream can elevate various desserts, adding a beautiful floral touch. Here are some creative ways to serve it.

On Cupcakes

• Classic Vanilla Cupcakes: Pipe the lavender buttercream onto fluffy vanilla cupcakes for a floral twist.
• Lemon Cupcakes: Complement zesty lemon flavors with the lightness of lavender frosting for a refreshing treat.

As Cake Frosting

• Layer Cakes: Spread the buttercream between layers of your favorite cake, such as vanilla or lemon, for an elegant dessert.
• Sheet Cakes: Use it to frost a simple sheet cake for a perfect addition to gatherings or potlucks.

With Cookies

• Butter Cookies: Sandwich two buttery cookies with lavender frosting for an indulgent bite.
• Shortbread Cookies: Dip shortbread cookies in the frosting and sprinkle with dried lavender for added flair.

As a Dip

• Fruit Platter: Serve the buttercream as a dip alongside fresh fruits like strawberries and apple slices for a sweet snack.
• Graham Crackers: Enjoy it with graham crackers for an easy and delicious treat option.

How to Perfect Vegan Lavender Buttercream

Creating the ideal vegan lavender buttercream is all about balance and technique. Here are some helpful tips to achieve that perfect consistency and flavor.

• Infuse Wisely: Allow the culinary lavender to steep in dairy-free milk overnight for a stronger flavor profile.
• Beat Thoroughly: Whip the dairy-free butter until creamy before adding sugar; this enhances texture.
• Adjust Sugar Gradually: Incorporate icing sugar gradually; this helps you control the thickness of the frosting easily.
• Taste Test: Always taste your buttercream as you mix; adjust salt and sweetness according to preference.
• Store Properly: Keep any leftover frosting covered in the fridge, ensuring freshness when ready to use again.
• Color with Care: If using food coloring, add small amounts until you achieve your desired shade without overpowering the flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Vegan Lavender Buttercream

Pairing side dishes with your vegan lavender buttercream can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some delightful options to consider:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A medley of seasonal fruits balances sweetness with tartness, complementing the floral notes.
2. Lemon Bars: The citrus tang of lemon bars pairs perfectly with creamy lavender frosting, creating a refreshing duo.
3. Almond Biscotti: Crunchy biscotti bring texture and nutty flavors that work well alongside silky buttercream.
4. Carrot Cake Muffins: These moist muffins offer spice that contrasts beautifully with light lavender frosting.
5. Scones: Serve warm vegan scones alongside buttercream for an elegant afternoon tea experience.
6. Zucchini Bread: The moistness of zucchini bread creates a lovely backdrop for vibrant lavender flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Creating the perfect Vegan Lavender Buttercream can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Ignoring infusion time: Failing to infuse the lavender long enough can result in a weak flavor. Always allow the lavender to steep in dairy-free milk for at least 2 hours or overnight for the best taste.
• Overmixing frosting: Mixing too vigorously can lead to a runny consistency. Beat just until combined, and add more sugar if it becomes too thin.
• Not tasting your frosting: Skipping this step might leave your buttercream overly sweet or bland. Always taste and adjust with salt or more sugar as needed.
• Using cold ingredients: Cold butter can create lumps and an uneven texture. Make sure your dairy-free butter is at room temperature before mixing.
• Neglecting color options: Forgetting to incorporate food coloring may make your frosting look less appealing. Consider adding gel food coloring for a vibrant finish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftover Vegan Lavender Buttercream in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
• Ensure it is well-sealed to prevent it from absorbing other odors.

Freezing Vegan Lavender Buttercream

• You can freeze the buttercream for up to three months.
• Use a freezer-safe container and label it with the date for easy identification.

Reheating Vegan Lavender Buttercream

• Oven: Place the buttercream in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm at low temperatures (around 200°F) until slightly softened.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 10-15 seconds, stirring between each until creamy again.
• Stovetop: Use a double boiler method, gently heating while stirring constantly to avoid melting it completely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Vegan Lavender Buttercream.

What is Vegan Lavender Buttercream?

Vegan Lavender Buttercream is a dairy-free frosting made with plant-based ingredients, infused with culinary lavender for a unique floral flavor.

How can I customize my Vegan Lavender Buttercream?

You can customize your vegan lavender buttercream by adding different extracts like almond or lemon, or by mixing in other flavors such as cocoa powder for chocolate variation.

Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried?

While you can use fresh lavender, dried culinary lavender is preferred for its concentrated flavor and ease of use in this vegan lavender buttercream recipe.

How do I make Vegan Lavender Frosting thicker?

To thicken your vegan lavender frosting, add more icing sugar gradually until you achieve your desired consistency without overmixing.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Lavender Buttercream is not only delicious but also versatile. It adds a light floral touch to cakes and cupcakes, making them visually appealing and flavorful. Feel free to experiment with different colors or flavors to match your dessert theme. Enjoy creating this delightful frosting!