Vegan Coconut Cake Frosting
So you want frosting. Not just any frosting, but the kind that makes people pause mid-bite and go, “Wait this is vegan?” Yeah. That kind. Also, you don’t feel like selling your soul to complicated steps or weird ingredients you’ll use once and forget forever. Same. Welcome to your new favorite vegan coconut cake frosting creamy, fluffy, a little tropical, and dangerously easy to eat with a spoon straight from the bowl. No judgment here.
Why This Recipe is Awesome
Let’s get this out of the way: this frosting is ridiculously easy. Like, “I made this half-asleep and it still turned out great” easy. It’s smooth, rich, lightly coconutty (not sunscreen-level coconut, relax), and it spreads like a dream.
It’s also:
- 100% vegan without tasting like compromise
- Dairy-free, egg-free, drama-free
- Perfect for cakes, cupcakes, brownies, cookies your finger (oops)
And honestly? It’s pretty idiot-proof. Even I didn’t mess it up. That alone deserves a round of applause.
Ingredients You’ll Need
No scavenger hunt required. These are all pretty basic, promise.
- Full-fat coconut milk (1 can, chilled) – Non-negotiable. Low-fat will betray you.
- Vegan butter (½ cup, softened) – Choose a good one. IMO, this is not the place to cheap out.
- Powdered sugar (2–3 cups) – Sweetness + structure = frosting magic.
- Vanilla extract (1–2 tsp) – Because frosting without vanilla is suspicious.
- Pinch of salt – Trust me. It makes everything better.
- Optional: coconut extract – If you’re feeling extra coconut-core.
Pro tip: Chill the coconut milk overnight. Yes, overnight. Not “30 minutes in the freezer while you scroll.” Overnight.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Chill and separate the coconut cream.
Open the cold coconut milk can and scoop out the solid cream on top. Leave the watery stuff behind (save it for smoothies). This thick cream is the star of the show. - Beat the vegan butter until fluffy.
Toss the softened vegan butter into a bowl and beat it for 1–2 minutes. You want it light, smooth, and slightly fluffy. If it still looks sad, keep going. - Add the coconut cream and vanilla.
Add the coconut cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat again until everything looks creamy and unified, like it’s finally gotten its life together. - Slowly add powdered sugar.
Add the powdered sugar one cup at a time. Beat after each addition. Taste as you go because you’re in charge here. - Adjust consistency like a boss.
Too thick? Add a teaspoon of the leftover coconut liquid or plant milk. Too thin? More powdered sugar. You’re the frosting DJ control the vibe. - Chill briefly if needed.
If it feels too soft, pop it in the fridge for 15–20 minutes. Then frost away like a confident pastry wizard.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Let’s save you from frosting heartbreak.
- Using unchilled coconut milk.
This is the #1 mistake. Warm coconut milk = soup frosting. Nobody wants that. - Grabbing low-fat coconut milk.
Low-fat milk won’t whip. It will laugh at you and remain liquid. Rude. - Adding all the sugar at once.
Congrats, you’ve created a powdered sugar snowstorm. Add it slowly unless you enjoy cleaning. - Overmixing at the end.
Once it’s fluffy, stop. Overmixing can make it weirdly runny. Know when to walk away.
Alternatives & Substitutions
Because flexibility is sexy.
- No vegan butter?
You can use refined coconut oil, but it’ll be firmer and more coconut-forward. Not bad, just different. - Want it less sweet?
Start with 2 cups powdered sugar and stop there. This frosting doesn’t need to be tooth-achingly sweet to shine. - Chocolate version?
Add ¼ cup cocoa powder and a splash of plant milk. Boom. Chocolate coconut frosting. You’re welcome. - Extra tangy vibes?
Add 1–2 tablespoons vegan cream cheese. This turns it into a coconut-cream-cheese situation, and wow, yes.
Final Thoughts
This vegan coconut cake frosting is proof that plant-based desserts don’t have to be complicated, boring, or taste like sadness. It’s creamy, easy, forgiving, and fancy enough to make people think you really know what you’re doing (even if you don’t).
So go frost that cake. Lick the spoon. Maybe lick the bowl. You earned it. Now go impress someone or just yourself with your new frosting superpower.
