Fit as a Mama Bear

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Protein Challenge
  • Fitness
  • Shop
  • About
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Protein Challenge
    • Fitness
    • Shop
    • About
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Gluten Free Dairy Free Desserts

    Dairy-Free Buttercream Frosting (Healthy, High-Protein, Sugar-Free)

    Modified: Apr 11, 2025 · by Shelby Stover · This post may contain affiliate links · 22 Comments

    Jump to Recipe
    Protein cupcake with dairy-free buttercream frosting on a purple muffin liner with a bite out of the cupcake and more cupcakes behind it.
    Two images of cupcakes, the top a vanilla cupcake with protein buttercream frosting being piped on and the bottom the icing already on a chocolate cupcake.
    Close up of a cupcake with dairy-free buttercream frosting on top and pink shimmer sprinkles with more cupcakes behind it.

    Take your desserts to the next level with this fluffy, dairy-free buttercream frosting! The perfect addition to cupcakes, cakes, and cookies. This protein frosting is not only easy to make but great for piping too!

    Protein cupcake with dairy-free buttercream frosting on a purple muffin liner with a bite out of the cupcake and more cupcakes behind it.

    Skip the shortening and powdered sugar and opt for a healthy version of a classic. This buttercream frosting has a secret ingredient that makes it even better: protein.

    If ever you want to boost your protein intake while enjoying something like cupcakes, this healthy vanilla frosting is what you need (especially if it's on top of something like chocolate protein powder cupcakes!).

    As a Certified Nutrition Coach, I strive to find healthy ways to indulge without sacrificing my goals. And let’s be honest; everyone loves sweets!

    You've come to my rescue again with another delish dairy-free recipe! I tested this out and it's delish! This is the frosting I'll use to ice my daughter's birthday cake!

    This is why I know this protein frosting will become a staple in your house for celebrations. You’ll fall in love with it because it’s:

    • Dairy-free and gluten-free
    • Super EASY to make
    • Naturally sweetened with honey (no powdered sugar)
    • Fluffy
    • High in protein

    Note: because this is a high-protein recipe, this is not a vegan buttercream frosting.

    Ingredients You’ll Need

    You only need five ingredients for this protein frosting which makes it super simple to whip up in a pinch.

    Though most vegan buttercream frosting recipes rely on vegan butter, shortening, and powdered sugar, you'll find none of that here.

    My goal with this buttercream frosting recipe was to make a healthy twist on a classic.

    Dairy-free butter: the kind of butter you choose will make a slight difference to the texture of the healthy frosting recipe. I’ve used both Nuts For Cheese Butter and Miyokos Butter with great results. Personally, I try to find vegan butter that doesn’t have a high amount of sunflower oil or shortening.

    Coconut oil: this helps the protein frosting with the texture. You want the vanilla frosting to be soft enough to pipe but not too soft that it’ll melt as you’re doing so.

    Collagen powder: the secret ingredient! Collagen powder is one of the healthiest sources of protein you can grab (learn more about collagen powder versus bone broth).

    Tapioca flour: this flour is what holds the vanilla buttercream frosting together and gives it the thickness that makes it fluffy and not runny.

    Honey: skip the traditional powdered sugar and oils. Sweetened with just honey means that this is actually a sugar-free buttercream frosting too.

    Vanilla: the better quality of the vanilla extract the more potent the flavor of the frosting.

    Multiple ingredients for buttercream frosting in measuring cups with text labels over top.

    How To Make Protein Frosting

    1. In a large bowl add the butter, coconut oil, honey, and vanilla.
    2. Whip lightly with a handheld mixer to combine.
    3. Add in the collagen and tapioca flour and whip for 1-2 minutes.
    4. Portion into a piping bag and pop in the fridge for 5 minutes.
    5. Warm up the frosting by squeezing the bag slightly and pipe it onto your dessert.

    Step By Step Photos

    Steel bowl with butter, honey, and vanilla in it.
    Honey being poured into a steel bowl with butter and vanilla.
    Steel bowl with a handheld mixer in it whipping dairy-free protein buttercream frosting.
    Dairy-free buttercream frosting being piped onto a vanilla protein cupcake in a purple cupcake liner.

    Important Teaching Tips

    The kind of butter you choose will make a slight difference to the texture of the dairy-free frosting. Oil-based butter may melt more.

    Likewise, as the protein frosting warms up, it will melt slightly because of the coconut oil (and because there isn't any icing sugar to bind).

    Make sure to have your butter at room temperature before trying to whip it. Otherwise, it will create a chunky texture.

    Pop your desserts in the fridge to firm up slightly after frosting.

    Learn more about the benefits of a high protein diet.

    Choosing Collagen Powder

    It’s no surprise that these buttercream frosting are made with collagen powder!

    All the protein without the bloat.

    I use collagen powder for amping up protein and boosting gut health.

    Learn about the difference between collagen and bone broth as how to increase protein intake.

    Honestly, as a busy mom collagen powder just makes it easy to eat more protein and not feel like I’m living off chicken and eggs.

    And more protein means more energy, more natural beauty, and feeling your BEST.

    Plus, in recipes like this, you can sneak protein into your kids as it’s one of the purest sources.

    I grab my collagen from Perfect Supplements because they source their collagen from pasture-raised (grass-fed) cows. So, I trust it.

    Grab some collagen powder and use code mamabear10 to save some money.

    The Best Product
    The CLEANEST Collagen Powder To Thrive
    The CLEANEST Collagen Powder To Thrive

    Easy to mix, this collagen powder adds a protein punch to anything you pair it with. Made from pasture-raised (grass-fed) cows there are no pesticides, hormones, or filler agents. Just put collagen protein. Use code mamabear10 to save money on your next order.

    Best Rated Collagen Powder
    Close up of a cupcake with dairy-free buttercream frosting on top and pink shimmer sprinkles with more cupcakes behind it.

    Frequently Asked Questions About Dairy-Free Buttercream Frosting

    Can you freeze buttercream frosting?

    You can freeze buttercream frosting but it won’t be as fluffy the next time you use it. Store the frosting in an airtight bag. When you’re ready to use it, let it thaw in the fridge before re-whipping the frosting with handheld beaters.

    What vegan butter is best for dairy-free frosting?

    Though any vegan butter should work, the best one I’ve found is Miyokos butter. Not only does it taste great but the texture holds up after being whipped as well. This vegan butter gives the frosting the most “traditional” flavor and feel.

    Does the protein frosting melt?

    Because of the coconut oil and no powdered sugar to bind it, if you leave it sitting out for hours it will soften or melt slightly depending on your vegan butter). Not much, but a little bit.

    Why doesn't this frosting use almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk?

    Because the frosting is made with a bit of coconut oil and without powdered sugar, adding any non-dairy milk (even coconut milk) would make the texture too runny.

    Other Dairy-Free Dessert Recipes You’ll Love

    • Cream cheese frosting
    • Paleo chocolate chip cookies
    • Dairy-free chocolate ganache
    • Vanilla protein cupcakes
    • Protein truffles
    • Vanilla protein ice cream
    • Dairy-free S'mores cups
    • Candy cane fudge
    • The BEST dairy-free brownies
    • White chocolate fudge
    • Peppermint patty bars
    • Fudgy protein brownies
    • Chocolate frosted cashew cookies
    • Sugar-free pudding
    • Healthy chocolate pudding
    • Peanut butter thumbprint cookies
    • Chocolate-covered frozen bananas
    • High protein snack ideas
    • Healthy dessert recipes
    Chocolate cupcake with dairy-free buttercream frosting on a purple cupcake liner with a piping tool and more cupcake behind it.
    Want to save this recipe?
    Just enter your email and get it sent to your inbox! Plus you’ll get new recipes and healthy tips from me every week!
    Loading
    Protein cupcake with dairy-free buttercream frosting on a purple muffin liner with a bite out of the cupcake and more cupcakes behind it.

    High Protein Buttercream Frosting (Dairy-Free)

    Shelby Stover
    The best addition to cupcakes or cake! This sugar-free frosting is light, fluffy, and sneakily healthy.
    5 from 12 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 5 minutes mins
    0 minutes mins
    Total Time 10 minutes mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 6
    Calories 243 kcal

    Video

    Equipment

    • 1 Handheld mixer
    • Large mixing bowl

    Ingredients
      

    • ¼ cup Vegan butter room temperature
    • ⅓ cup Coconut oil room temperature
    • 1 tbs Coconut oil room temperature
    • 2 tbs Collagen powder
    • 3.5 tbs Tapioca flour
    • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
    • ¼ cup Honey

    Instructions
     

    • In a large bowl add the butter, coconut oil, honey, and vanilla.
    • Whip lightly with a handheld mixer to combine.
    • Add in the collagen and tapioca flour and whip for 1-2 minutes.
    • Portion into a piping bag and pop in the fridge for 5 minutes.
    • Warm up the frosting by squeezing the bag slightly and pipe it onto your dessert.

    Notes

    • Makes enough for six cupcakes.
    • The kind of butter you choose will make a slight difference to the texture. Oil-based vegan butter may melt more.
    • Make sure to have your butter at room temperature before trying to whip it. Otherwise, it will create a chunky texture.
    • Vanilla bean paste can be used in place of vanilla extract.
    • Likewise, as the protein frosting warms up, it will melt slightly because of the coconut oil.
    • Pop your desserts in the fridge to firm up slightly after frosting.
    Disclaimer:

    Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data"

    Nutrition

    Calories: 243kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 2gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 13gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.04gSodium: 67mgPotassium: 12mgFiber: 0.03gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 360IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 1mgIron: 0.1mg
    Have You Tried This Recipe?Please leave a star rating and comment below. Mention @fitasamamabear or tag #fitasamamabear!
    Multiple chocolate and vanilla cupcakes with buttercream frosting on them on cupcake liners.

    More Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Dessert Recipes

    • Peanut butter chocolate buckeyes on top of a parchment paper.
      Protein Buckeyes [Dairy-Free]
    • Squares of coffee fudge on a cutting board.
      Protein Coffee Fudge [Dairy-Free]
    • Black berry popsicle sticks with black berries spread around them.
      Dairy-Free Blackberry Popsicles
    • A bowl of cherry crisp with a scoop of ice cream.
      Gluten-Free Cherry Crisp

    Comments

    1. Nikki says

      January 01, 2024 at 3:50 pm

      5 stars
      This is THE BEST & THE ONLY I’ll use. My go-to. Any tips on changing it to a chocolate buttercream for other baking adventures?

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear says

        January 03, 2024 at 1:19 pm

        Glad you love it! Add 1 tbs of cacao powder to make a delicious chocolate 😀

        Reply
    2. Genevieve says

      August 10, 2023 at 3:04 pm

      5 stars
      You speak my dessert language! I have been looking for a dairy-free buttercream recipe and this one was everything I was hoping for. The texture was excellent, taste was amazing - definitely saving this one!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear says

        August 14, 2023 at 9:15 am

        Hahaha we are definitely on the same dessert page!

        Reply
    3. Sarah says

      August 10, 2023 at 1:51 pm

      5 stars
      I love this recipe! My husband is lactose intolerance and I'm always looking for alternatives I can make him, especially when it comes to baked goods. And the fact that it's also sugar free - 5 stars all around. Delicious!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear says

        August 14, 2023 at 9:15 am

        Ah, so happy to hear everyone liked it!

        Reply
    4. Ali says

      August 10, 2023 at 11:08 am

      5 stars
      My best friend is vegan and this was the perfect frosting for her bday cupcakes - we were all obsessed with how delicious it tasted!!

      Reply
    5. Janice says

      August 10, 2023 at 9:30 am

      5 stars
      I didn't know that dairy-free buttercream would be as tasty as this recipe! I love how easy this is to make, plus it's perfect for cupcakes! My daughters loved it!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear says

        August 14, 2023 at 9:14 am

        Ah, kid approved is the best!

        Reply
    6. Gina says

      August 10, 2023 at 8:13 am

      5 stars
      Such a great recipe! Regular frosting makes me want to gag with how sweet it is, this is the perfect solution to enjoying treats meant to be iced without wanting to pull my teeth out from the sugar! It's creaming and just sweet enough while still offering a protein boost, love it!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear says

        August 14, 2023 at 9:14 am

        It's nice to have something to top cupcakes but I'm the same, you don't need it TOO sweet.

        Reply
    7. tianna says

      January 09, 2023 at 8:26 pm

      5 stars
      love that this is a dairy-free option will be perfect on a vegan chocolate cupcake

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear says

        January 10, 2023 at 2:03 pm

        Why yes, yes it will!

        Reply
    8. Jess Selensky says

      January 09, 2023 at 3:17 pm

      5 stars
      This frosting is perfect and so tasty!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear says

        January 10, 2023 at 2:03 pm

        Glad you liked it!

        Reply
    9. Bella B says

      January 09, 2023 at 1:34 pm

      5 stars
      I think I found my new favourite DF frosting! It was so good and even my mom liked it! Will be making again.

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear says

        January 10, 2023 at 2:03 pm

        So happy you enjoy it! If you take out the collagen you may need to bump up the tapioca FYI 🙂

        Reply
    10. Healing Tomato says

      January 09, 2023 at 10:33 am

      5 stars
      This recipe was so amazing! It was the perfect frosting for my chocolate cupcakes. I subbed it with plant based collagen powder. Love that you used coconut oil and vegan butter.

      Reply
    11. Lisa says

      January 09, 2023 at 10:14 am

      5 stars
      Wow! I didn't realize a dairy-free buttercream would taste just as good as one made with real butter. It's definitely a keeper!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear says

        January 10, 2023 at 2:02 pm

        It's definitely close, we love it!

        Reply
    12. Jennifer says

      January 09, 2023 at 9:56 am

      5 stars
      You've come to my rescue again with another delish dairy-free recipe! I tested this out and it's delish! This is the frosting I'll use to ice my daughter's birthday cake!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear says

        January 10, 2023 at 2:02 pm

        Hehe it's a sneaky one for sure and I love it! Glad you enjoyed it.

        Reply
    5 from 12 votes

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Blond haired woman in a black sweater outside smiling at the camera

    Welcome!

    I'm Shelby, a Certified Strength & Nutrition Coach who has spent the last 10 years helping women feel more comfortable in their skin though home strength training and healthy food- no diets, no shortcuts

    More about me

    Trending

    • Caramel Apple Overnight Oats [High Protein]
    • Mini dairy-free egg bites with bell peppers in them on a white plate.
      Dairy-Free Egg Bites
    • Wooden spoon pulling out some sweet potato shepherds pie from a baking dish.
      10 Easy Meal Prep Dinners That Support Weight Loss
    • A plate of low calorie baked oats with coconut milk cream on top.
      Low Calorie Baked Oats [High Protein, Dairy-Free]
    • Homemade peanut butter in a mason jar topped with peanuts and more peanuts around it.
      Homemade Peanut Butter [No Oil]
    • A scoop of protein being placed into a cup.
      Why I Switched to Beef Protein Powder After 10 Years of Vegan Powders

    Favorite Fall Recipes

    • Sweet potato casserole with pecan topping in a glass baking dish with a spoon in the dish.
      Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Casserole
    • Slow cooker lined with parchment paper and filled with high protein French toast casserole with blueberries with a blue spoon in the bowl.
      Crockpot French Toast Casserole (Gluten-Free)
    • One gluten-free cookie frosted with chocolate surrounded by chocolate chips with a cup of coffee and more cookies on a yellow linen behind it
      Chocolate Frosted Cashew Butter Cookies (Dairy & Gluten Free)
    • Glass bowl with roasted brussels sprouts and more sprouts on a baking tray behind it.
      Maple Candied Brussels Sprouts (No Bacon)

    Fitness Tips

    • Woman laying on floor with one knee bent and other in a hamstring stretch.
      5 Best Hamstring Exercises for Runners
    • Woman in blue shorts and tank top running outside.
      Want to Run Better? These 11 Tips Change Everything
    • Woman performing a squat with a pink mini band around her legs.
      36 Mini Band Exercises + A Full Body Workout
    • Woman in piegon pose on a bench for a glute stretch.
      9 Best Glute Stretches
    • Woman in maroon shirt and black pants on her hands and knees performing a glute exercise.
      What Is A Glute Burnout
    • Woman on elbows and knees on a yoga mat performing a mobility drill.
      Full-Body Mobility in Just 5 Minutes with This One Move

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    DISCLAIMERS As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.The content on Fit as a Mama Bear is provided for educational and informational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a qualified health care professional before acting on any information presented here. Statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. No products mentioned are intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.










    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    Let us know what you thought of this recipe:

    This worked exactly as written, thanks!
    My family loved this!
    Thank you for sharing this recipe

    Or write in your own words:

    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.