Keto Frosting Recipes {3 Flavors} (2024)

Learn how to make three keto frosting recipes to frost your cakes, muffins, brownies, and more! Vanilla frosting, chocolate frosting, and a simple cream cheese frosting. Low carb, sugar free and quick and easy!

Keto Frosting Recipes {3 Flavors} (1)

See, I’ve got plenty of keto desserts that can ALL be taken up a notch by adding a thick layer of frosting, or a thinner icing.

After making a chocolate mug cake, I thought adding a chocolate icing would make it even better. I wanted one that could be as thick or thin as needed and as such, I HAD to create a sugar free frosting.

Is frosting keto?

Traditional frosting or icing recipes are not suitable for a keto diet. The main ingredient for any frosting recipe is powdered sugar, which is definitely not keto or low carb. However, by using keto powdered sugar, you can replicate all your favorite frosting flavors, that taste just like the real deal!

This sugar free frosting is so quick and easy to make, you will never leave a dessert unfrosted again!

It’s sweet, creamy, and can be made thick, like a buttercream, or thinned out, like a glaze or icing.

As much as I love a good chocolate frosting, I am also a fan of the classic vanilla and cream cheese frostings. With just ONE recipe base, you can easily create at least three frosting flavors, that are perfect for various kinds of desserts.

Here are the frosting flavors-

  • Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
  • Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
  • Cream Cheese Frosting
Keto Frosting Recipes {3 Flavors} (2)

How do you make keto frosting

There are three main ingredients that go into all three frosting flavors. After you’ve selected which flavor you want, all you need to do then is just add the extra 1 or 2 ingredients and you will be done!

The Ingredients

  • Powdered sugar– The key to any good frosting recipe. I used homemade keto powdered sugar, which is ridiculously quick and easy to make at home.
  • Butter– Use room temperature butter, but not melted. Also, avoid using salted butter, unless you want your frosting to have a slightly salty tinge.
  • Vanilla extract– A must for any dessert recipe.

The Instructions

Start by beating together your powdered sugar and butter on low, until combined. Add in your vanilla extract, followed by the additional ingredients (based on which flavor you are going for). Continue to beat until thick and creamy. If you’d like a thick frosting (than can easily be piped),

Flavor Variations

For all three frosting options, make the base frosting first, then add the extra ingredients as listed.

Chocolate Frosting

  • Basic frosting
  • Cocoa powder
  • Milk of choice
Keto Frosting Recipes {3 Flavors} (3)

Vanilla Frosting

  • Basic frosting
  • Milk of choice
  • Vanilla bean pod (optional)
Keto Frosting Recipes {3 Flavors} (4)

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • Basic frosting
  • Cream Cheese (full fat or dairy free)
Keto Frosting Recipes {3 Flavors} (5)

Can I make vegan frostings?

All the frostings can easily be made dairy free, especially if you want a vegan frosting. To make them vegan, make these substitutions-

  • Butter– Use dairy free butter for all flavors
  • Milk of choice– Use a plant based milk, like almond milk or soy milk
  • Cream cheese– Use a dairy free cream cheese, preferably from a block (not a spread).

Tips for the best keto frosting

  • For a thicker frosting, do not add any extra milk or water. If it isn’t thick enough to your liking, add more sugar free confectioners’ sugar.
  • If you’d prefer a thin frosting, or want to a more ‘icing’ like texture, add more milk or water.
  • Add some flavor extracts to change the flavors further- Lemon extract, strawberry extract, and coffee extract can all be added to the vanilla base.
  • If you don’t have a stand mixer or hand mixer, you can mix by hand. However, make sure your butter is room temperature and that your sugar has been sifted.

How do you store frosting?

  • To store: Regardless of which flavor you make, you must store them all in the refrigerator, in a sealable container. They will all keep well for up to 1 week. Be sure to let your frosting sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes, before using.
  • To freeze: If you’d like to freeze leftover frosting, store it in a shallow container and use it within 2 months of freezing. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, and let it sit at room temperature before frosting a cake or other dessert.
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Ways to use frosting

  • Cakes– Any of the frostings would be great with some keto birthday cake, chocolate cake, or a flourless chocolate cake.
  • Brownies– Use the cream cheese frosting in cheesecake brownies, the chocolate frosting in flourless brownies, and the vanilla frosting in the cookie dough brownies.
  • Muffins– Add some on the tops of breakfast muffins or fudgy chocolate muffins.
  • Cupcakes– I used the cream cheese and vanilla frostings on keto cupcakes and the chocolate frosting on the vegan cupcakes.

Keto Frosting Recipes {3 Flavors} (7)

Keto Frosting {3 Flavors}

5 from 532 votes

Learn how to make keto frosting using 3 ingredients and with 3 flavor options- Chocolate frosting, vanilla frosting, and cream cheese frosting! These sugar free frosting recipes are made with low carb ingredients!

Servings: 12 servings

Prep: 5 minutes mins

Cook: 5 minutes mins

Total: 10 minutes mins

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Ingredients

For the frosting base

Chocolate Frosting

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1-2 tablespoon milk of choice * see notes

Vanilla Frosting

Instructions

  • In a large mixing bowl, beat your powdered sugar and butter until combined, and smooth. Add in your vanilla extract.

  • Add your flavor ingredients and continue beating until the desired texture is received. For a thinner texture, add more milk.

Notes

1 serving is 1/2 cup.

For vegan frostings, replace the butter with dairy free butter and dairy free cream cheese.

* Start with 1 tablespoon and add more, as needed.

TO STORE: Regardless of which flavor you make, you must store them all in the refrigerator, in a sealable container. They will all keep well for up to 1 week. Be sure to let your frosting sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes, before using.

TO FREEZE: If you’d like to freeze leftover frosting, store it in a shallow container and use it within 2 months of freezing. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, and let it sit at room temperature before frosting a cake or other dessert.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 107kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 1gFat: 11gSodium: 100mgPotassium: 61mgFiber: 1gVitamin A: 368IUCalcium: 22mgIron: 1mgNET CARBS: 1g

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Author: Arman Liew

Tried this recipe?Give us a shout at @thebigmansworld or tag #thebigmansworld!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission for my endorsem*nt, recommendation, testimonial, and/or link to any products or services from this website.

Keto Frosting Recipes {3 Flavors} (2024)

FAQs

Why is my keto frosting grainy? ›

TIP: If you use a granulated sweetener, you have to powder it in a food processor or coffee grinder. It needs to be powdered before adding it to the frosting, otherwise, your keto cream cheese frosting will be grainy.

What is a good substitute for buttercream frosting? ›

Ganache, cream cheese frosting, whipped cream frosting, fondant, and meringue frosting are all excellent options that are easy to make and delicious to taste. With the right recipe and techniques, you can achieve a beautifully iced cake without using buttercream.

What are the four types of frosting? ›

4 Common Types Of Frosting For Desserts
  • Cream cheese frosting. Cream cheese frosting and red velvet cake are traditionally paired with one another. ...
  • Ganache. ...
  • Basic buttercream frosting. ...
  • Whipped cream frosting.
Dec 29, 2016

How many carbs are in keto frosting? ›

How many carbs are in keto chocolate frosting? This recipe for keto chocolate frosting has 2.5g of carbohydrate and 1.1g of dietary fiber. Thus is has 1.4g net carbs per serving.

How do you stabilize frosting without powdered sugar? ›

Dry/thick ingredients like cocoa powder, freeze dried fruit (powder,) and peanut butter will help thicken frosting, while vanilla and brown butter should be added sparingly to make sure it's the right texture. Storage Tips: Once you achieve the perfect consistency, store your frosting in an airtight container.

Is powdered sugar keto friendly? ›

Traditional powdered sugar often contains cornstarch, to keep the powdered sugar from clumping together. As it's not keto, I didn't include it. However, after testing several batches, I found no difference in the texture or the mixability of my homemade powdered sugar.

What frosting is less sweet than buttercream? ›

Not only is the technique to make ermine icing different, but it also uses far less sugar (and butter) than other types of frosting, so it's less rich and sweet. In other words, if you're a person who typically scrapes off frosting in favor of the cake underneath, ermine icing may be the one for you.

Is butter or margarine better for frosting? ›

For a rich and creamy flavor in your frosting, butter is key. We suggest using a good-quality unsalted butter for tasty results every time. For those who want to use margarine instead, go for regular margarine rather than low-fat.

What can I put on my cake instead of icing? ›

From silky chocolate ganache to colorful fruit slices, these decorations will make your cake look professional!
  1. Fondant. Fondant is an extremely useful and versatile decorating material. ...
  2. Ganache. Ganache is a smooth and silky glaze made of chocolate and cream. ...
  3. Fruit. ...
  4. Buttercream Icing. ...
  5. Flowers. ...
  6. Nuts. ...
  7. Sprinkles. ...
  8. Marshmallows.
Jun 18, 2023

What kind of frosting do most bakeries use? ›

Buttercream frostings rely on the main ingredient of butter and will be the most common type of frosting you will find in a bakery.

What frosting do professionals use for cakes? ›

SWISS MERINGUE BUTTERCREAM FROSTING

Soft and fluffy, this buttercream is great for filling layers or frosting cakes. Hints & Tips: Since Swiss buttercream is so soft, it's better used for frosting cakes rather than piping or decorating. Make sure mixture is cool before adding butter, otherwise your butter will melt.

Which frosting is best for beginners? ›

In terms of ease, buttercream is the best frosting to use as it's easy to make and relatively easy to spread.

Is sugar free ice cream OK on keto? ›

Ice cream brands like Halo Top, Edy's, Enlightened, So Delicious, and Rebel offer options that use sugar substitutes and may be keto-friendly. The keto diet is not for everyone. Be sure to talk with a healthcare provider before starting this type of diet.

Is ice cream bad on keto? ›

Yes, you can choose to eat regular ice cream on a keto diet if it fits within your daily carbohydrate needs required on the keto diet. Remember, regular ice cream is higher in carbohydrates than keto ice cream, so be sure to check the label to ensure you're within your daily carbohydrate limits.

How many carbs to be kicked out of ketosis? ›

Eating more than 50 grams of carbs may disrupt ketosis.

With keto diets, however, carb restrictions vary from person to person. Some people can eat more and still stay in ketosis, whereas others may need to restrict their carb intake more in order to stay in ketosis.

How to fix frosting that is too grainy? ›

If your buttercream ends up with a grainy texture, don't worry. There are simple steps you can take to fix it. Usually it is grainy from the sugar not dissolving into the butter properly. One easy fix is to re-whip the frosting, preferably with the paddle attachment, on medium speed until it becomes smoother.

Why is my vegan icing grainy? ›

That's right - you NEED the vegan butter to be room temperature before you start working with it. If you've ever made vegan buttercream and it's split or gone grainy, this is most likely the reason why. Get it nice and soft, then whack your vegan butter in the stand mixer and beat like crazy until smooth.

Why is my cooked icing gritty? ›

If your frosting tend to be too warm or too cold it will appear grainy or chunky. Take note on the milk adding in have to be in room temperature as well. Click here for more piping technique.

Why is my peanut butter frosting grainy? ›

Why is my peanut butter frosting grainy? If you didn't mix the frosting all the way, you might notice a grainy texture. Add some extra whipping cream if needed and mix until it's not grainy any longer.

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