This easy powdered sugar frosting without butter comes together quickly and works well on cupcakes, cookies, and brownies. The recipe card includes a cream cheese version and a separate dairy-free option.
Which Frosting Should You Make?
Choose the cream cheese version if you simply need frosting without butter and want a softer, less-sweet finish. Choose the dairy-free powdered sugar version if you need to avoid both butter and dairy and want a thicker, sweeter frosting that sets more firmly.
- Butter-free cream cheese frosting: softer and less sweet; contains dairy.
- Dairy-free powdered sugar frosting: thicker and sweeter; use plant-based milk, juice, coffee, or water.
Note: The recipe card below includes two butter-free versions. One is made with cream cheese and cream, so it contains dairy. The second version is completely dairy-free.
Homemade frosting is surprisingly easy to make. Most traditional recipes rely on powdered sugar, butter, milk or cream, and vanilla extract, but this page gives you two butter-free options.
If you ran out of butter—or need a dairy-free option—you have two versions to choose from below.
For the dairy-free version, use a non-dairy liquid such as plant-based milk, juice, coffee, or water.
This is a quick frosting that takes only a few minutes to mix. Vanilla is classic, but almond extract is another good option if you want a slightly different flavor.
Watch How to Make This Butter-Free Frosting
Jump to:
- Which Frosting Should You Make?
- Watch How to Make This Butter-Free Frosting
- No-Butter Frosting for Cupcakes and Cookies
- How to make your frosting super smooth:
- How to Make Frosting With Powdered Sugar (Without Butter)
- Two Butter-Free Frosting Options
- Frosting FAQs
- EASY Powdered Sugar Vanilla Frosting (without butter)
Liquids you can substitute the dairy for to make your frosting dairy-free:
- Any nut milk
- Freshly squeezed juice (orange juice, lemon juice or lime juice)
- Coffee or espresso
Extracts you could use to flavor your frosting besides vanilla:
- almond
- coffee
- orange
- mint
- hazelnut
- lemon
No-Butter Frosting for Cupcakes and Cookies
This powdered sugar frosting works especially well on cupcakes and soft sugar cookies when you want a thick, sweet topping that sets more firmly than a typical buttercream.
My favorite thing is how nicely it stiffens up so once your frosting is set, you can stack them or cover your cupcakes without worrying they will smear everywhere.
Note: This frosting is sweeter than a typical buttercream. If you prefer a less-sweet frosting, a traditional buttercream—or one made with dairy-free butter—may be a better fit.
This frosting is perfect for decorating football themed cupcakes for game day. Use white frosting as the base and add football inspired decorations or piping for a fun dessert your guests will love. If you're hosting a full game day celebration, check out our Football Watch Party Ideas guide for football themed food, drinks, decorations, and easy hosting tips.
How to make your frosting super smooth:
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One thing I absolutely love about this confectioners sugar frosting recipe is how incredibly forgiving it is! Whether you are swirling it on with piping bags great for cupcakes
or spreading it smoothly across your cake, it is just so easy to work with. If you happen to mess up the frosting or dent it, you can easily fix it with some hot water and an offset spatula.
Pro tip: For a smoother finish, dip an offset spatula or butter knife in hot water, dry it well, then gently smooth the surface of the frosting.
How to Make Frosting With Powdered Sugar (Without Butter)
To make frosting with powdered sugar without butter, mix powdered sugar with a small amount of liquid until it reaches a thick, spreadable consistency. For a richer butter-free frosting, use cream cheese and cream; for a dairy-free version, use plant-based milk, juice, coffee, or water. Add liquid gradually so the frosting does not become too thin.
Two Butter-Free Frosting Options
Neither version uses butter. The cream cheese version still contains dairy, while the second version is dairy-free. The dairy-free version is also the sweeter of the two.
Frosting FAQs
Yes, it will harden up enough for you to stack your cookies or take your cupcakes on the go without smearing everywhere. Depending on how thick your frosting is, it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours as it cools and the moisture evaporates.
Store leftover frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use it within 3 to 4 days.
Yes. Just make sure to mix it very well!
Sift your powdered sugar before mixing in your cream and extract. Sifting the sugar removes small clumps and helps create a softer, smoother texture.
Warm the frosting in the microwave in 15- to 30-second intervals until it softens enough to spread.
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EASY Powdered Sugar Vanilla Frosting (without butter)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Sift the powdered sugar if you want a smoother frosting.
- Add the powdered sugar, cream cheese, cream or milk, extract, and salt to a bowl. Mix with a stand mixer or hand mixer until smooth.
- Add to a piping bag or spread onto cupcakes, cookies, or brownies using an offset spatula. Read the notes below.
- Add all ingredients to a bowl and mix using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Mixing by hand is possible but takes more effort.
- If the frosting is too thick, add 1 teaspoon of liquid at a time until you reach the desired consistency. If it becomes too thin, add powdered sugar a little at a time.Add to a piping bag or spread onto cupcakes, cookies, or brownies using an offset spatula. Read the notes below.
Video
Notes
- For a smoother finish, dip an offset spatula in hot water, dry it well, then gently smooth the frosting.
- Add a few drops of food coloring if you want a colored frosting.
- For the dairy-free version, liquid requirements can vary depending on whether you use non-dairy milk, water, juice, or coffee. Start conservatively and add more as needed.
- Store leftover frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Exact storage and setting guidance will be confirmed during the next recipe test.
- If refrigerated frosting is too firm to spread, let it soften briefly before using and stir well.
Ryleigh
Hi I'm 11, I tried this recipient it tasted soo good definitely trying it again, but I saw that the cream cheese dint get onto the directions. If you have time can you change it so it ant so confusing. (by the way I'm not mad.)
JDM
This tastes great!!! Mine seems too thin for a piping bag though and I’m scared to keep adding more and more powdered sugar. Is that the answer for a thicker consistency?
Aleka Shunk
Yes! OR you can add 1 oz of cream cheese at a time for a less sweeter option that will definitely thicken it up and tastes delicious.
Mags
I need to have my cupcakes ready in the morning. If I make the frosting and decorate with it the evening prior, can I put the decorated cupcakes in the fridge straight away or do I need to keep them in room temperature so that the frosting goes stiff first? Please reply asap, thanks!
Aleka Shunk
Will you be covering the cupcakes with something? If not, I would wait until they harded a bit so it doesn't mess up the top! It shouldnt take too long to harden.
Pacely
(Dairy-free) Very good! Was indeed only five minutes and came out very well. It was thick and tasted just like powdered sugar
Aleka Shunk
Thanks so much!
Cynthia Carr
Delicious ? tyfs! A go to on my list!
riley
it was liquidy
Aleka Shunk
Your measurements need to be exact. To thicken it, simply add more powdered sugar.
Melanie
OMG!! TO DIE FOR!!! Extremely easy to make!
Aleka Shunk
Thank you!!