Vegan Lavender Buttercream

This Vegan Lavender Buttercream is a delightful and creamy frosting that brings a unique floral flavor to your baked goods. Perfect for special occasions, this buttercream elevates cakes and cupcakes with its light, aromatic essence. With its smooth texture and subtle taste, it’s an excellent choice for those looking to add a touch of elegance to their desserts while keeping things plant-based.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe requires just a few simple steps and minimal ingredients, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers.
• Delicious Flavor: The infusion of culinary lavender adds a subtle yet fragrant taste that enhances your desserts in a unique way.
• Versatile Use: Ideal for topping cakes, cupcakes, or even cookies, this buttercream can suit any dessert occasion.
• Dairy-Free Option: Made entirely without animal products, it’s perfect for those following a vegan lifestyle or with dairy sensitivities.
• Customizable Color: You can enhance the visual appeal by adding gel food coloring to match your theme or occasion.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Vegan Lavender Buttercream effectively, having the right tools on hand will make the process smoother. Here are the essentials you’ll need.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• Sifter (optional)

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: These tools help achieve a fluffy texture quickly and efficiently, ensuring the butter is well-creamed.
• Mixing bowl: A large bowl provides ample space for mixing ingredients without spills.
• Measuring spoons & cups: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the right consistency and flavor in your buttercream.

Ingredients

For the Buttercream

• 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender
• 2 tablespoons dairy free milk
• 125 grams dairy free butter
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3-4 cups icing sugar
• pinch salt (to taste)
• gel food colouring (optional)

How to Make Vegan Lavender Buttercream

Step 1: Infuse the Lavender

Mix the culinary lavender with dairy-free milk. Let it infuse in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight. After infusion, strain the mixture to remove the lavender buds.

Step 2: Cream the Butter

In a mixing bowl, use your stand mixer or hand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat together the dairy-free butter and vanilla extract for 1-2 minutes until creamy.

Step 3: Add Sugar and Milk

Gradually incorporate 2 cups of icing sugar into the creamed mixture on medium speed until combined. Add another cup of icing sugar and mix again. As you mix, slowly add in the infused dairy-free milk until you achieve a thick yet creamy consistency. Adjust thickness by adding more icing sugar if too thin or more milk if too thick.

Step 4: Final Touches

Add a pinch of salt to taste. If desired, include a few drops of gel food coloring and mix until everything is well combined and creamy.

Step 5: Store or Use

You can store this frosting covered in the fridge until ready to use or pipe it directly onto your favorite cupcakes or cake. Enjoy your beautifully decorated desserts!

How to Serve Vegan Lavender Buttercream

Vegan lavender buttercream is a delightful and versatile frosting that can elevate any dessert. Here are some creative ways to serve and enjoy this floral treat.

On Cupcakes

• Top your favorite vegan cupcakes with a swirl of lavender buttercream for a beautiful and aromatic finish.

Layered on Cakes

• Use this buttercream between layers of your favorite sponge cake for an elegant touch.

As a Dip

• Serve it as a dip alongside fresh fruits like strawberries or apple slices for a unique dessert experience.

Filling for Pastries

• Pipe the lavender buttercream inside puff pastries or donuts to surprise your guests with its delicate flavor.

Decorate Cookies

• Spread or pipe this frosting on sugar cookies for a whimsical dessert that looks as good as it tastes.

On Pancakes or Waffles

• Slather the buttercream on warm pancakes or waffles for a decadent breakfast option that feels special.

How to Perfect Vegan Lavender Buttercream

Creating the perfect vegan lavender buttercream is all about technique and balance. Here are some helpful tips to ensure success.

• Infuse the Milk Well: Allow the culinary lavender to steep in the dairy-free milk overnight for maximum flavor.

• Use Room Temperature Butter: Ensure that your dairy-free butter is at room temperature before mixing, which helps achieve a smooth texture.

• Gradually Add Icing Sugar: Add icing sugar in stages to control the consistency of your frosting better.

• Adjust Consistency Carefully: If your buttercream is too thick, add more dairy-free milk gradually; if it’s too thin, add more icing sugar slowly.

• Taste Test Before Serving: Always taste test your frosting before using it, adjusting sweetness and saltiness as needed.

• Store Properly: Keep any leftover buttercream covered in the fridge. It can be re-whipped before use if it becomes too firm.

Best Side Dishes for Vegan Lavender Buttercream

Pairing side dishes with vegan lavender buttercream can create delightful contrasts in flavors. Here are some suggestions:

1. Lemon Scones
   These light and zesty scones complement the floral notes of the lavender perfectly.

2. Almond Biscotti
   Crunchy almond biscotti provide a great texture contrast when dipped into lavender buttercream.

3. Fruit Salad
   A refreshing fruit salad adds bright flavors that balance the sweetness of the frosting nicely.

4. Chia Seed Pudding
   Creamy chia seed pudding serves as a light base for dollops of lavender buttercream.

5. Mini Tarts
   Fill mini tart shells with lemon curd or fresh fruit, then top with a swirl of lavender buttercream for an elegant dessert.

6. Pistachio Muffins
   The nutty flavor of pistachio muffins pairs beautifully with the floral sweetness of lavender frosting.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making vegan lavender buttercream can be delightful, but there are common mistakes to watch out for to ensure your frosting turns out perfect.

• Bold infusion time: Skipping the infusion time can lead to a weak lavender flavor. Always allow the lavender to steep in dairy-free milk for at least 2 hours, or overnight for a stronger taste.
• Bold mixing speed: Beating the mixture at too high a speed can cause air bubbles, making the frosting less creamy. Use medium speed when combining ingredients for a smooth consistency.
• Bold sugar adjustments: Adding too much icing sugar at once can make it hard to achieve the right texture. Gradually add sugar and adjust based on the desired thickness.
• Bold temperature of ingredients: Using cold butter can result in lumpy frosting. Make sure your dairy-free butter is at room temperature for easy blending.
• Bold storage conditions: Not storing your buttercream properly can affect its texture. Always keep it covered and refrigerated when not in use.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store vegan lavender buttercream in an airtight container.
• It will last up to one week in the fridge.

Freezing Vegan Lavender Buttercream

• You can freeze the buttercream for up to 3 months.
• Use a freezer-safe container or plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating Vegan Lavender Buttercream

• Oven: Preheat to a low temperature (around 200°F) and warm the buttercream briefly, checking frequently.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 10-15 seconds, stirring in between until softened.
• Stovetop: Place over low heat, stirring constantly until just warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Vegan Lavender Buttercream?

Vegan lavender buttercream is a plant-based frosting made without dairy. It features infused culinary lavender for a unique floral flavor, perfect for cakes and cupcakes.

How do I make Vegan Lavender Buttercream?

To make vegan lavender buttercream, infuse culinary lavender in dairy-free milk, then mix with dairy-free butter and icing sugar until creamy.

Can I customize my Vegan Lavender Buttercream?

Absolutely! You can add different flavors like lemon or almond extract and use various colors of gel food coloring for decoration.

How long does Vegan Lavender Buttercream last?

When stored properly, it lasts up to one week in the refrigerator and up to three months if frozen.

Final Thoughts

This vegan lavender buttercream is not only creamy but also versatile, adding a unique touch to your desserts. Feel free to experiment with flavors or colors to match any occasion. Try this delightful recipe today!