The frosting is the fluffy coating on the outside of the cake and other baked goods. It uses butter as a prevalent ingredient to provide flavor, creamy texture, stiffness to the body, and richness of baked goods.
However, many individuals want to substitute butter in frosting due to dietary restrictions, allergies, and health reasons. In such instances, few ingredients can be swapped in place of butter.
This article will explore different ingredients that may be used as a butter substitute in frosting.
Outline
5 Best Substitute for Butter in the Frosting
This subsection will list different substitutes for butter in the frosting recipes. While using these substitutes, you may need experimentation to achieve the right flavor and consistency.
Margarine
Margarine is originally made from animal fat. Now it is made from a mixture of hydrogenated vegetable oils.
It is rich in polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids that have been associated with numerous health benefits.
It is used as a common substitute for butter in frosting as it produces a similar texture and color. Stick margarine works best. It is preferable to use margarine with at least 80% fat. It is used in a 1:1 ratio in place of butter.
Here is the recipe for making frosting using margarine.
Summary
Margarine may be used as a substitute for butter in frosting recipes as it produces a similar texture and color.
Shortening
Shortening is a solid vegetable fat that improves the texture and palatability of food products. Nowadays, it is mostly made from hydrogenated vegetable oils.
It may be used as a butter substitute in a 1:1 ratio in a frosting recipe.
However, it may lack the flavor of butter. It will still yield frosting that holds up at higher temperatures while still maintaining its fluffier consistency as it has a higher melting point than butter.
Check this recipe for making a buttercream frosting using vegetable shortening.
Summary
Shortening is versatile fats with a good creaming ability and may substitute butter in frosting recipes. However, it may not be flavourful as butter.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is rich in medium-chain triglycerides that have been associated with heart health benefits.
It is the best butter substitute for frosting, especially if vegan or allergic to dairy.
It adds a similar creaminess and texture to the frosting as butter. It is preferable to use softened coconut oil and not melted one for the best results.
However, the heat may melt the coconut oil, and therefore, the frosting has to be refrigerated immediately.
Here is the recipe to make the coconut-oil frosting.
Summary
Coconut oil may work as a butter substitute in frosting due to its creaminess and properties similar to butter.
Cream Cheese
Cream cheese is a soft, unripened lactic acid coagulated cheese. It has at least 33% fat and not more than 55% moisture.
It may be used in place of butter in the frosting as it has a mild, acid, and creamy flavor.
Also, It has fat content to hold the shape of frosting. However, it may have a slightly tangy taste that may alter the final frosting’s taste. It may not be suitable for high temperatures.
Check this recipe for cream cheese frosting without butter.
Summary
Cream cheese may be used as a substitute for butter due to its creaminess and flavor-enhancing properties.
Avocado
Avocados are a nutrient-dense superfood containing monounsaturated fat, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients.
It may replace butter in traditional frosting recipes as it has an amazingly creamy texture, silky smooth, and has a nutty flavor.
It gives bright green color to the frosting. It may be suitable for individuals with dairy allergies.
Check this recipe for making frosting using avocado.
Summary
Avocados work as a butter substitute in frosting due to their smooth, creamy texture.
FAQs
Peanut butter may be used to replace some amount of butter in the frosting recipe due to its sweet and creamy consistencies. But, it may need shortening or coconut oil to stabilize the frosting. The end product may have a distinct peanut butter taste.
Tofu may work vegan butter substitute for a frosting recipe, but it may not contain the fat that butter has. Therefore, the end product may have a slight tofu flavor and may be runny. Here is the recipe for tofu cream frosting.
Bottom Line
Butter is the key ingredient in the frosting recipe to add flavor and hold the frosting shape. However, in the present world, butter may not be suitable for everyone with dietary restrictions, a healthy lifestyle, and allergies.
Some ingredients may work as butter substitutes that are low in calories and nutrient-rich that still will give you a delicious frosting. Regardless of butter replacements, you may still need to experiment for proper consistency.