Name: Vegan Lavender Buttercream Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 2 h 10 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender; 2 tablespoons dairy free milk; 125 grams dairy free butter; ½ teaspoon vanilla bean paste; 3-4 cups icing sugar; pinch salt (to taste); gel food colouring (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 15 reviews

There is something utterly magical about floral flavors in desserts, and this Vegan Lavender Buttercream Recipe captures that charm perfectly. It blends the delicate, fragrant notes of culinary lavender with a luscious, creamy texture that is 100% dairy-free and just bursting with flavor. Whether you are a seasoned vegan baker or simply love exploring new tastes, this buttercream frosting offers a fresh, elegant twist to your cupcakes, cakes, or even cookies. It’s simple to make, wonderfully fragrant, and a little goes a long way to enchant your taste buds!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows six small white bowls arranged on a white marbled surface. The top left bowl is full of white powder, likely flour or powdered sugar, with a soft texture. To its right is a bowl containing a smooth, creamy yellowish block of butter. Below these two bowls, from left to right, there is a small bowl filled with black seeds, a tiny bowl with a light brown liquid, a bowl of white granulated salt, and a bowl of a light beige liquid, possibly milk or cream. All bowls have smooth textures with clear food contents. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple yet purposeful ingredients is the secret behind this dreamy Vegan Lavender Buttercream Recipe. Each one plays an essential role in building flavor, creaminess, and that subtle hint of color if you choose to add it.

Dried culinary lavender: The star ingredient that imparts that signature floral aroma and delicate taste to the buttercream.
Dairy-free milk: Infuses the lavender flavor and helps adjust the frosting’s consistency for the perfect spreadable texture.
Dairy-free butter: The creamy base that ensures richness without any dairy, making it entirely vegan.
Vanilla bean paste: Adds a warm sweetness and depth that complements the lavender beautifully.
Icing sugar: The essential sweetener that transforms the butter into a smooth, velvety frosting.
Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavors.
Gel food colouring (optional): Perfect for adding a touch of pastel purple to echo the lavender tones.

How to Make Vegan Lavender Buttercream Recipe

Step 1: Infuse the Dairy-Free Milk with Lavender

Start by combining the dried culinary lavender with your chosen dairy-free milk and let it chill in the fridge for at least two hours or overnight. This step allows the milk to soak up those delicate, fragrant notes. Before you use it, strain to remove the lavender flowers, so you’re left with a beautifully infused base for your buttercream.

Step 2: Cream the Dairy-Free Butter and Vanilla

Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the dairy-free butter and vanilla bean paste together for 1 to 2 minutes. This stage is crucial to get your base light and fluffy, laying the groundwork for a smooth and creamy frosting.

Step 3: Mix in the Icing Sugar and Infused Milk

Add two cups of icing sugar to your creamed butter mixture and mix on medium speed until combined. Gradually add more icing sugar, watching the texture thicken beautifully. Then, pour in the lavender-infused dairy-free milk a little at a time, adjusting until you achieve a luscious, creamy consistency. If the frosting feels too buttery, simply add more icing sugar; if it’s too thick, introduce a splash more milk. Don’t forget to add a pinch of salt to brighten all the flavors.

Step 4: Add Color and Final Whip

The final touch is optional but highly recommended for an extra pop of charm—a few drops of gel food colouring. Continue to whip the frosting until it’s gorgeous and super creamy, perfect for spreading or piping.

How to Serve Vegan Lavender Buttercream Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a light brown cupcake with a smooth, purple swirl of frosting on top, decorated with two thin dried lavender flower stems sticking out of the frosting. In the background, there are four more similar cupcakes, each with the same purple frosting and lavender decoration, slightly blurred. The cupcakes are placed on a white marbled surface scattered with small dried lavender flowers. The lighting is soft and natural, highlighting the texture of the frosting and the cupcake base. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of dried lavender buds or edible flowers on top adds a stunning visual cue and a hint of extra floral aroma. Crushed pistachios or a light dusting of powdered sugar can also provide a lovely textural contrast.

Side Dishes

This buttercream is a dream paired with simple vanilla or lemon cakes, gluten-free cupcakes, and even vegan shortbreads. It brings a fresh, sophisticated edge to classic desserts, making it perfect for afternoon teas or special celebrations.

Creative Ways to Present

Try piping this Vegan Lavender Buttercream Recipe into delicate rosettes on cupcakes, swirling it atop mini cakes, or creating a layered frosting effect for a floral-themed dessert centerpiece. You can even use it as a filling for sandwich cookies or tartlets to surprise guests with its gentle floral flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any remaining frosting covered tightly in the refrigerator where it will stay fresh for up to one week. Bring it back to room temperature and give it a quick whisk before using to restore its silky texture.

Freezing

You can freeze this buttercream in an airtight container for up to three months without losing its delicious flavor. Thaw it slowly overnight in the fridge, then whip again briefly before decorating.

Reheating

Reheating is simple: let the frosting sit at room temperature until soft, then gently re-whip to revive its creamy, fluffy nature. Avoid overheating to keep the texture smooth and prevent separation.

FAQs

Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried for this Vegan Lavender Buttercream Recipe?

Fresh lavender can be more potent and sometimes bitter, so dried culinary lavender is preferred for a smoother, milder flavor infusion. If using fresh, reduce the amount and strain carefully to avoid overpowering the frosting.

What are the best dairy-free butter options?

Look for high-quality vegan butters made from coconut oil, avocado oil, or blends designed specifically for baking. These provide the right texture and flavor needed for a rich buttercream.

How long does the lavender infusion need to steep?

At least two hours in the refrigerator is recommended to extract the fragrant oils properly, but overnight is best for maximum flavor.

Can I make this Vegan Lavender Buttercream Recipe nut-free?

Absolutely! Just check your choice of dairy-free butter and milk substitutes to be free from nuts. Many oat or soy-based options work wonderfully for those with allergies.

Is it possible to adjust the sweetness?

Yes, you can tweak the amount of icing sugar to suit your taste. Adding a touch more can balance stronger floral notes, while using less will make the buttercream more subtle and less sugary.

Final Thoughts

Creating this Vegan Lavender Buttercream Recipe is like inviting a gentle garden breeze into your kitchen—floral, fresh, and utterly comforting. It’s a delightful way to elevate any dessert with a unique twist, and once you try it, it’s sure to become one of your go-to recipes. Trust me, your friends and family will be asking for this buttercream again and again!