Chocolate Frosting Without Butter (Paleo, Gluten Free, Dairy Free)
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Did you know that you can make chocolate frosting without butter or cream or milk or any dairy at all? This recipe takes just a few minutes, and uses a surprising healthy super-food ingredient…avocados.
This frosting is my go-to frosting on all my kids’ birthday cakes (and the cakes I make for fun). Sometimes I even just eat it with a spoon and call it Paleo chocolate pudding.
This frosting is so creamy, and it wows every single one of my guests when I tell them the secret ingredient.
If you make this chocolate frosting recipe, you’ll quickly learn why avocados as a base for frosting makes perfect sense!
The avocado provides a creamy texture, while the cocoa powder and the honey give it the rich chocolate flavor.
Why make chocolate frosting without butter?
My body has an on-again, off-again relationship with all things dairy. Since I love baking (and chocolate), I knew I needed to come up with a chocolate frosting recipe that didn’t use butter.
And this one hits the spot. Every. Single. Time.
This frosting (on top of this dark chocolate cake) is what we make for most birthday parties around here. See these birthday cakes below…
I continually get compliments on this frosting – kids LOVE it. Adults LOVE it. And they never know it’s made from avocados. My father in-law even said…”this is the best cake I’ve ever had”. Coming from someone who has zero food allergies, and is used to the “real deal”, this was a big compliment.
This cake brings people together, folks.
What makes this chocolate frosting different?
The ingredients included (and not included) in this recipe is the main difference between any other recipe you’ll see out there. The avocados add a creaminess that’s just divine (and quite a few health benefits too).
And, in case you’re wondering what’s in the containers of chocolate frosting in the store, I’ll tell you…
The Betty Crocker brand has the following ingredients…
sugar, water, palm oil, high maltose corn syrup, corn starch, cocoa processed with alkali, and less than 2% of: salt, distilled monoglycerides, polysorbate 60, sodium stearyl lactylate, sodium acid pyrophosphate, citric acid, natural and artificial flavor, potassium sorbate (to preserve freshness)
Even if my body could handle dairy, I’d still be making frostings at home.
Ingredients in this Frosting recipe
- Avocados – This is what gives the creamy, smooth texture (along with a bunch of health benefits). You can’t substitute the avocados here.
- Cocoa powder – Use 100% cocoa powder or cacao powder. I use them interchangeably here.
- Honey – Make this a vegan chocolate frosting by substituting the honey for maple syrup. You could probably use some sort of powdered coconut sugar, but I have only tested it with honey and maple syrup.
- Salt (optional, but highly encouraged) – The salt is kind of optional here. I like to add a little salt to make the flavors “pop” a little more.
I think it’s clear which frosting has the simpler ingredients, don’t you?
How To Make This Frosting Recipe
The only tool you really need is a food processor, stand mixer, or immersion blender to blend it all up. Add the ingredients and mix them with your preferred blending tool.
See? Couldn’t be simpler.
Blending tip:
If you’re using an immersion blender or stand mixer, put the cocoa powder in the bowl first, then honey, then avocados. That way you won’t get a giant puff of cocoa when you turn on the blender (or mixer). Trust me on this one.
Recipe Tips & FAQ
You’ll typically see margarine, shortening, or a dairy-free butter in recipes for dairy free chocolate frosting. This recipe uses avocados, which may sound strange, but it works so incredibly well here!
It doesn’t! The cocoa, honey, and pinch of salt covers up any avocado taste.
This avocado chocolate frosting will keep well for about 3-5 days in a mason jar in the fridge. If you’re making it for a party, feel free to make it ahead of time.
I have had success freezing it, and haven’t noticed any off-flavors or textures after defrosting it. Just set it in the fridge overnight before you’re going to want to use it.
Absolutely. I’ve made some great looking cakes with this frosting and my piping bags. If the frosting isn’t holding its peaks well, add a tablespoon of cocoa powder at a time until you get the consistency you need.
How to use this frosting
First, you’re going to need a cake or cupcakes to frost. If you’re looking for a moist dark chocolate cake that’s gluten and grain free, here’s a delicious Paleo chocolate cake recipe that’s become my go-to.
You can use piping tips, or use your offset spatula to make designs in the frosting.
However you decide to decorate it, I know your guests are going to love every bite of it.
Paleo Chocolate Frosting Without Butter
Make this chocolate frosting without butter today! This frosting is smooth and creamy, and you can pipe with it, too!
Ingredients
- 2 ripe large Hass avocados
- 1/2 cup honey (or maple syrup)
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions
- Using your food processor, stand mixer, or immersion blender, blend the avocados, cocoa powder, and sweetener until smooth.
- Use the frosting to frost the cake (between each layer and on top).
- Eat right away or store in fridge for 2-3 days.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 16 Serving Size: 2 TbspAmount Per Serving: Calories: 83Total Fat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 10mgCarbohydrates: 12gFiber: 2gSugar: 9gProtein: 1g
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This is so good! A half batch works great for a dozen cupcakes!
Jill, thanks for the tip about frosting cupcakes! Sounds amazing 🙂
Tried this on top of my brownies and it was delicious! I am already obsessed with avocados and loved the idea of making them into a dessert! Would have never thought of this!
Heather, I’m so glad you enjoyed it. I haven’t tried it on brownies, but I think that’s a fantastic idea :).