Vegan Cashew Vanilla Icing (No Powdered Sugar, No Butter)

Close up on a bowl of vegan vanilla frosting with a few raw cashews on the side.

5 from 5 votes

Vegan Cashew Vanilla Icing (No Powdered Sugar, No Butter)

This vegan icing recipe is made using cashews and does not include any butter, oil or powdered sugar. It makes for a pourable icing that's thick, rich in vanilla flavor and healthier too. Use over cupcakes, cookies or spread over loaves. Fully dairy-free and naturally gluten-free.

Prep Time10

Cashew soaking time8

Total Time8 10

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: dairy-free, healthy frosting, icing, Vegan

Servings: servings

Calories: 136kcal

Author: Jessica Laroche

Equipment

Blender (ideally high-speed)

Ingredients

1 ½ cups raw cashews, unsalted and unroasted soaked overnight, then drained. See notes
¼ cup maple syrup or agave nectar
½ cup vegan plain milk
1 tsp vanilla extract can also use a scraped vanilla bean

Instructions

In a blender, combine the soaked and drained cashews, maple syrup, plant milk and vanilla extract. Blend on high for at least a minute taking a few breaks to scrape the walls as needed. The icing is ready when super smooth, shiny and without any pieces of cashews visible.
Use over loaves, cookies, cupcakes or use as a dip for fruits.

Video

Notes

The whole process of blending the cashews will make the glaze warmer and more pourable. I thinks it is perfect when you actually want to pour over baked goods. If you want a thicker frosting, then let it completely cool down first in the fridge. That way, it would be more spreadable like a thicker cream for cakes and cupcakes.
Store in the fridge in an air-tight container for up to 5-7 days.
Don't skip on soaking the cashews, it is essential to get a texture that's super smooth.
I expect the result to be better when using high-speed blender. If you don't have one, then be sure to properly soak your cashews an also, you might need to blend a little longer.
Nutrition: please note that the nutritional information is an estimate per serving provided for informational purposes only (calculated by software) and accuracy is not guaranteed. Consult with your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian if you need precise nutrition calculations for health reasons.

Nutrition