Making a frosting without butter and powdered sugar is a bit of a feat; this vegan “buttercream” is worth the extra effort. If the texture is too soft, chill the frosting in the refrigerator for anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes to firm up.

　　

Ingredients

makes 1 3/4 cups

　　1/2 cup Spectrum all-vegetable shortening

　　1/2 cup Earth Balance Natural Buttery Spread (soy free)

　　Pinch of sea salt

　　3/4 cup agave nectar

　　1 tablespoon vanilla extract

　　

Step 1

In a large bowl, blend together the shortening and buttery spread with a handheld mixer until creamy. Mix in the salt, agave nectar, and vanilla extract, whipping until smooth.

　　

Step 2

Refrigerate the frosting for 2 hours, or until firm. Remove the frosting from the refrigerator. If the frosting is too stiff to spread, place the bowl over a pan of warm water very briefly and whip the frosting until it has the desired consistency. Frost your cupcakes immediately, then place the frosted cupcakes in the refrigerator to keep the consistency of the frosting firm until serving.

　　

Step 3

You can also store the buttercream in a glass Mason jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you remove it from the refrigerator, follow the above instructions. If the frosting separates, simply whip it together with a handheld mixer until it is creamy again.

　　Cooks' Note

　　Sweetness: High

　　Reprinted with permission from Gluten-Free Cupcakes: 50 Irresistible Recipes Made with Almond and Coconut Flour. Copyright © 2011 by Elana Amsterdam, Celestial Arts, an imprint of Ten Speed Press, a division of the Crown Publishing Group, Berkeley, CA. Photo Credit: Annabelle Breakey.ELANA AMSTERDAM is the popular food blogger of Elana's Pantry, where she has written about gluten-free cooking since 2006, and is also the author of The Gluten-Free Almond Flour Cookbook. When she and her son were both diagnosed with celiac disease, she was inspired to develop gluten-free recipes that everyone can enjoy. Her writing has appeared in publications including the Denver Post, Shape Magazine, the Boulder Daily Camera, Delicious Living, Delight Magazine, and Elephant. Elana lives with her family in Boulder, Colorado, and is available for interviews. Visit www.elanaspantry.com.