Pair this super-creamy, yet dairy-free frosting with Lime Cupcakes (page 55), Piña Colada Cupcakes (page 51), or Vegan Chocolate Cupcakes (page 23).

　　

Ingredients

makes 2 cups

　　1/2 cup coconut milk

　　1/2 cup agave nectar

　　1 tablespoon arrowroot powder

　　1 tablespoon water

　　1 cup coconut oil, melted over very low heat

　　

Step 1

In a medium saucepan, bring the coconut milk and agave nectar to a boil over medium heat. Whisk the ingredients together, then decrease the heat and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, to reduce just slightly, stirring frequently.

　　

Step 2

In a small bowl, dissolve the arrowroot powder in water, stirring to make a slurry. Increase the heat under the saucepan to medium-high so the mixture is bubbling. Add the arrowroot slurry to the coconut mixture, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens and turns opaque and shiny, about 1 minute. Once the mixture becomes shiny, remove the pan from the heat and gradually blend in the coconut oil with a handheld mixer until well combined.

　　

Step 3

Allow to cool on the counter for 15 minutes. The mixture will not look like frosting yet—don’t worry; this is okay.

　　

Step 4

Chill the frosting in the refrigerator for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, until the frosting fully solidifies and looks opaque white in color. Remove from the refrigerator and whip with a handheld mixer until thick and fluffy. The frosting will be sticky looking and lumps will dissolve during whipping.

　　

Step 5

Use immediately or store in a glass Mason jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow the frosting to soften a bit after removing from the refrigerator. Stir with a flexible spatula until spreadable.

　　Cooks' Note

　　Sweetness: Medium

　　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.