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This Coconut Buttercream Frosting is super fluffy and can be made in just 5 minutes! It will add that tropical flare you are looking for to all your cakes and cupcakes! Just combine some simple ingredients like coconut milk, sugar, and butter, and you’ll be ready to frost in no time!
This rich coconut frosting is thick and fluffy, with a subtle sweetness that is perfect for topping all kinds of cakes and cupcakes. As a trained pastry chef I appreciate how quick this recipe is without sacrificing on flavor!
If you’re looking for even more coconut flavor, you can always add some shredded coconut to the frosting as well as a bit of coconut extract.
This is a super fun tropical icing that is great for the summer but can be used all year round. For summer time especially we also really love strawberry buttercream, raspberry buttercream, mascarpone frosting, and last but not least marshmallow buttercream for a smore’s theme!
WHY YOU SHOULD MAKE THIS RECIPE
- It’s ready in just 5 minutes!
- This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free.
- It’s a great way to use up any leftover coconut milk you may have from other recipes.
- Coconut buttercream frosting is a great way to top cakes, cupcakes, brownies, or even bakery-style cookies!
INGREDIENTS NEEDED
- Softened Butter – The butter needs to be softened to cream. If you forgot to take your butter out, learn how to soften butter quickly.
- Confectioners Sugar – This special sugar is milled fine so it mixes in easily with the rest of the ingredients while adding a sweet flavor.
- Coconut Milk – Adds richness, creaminess, and natural coconut flavor to the frosting.
- Coconut Extract – While optional, a bit of coconut flavored extract gives this frosting a bit more pronounced coconut flavor.
- Kosher Salt – Balances out the sweetness in the frosting and enhances the coconut flavor.
HOW TO MAKE COCONUT BUTTERCREAM FROSTING
Add the butter and sugar to the stand mixer: For best results, you’ll need to use a stand mixer or electric hand mixer. Fit the paddle attachment onto the stand mixer and add the butter and sugar.
Cream the butter and sugar: Using low speed, mix the butter and sugar then turn it to a medium speed as it emulsifiers. Continue mixing for one minute being sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula.
Add the coconut milk: To the mixture, add coconut milk and coconut extract (if using). Give it another mix on low speed for about two minutes or until the frosting is fluffy and thick. Use right away or store immediately.
TIPS FOR RECIPE SUCCESS
- For a stiffer buttercream, add more confectioners sugar until desired consistency is reached. For a thinner buttercream, add more coconut milk until desired consistency is reached.
- Always start the mixer on low speed before going higher. This will help prevent a sugar and butter mess on your counter!
- This recipe will frost 12 cupcakes or fill and frost a 2 layer 9 inch cake.
- Coconut milk can sometimes separate when sitting, so just give it a good stir before using.
- To get the best results, use full-fat coconut milk. This will give you a richer and creamier frosting. If you’re using coconut cream, you’ll only need 3 tablespoons.
- To make a lemon coconut frosting, add the zest of one lemon to the frosting mixture.
Decorating with this frosting
This coconut frosting is really great to fill and frost homemade cakes and cupcakes. There is no shredded coconut in this recipe but you can frost a cake with this frosting as is, then add shredded coconut on top of it for garnish!
To put shredded coconut on top of cake make sure to stick it on right after you frost with the buttercream so that it sticks. If you wait too long the buttercream will harden and the coconut will not stick.
You can add 1/2 cup shredded coconut to the recipe as long as you don’t plan on piping it with a small tip. The coconut can get stuck in the tip and wont let you pipe it out. If you want to pipe it, make sure to use a round big tip like an 804, or 806 tip. A star tip will get stuck!
STORAGE AND FREEZING
Storage: To store coconut buttercream, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you live in a warmer climate, store it in the refrigerator to make sure it doesn’t spoil.
Freezing: You can freeze coconut frosting for up to 3 months. Store it in an airtight container and thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before using it.
FAQ
Can I substitute coconut cream for the milk?
Yes but you will likely need less, probably about 3 tbsp. If the mixture is too thick add 2 tsp water to thin it out.
What is the difference between icing and buttercream?
Icing is made with sugar and water (sometimes milk) and it’s used as a thinner glaze on top of cakes or cookies. Buttercream is made with butter (or margarine), confectioners sugar, and milk (sometimes cream) and can be used as a thick frosting for decorating cakes or cupcakes.
Is milk or cream better for buttercream frosting?
It really depends on what you’re going for. Milk will give you a lighter and fluffier frosting while cream will give you a richer and thicker frosting. For this coconut frosting you can use coconut milk or coconut cream.
WAYS TO ENJOY
There are so many ways you can enjoy the flavor of sweet coconut on your favorite desserts! I sandwiched this icing in between thick and chewy lemon coconut cookies, and they were SO good!
Some other things you can do:
- Spread a layer on top of No Nut Banana Bread for a sweet breakfast treat.
- Pairs well with rich Vanilla Cupcakes with Oil.
- Use it to layer this beautiful Berry Chantilly Cake.
- Use on top of Mini Vanilla Cupcakes for a quick and easy dessert.
- Frost a 6 Inch Chocolate Cake for a chocolate coconut treat.
Fluffy 5 Minute Coconut Buttercream Frosting
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter softened, 226g
- 4 cups confectioners sugar 454g
- 4 ½ tbsp coconut milk
- ½ tsp coconut extract (optional)
- 1 pinch kosher salt
Instructions
- In the bowl of a hand or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment cream the 1 cup butter and 4 cups confectioners sugar on low speed moving up to medium as the sugar mixes in.
- Continue to mix on medium speed for 1 minute.
- Stop the mixer and scrape down the sides of the bowl.
- Add the 4 ½ tbsp coconut milk and pinch of salt. Mix on low again moving up to medium and whip for 2 minutes.
- Frost on your favorite cupcakes or between cookies!
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