I love this simple recipe for vanilla-flavored yogurt frosting. It has a low-carb, no-sugar option that uses stevia or a powdered sweetener.
Making it takes just minutes, but you'll need to strain the yogurt for two hours before using it in this recipe.
![A cupcake topped with yogurt frosting is served on a plate.](https://healthyrecipesblogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/yogurt-frosting-1.jpg)
I love my keto cream cheese frosting and use it often. But I also love Greek yogurt, so I was curious to know if I could use it as icing. It took some trial and error, but the answer is a resounding YES!
Thick, creamy, and delicious, this yogurt frosting is a great alternative to recipes made with butter or cream cheese. The recipe below makes about 2 cups, which should be enough to frost a single-layer cake or 12 cupcakes. You can easily double it if you need more.
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Ingredients
You'll only need three simple ingredients to make this frosting. The exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below. Here's an overview of what you'll need:
- Greek yogurt: For the best results, use plain full-fat yogurt, and make sure it's Greek. Regular yogurt will be too runny for this recipe.
- Vanilla extract: Choose a high-quality pure vanilla extract. It makes a difference in such a simple recipe.
- Sweetener: Your choice! You can use powdered sugar, a sugar-free powdered sweetener, or stevia. I usually use stevia.
Variations
For a low-carb version of this recipe, replace the powdered sugar with a sugar-free powdered sweetener. Unlike regular powdered sugar, it won't contain cornstarch, so the frosting won't be as thick.
Another alternative is to use stevia glycerite, as I do in the video below. When using stevia, I like to add two tablespoons of coconut flour to the frosting. This helps thicken it and make it more durable. But don't add more than two tablespoons, or the frosting will become grainy (speaking from experience).
In addition to making a low-carb version, another variation is to use a different flavor extract instead of vanilla. If you like coconut, for example, you could use coconut extract. If using any flavor extract other than vanilla, I recommend using just one teaspoon.
Instructions
Making this yogurt frosting is easy! Scroll down to the recipe card for detailed instructions. Here are the basic steps:
Strain the yogurt for at least two hours, and preferably overnight. This is an annoying step, but you really shouldn't skip it, or the frosting will be too liquid.
Using an electric hand mixer set on medium speed, beat together the strained yogurt, vanilla, and sweetener until the frosting thickens. You can also whisk it by hand if you prefer.
Refrigerate the frosting while you bake your cake or cupcakes. This will allow the frosting to further thicken and stabilize. Pipe the frosting onto the cupcakes and serve.
Expert Tip
This is not a last-minute type of recipe, because straining the yogurt is a must in order to achieve a thick enough consistency.
Greek yogurt has already been strained and is much thicker than "regular" yogurt. But to use it as frosting, we need to get rid of even the small amount of whey it still contains.
Once we do, whipping it with powdered sugar (or stevia and coconut flour) and then chilling it, allows it to thicken enough to be used as frosting.
Recipe FAQs
No. It's very important to use Greek yogurt, which has been strained, and then strain it further at home. The only acceptable alternative to Greek yogurt is skyr.
I don't recommend using a granulated sweetener. This will result in a grainy texture. It's best to use a powdered sweetener in this recipe.
Yes. It's definitely softer than your typical buttercream or cream cheese frosting. But if you follow the steps listed below in the recipe card, it will hold its shape once piped onto cupcakes - and it is delicious.Â
Serving Suggestions
I use this frosting in cakes and cupcakes. I sometimes use it to frost these keto chocolate cupcakes instead of using peanut butter frosting. It's a very tasty combination! It's also very good with this almond flour cake.
You can top the frosting with berries if you wish, or scatter a few mini chocolate chips on top.
Storing Leftovers
I don't recommend storing leftovers of this frosting or making it ahead of time. You should use it right away for cakes or cupcakes that would be enjoyed within an hour or so.
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Recipe Card
Greek Yogurt Frosting
Ingredients
- 2 cups plain Greek yogurt I use Fage 5%
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar or 1 cup of a sugar-free powdered sweetener, or 1 tablespoon of stevia glycerite
- 2 tablespoons coconut flour only if using stevia
Instructions
- Place a fine-mesh strainer over a small bowl. Place the yogurt in the strainer. Wrap the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge to drain for at least two hours, and preferably overnight. This step is important. Otherwise, the yogurt will be too liquid to make a proper frosting.
- Using an electric hand mixer set on medium speed or a hand whisk, beat together the strained yogurt, vanilla, and sweetener (and coconut flour if using) until the frosting thickens, about 2 minutes. Cover the frosting and place it in the fridge for 30-60 minutes while you bake and cool your cake or cupcakes.
- To frost your cupcakes, wait until they are completely cool. Then, fill a quart-size Ziploc bag with the frosting, snip the corner, and use it to pipe frosting onto the cupcakes. You can also use a spatula or a spoon to spread the frosting on the cupcakes.
Video
Notes
Nutrition per Serving
Disclaimers
Cup measurements refer to the standard American cup, which is 240 milliliters. Most of my recipes are low-carb (or keto) and gluten-free, but some are not. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Recommended and linked products are not guaranteed to be gluten-free. Nutrition info is approximate, and the carb count excludes non-nutritive sweeteners. Nutrition info may contain errors, so please verify it independently. Recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them. Please read these Terms of Use carefully before using any of my recipes.
Aziza
Hi, looking forward to making this! Does the two cups of yogurt refer to 2 cups pre-drained or post-drained. Thank you!
Vered DeLeeuw
Hi Aziza,
That's two cups of pre-drained yogurt.
I hope you like it!
Deb
I’ve used this frosting as topping for a single layer cake. Do you think it is solid enough to fill and frost a two-layer cake?
P.S. I added a teaspoon of orange peel. It’s comparable to creme fraiche!
Vered DeLeeuw
Hi Deb,
I think so, but I haven't tested it. I love the idea of adding orange peel!
Caitlin
Can you use real maple syrup instead of the vanilla extract?
Vered DeLeeuw
Hi Caitlin,
Yes, you can use 2 teaspoons of real maple syrup instead of vanilla extract.
Pat
Great recipe. Easy Peasy. That’s my kind. Tastes delicious. Thanks!
Vered DeLeeuw
Glad you enjoyed this recipe, Pat! Thanks for the comment.
Pierre
Hello,
From what I have read it looks like this is a frosting to be used and eaten right away. I was thinking of using it to frost cupcakes to be eaten over a few days.
Will the frosting hold ? Also will it hold in hot weather ?
Vered DeLeeuw
Hi Pierre,
You should use this frosting for cakes or cupcakes that would be enjoyed within an hour or so. I don't recommend keeping it out of the fridge in hot weather. If you need sturdier frosting, cream cheese frosting is a better option, although it won't last in hot weather either. The sturdiest frosting is buttercream frosting - there are plenty of recipes on the internet if you'd like to make that.
Eileen
Love your recipe for frosting! Could I use date sugar?
Thanks
Vered DeLeeuw
Thanks, Eileen. I don't believe date sugar would work. You need to use powdered sugar in this recipe. A coarser sugar would feel grainy.