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Home » Recipes » Courses » Desserts » Frosting and Icing Recipes

Chocolate Frosting (without butter)

Published: Dec 28, 2019 by Terri Gilson · Modified: Feb 9, 2022 · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links · 16 Comments

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birthday cake with no butter chocolate frosting pin
Collage of 2 photos-a birthday cake with chocolate frosting on top and a pastry bag with chocolate frosting on the bottom
Chocolate frosting in pastry bag with partially decorated cake in the background

When I was a kid, we'd often get a Safeway birthday cake for our birthday and I couldn't have been happier. For some reason, I just didn't like most homemade icing and at the time,  I didn't really know why.

Chocolate frosting in pastry bag on parchment paper with line of frosting on top

Then I realized it was the butter! The frosting that grocery store bakeries used to ice their cakes did not contain butter and that’s why I preferred them over homemade buttercream. And this Chocolate Frosting (without butter) uses shortening (Crisco) instead of butter, so it tastes like grocery store icing. It is easy to make, light and tasty. It does not need to be refrigerated and is shelf-safe for days.

Crisco frosting

Crisco based frostings also crust better than butter based, so they are superior for decorating. And because butter has a lower melting point than shortening, Crisco-based icings hold up better in warm weather. But the best part is that you don't have to keep Crisco frosting in the fridge! But cakes should NOT be refrigerated anyway.

Chocolate frosting in pastry bag with partially decorated cake in the background

Frosting without Butter

This Frosting recipe without butter is easy, light, tasty and perfect for decorating. It does not need to be refrigerated and is shelf-safe for days. It can also sit in the heat for hours so it's great for parties, weddings and outdoor events!

And this is good news because the fridge is NOT a cake's friend! Many people do not realize this, but unless you have a perishable filling or butter in your icing, you should avoid putting cake in the fridge! The fridge is not a cake's friend - it only serves to dry your cake out. You are better off freezing your cake if you don't need it for a few days, rather than leaving it in the fridge.  That's another reason I prefer icing without butter. You can also freeze fully iced cakes with this frosting. But just be sure to put it in a sealed cake container. And if you need it frozen for more than a few days, wrap it in 2 garbage bags and push the air out.

Chocolate frosting in pastry bag with partially decorated cake in the background

Shortening Icing

Okay, so you've heard me say it before, but I wholeheartedly believe that butter belongs IN the cake and has absolutely no business in the frosting. Butter just makes frosting way too rich, while shortening frosting is so much lighter and tastier! If you love shortening based icing, you'll also love my 2 Ingredient White Chocolate Whipped Cream Frosting (Ganache), Strawberry Whipped Cream Frosting (with jam) and Whipped Cream Buttercream Frosting made with shortening. It takes a little more time than this one, but it's also a little less sweet, light and delicious! AND you can make it chocolate as well.

Frosted cupcake with pearl sprinkles, spatula and decorating tip in foreground with orange bowl of frosting and small bowl pearl sprinkles in background

Dream Whip Recipes

This chocolate frosting recipe uses Dream Whip powdered dessert frosting. And when you put Dream Whip into recipes, it makes them smooth and creamy. I also use Dream Whip in my Black Forest Biscotti and my Slightly Skinny Strawberry Blondie Bars.

Chocolate Frosting with cocoa

Happy birthday cake decorated with chocolate frosting without butter

This chocolate frosting calls for cocoa, so it's easy to make, quick, less fussy than messing with melted chocolate and great for decorating birthday cakes and cupcakes! So, if you're looking for a great chocolate frosting that you don't have to worry about refrigerating and can make in a few minutes, then try this Chocolate Frosting (no butter)!

And if you're not an experienced decorator, check out the simple decorating technique videos in the NOTES!

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Happy birthday cake decorated with chocolate frosting without butter
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Chocolate Frosting (without butter)

This Chocolate Frosting (without butter) uses shortening instead of butter. It is easy, light, tasty and perfect for decorating. It does not need to be refrigerated and is shelf-safe for days. It can also sit in the heat for hours so it's great for parties, weddings and outdoor events!

5 from 5 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: buttercream, chocolate, crisco, icing
Servings: 36 servings
Calories: 149kcal
Author: Terri Gilson
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Prevent your screen from going dark

Equipment

mixer

Ingredients

  • 1-⅓ cups Cricso or another brand of vegetable shortening
  • 5.5 cups powdered sugar/icing sugar
  • 3 tablespoon Dream Whip powder *or substitute another powdered whipped dessert topping
  • 1.5 cup cocoa
  • ⅓ cup milk add a little more or less, depending on consistency needed
  • 2 tablespoon vanilla depending on your personal taste
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Add the shortening to the mixer and mix for a couple of minutes, then gradually add the powdered sugar, Dream whip, cocoa and blend together until smooth.
  • Add the vanilla, then add the milk until you get the right consistency. *I find that ⅓ cup is just right, but you may need a little more or less.

Notes

*NOTE: I use the Wilton Spatula Method for smoothing my cakes  (VIDEO HERE -first method shown)* But I take it a step further and after I've smoothed it with the method in the video, I heat my spatula in boiling water, wipe it off with a clean tea towel, smooth, remove excess icing by scraping it into a bowl, then wipe with a paper towel. Then I keep repeating until I reach desired smoothness.
**NOTE: If you have never piped a simple shell border, then check out this VIDEO. 
My Amazon Recommendations (affiliate links)

 
Nutrition Facts
Chocolate Frosting (without butter)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 149 Calories from Fat 36
% Daily Value*
Fat 4g6%
Saturated Fat 1g6%
Cholesterol 1mg0%
Sodium 3mg0%
Potassium 88mg3%
Carbohydrates 31g10%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 27g30%
Protein 1g2%
Vitamin A 6IU0%
Calcium 11mg1%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Nutrition

Calories: 149kcal (7%) | Carbohydrates: 31g (10%) | Protein: 1g (2%) | Fat: 4g (6%) | Saturated Fat: 1g (6%) | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 3mg | Potassium: 88mg (3%) | Fiber: 2g (8%) | Sugar: 27g (30%) | Vitamin A: 6IU | Calcium: 11mg (1%) | Iron: 1mg (6%)
Did you make this recipe? Please leave a star rating and review below!
Rate this Recipe

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Krissy Allori

    January 20, 2020 at 8:23 pm

    I love this kind of frosting. I'm keeping this recipe for sure. Thank you so much!

    Reply
    • Terri Gilson

      January 20, 2020 at 8:26 pm

      Hope you enjoy it, Krissy!

      Reply
  2. Erika

    January 20, 2020 at 9:32 pm

    This frosting looks so good! I can't wait to try it out.

    Reply
    • Terri Gilson

      January 21, 2020 at 7:58 pm

      Thanks, Erika - enjoy!

      Reply
  3. Colleen http://www.thefoodblog.net Milne

    January 20, 2020 at 9:35 pm

    Not being a regular baker, I had no idea that butter was not good for frosting a cake. I learned a lot from this post, Terri. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Terri Gilson

      January 21, 2020 at 7:58 pm

      That's great, Colleen! I'm glad it was helpful - cheers!

      Reply
    • Terri Gilson

      January 26, 2020 at 8:31 pm

      Thanks, Colleen! I'm glad I could share some new info! 🙂

      Reply
  4. Kelley

    January 20, 2020 at 10:12 pm

    Interesting recipe! I can't wait to try this version of chocolate frosting!

    Reply
    • Terri Gilson

      January 21, 2020 at 7:57 pm

      I hope you enjoy it, Kelley!

      Reply
  5. Veena Azmanov

    January 20, 2020 at 11:06 pm

    Lovely recipe for quick, easy and Budget friendly frosting. Have to surely check on trying this frosting next.

    Reply
  6. Talia Greene

    March 11, 2020 at 3:31 pm

    Can this be made a day in advance and refrigerated? I do not have powdered whipped where I am so I use coconut cream and it's wonderful.... I'm doing a trial to see how to holds up but pretty descent so far.

    Reply
    • Terri Gilson

      March 11, 2020 at 7:01 pm

      Hi Talia,
      This doesn't need to be refrigerated with powdered whip but if you're using coconut cream it would. But you could definitely make it ahead and refrigerate. I would just take it out at least an hour before frosting to make sure it's soft and pliable enough. I'd love to hear how it turns out! Terri

      Reply
  7. Jess

    March 26, 2020 at 6:54 pm

    I don't have powdered whip and we are now in self isolation due to COVID-19. Can I just omit it?

    Reply
    • Terri Gilson

      March 27, 2020 at 5:39 am

      Hi Jess,
      You could try! I've never made it without so I'm not sure how it would change it. Let me know how it turns out!

      Reply
  8. Darcy

    April 18, 2020 at 8:49 am

    The recipe has milk in it...does it not get sour after sitting on the shelf for days?

    Reply
    • Terri Gilson

      April 18, 2020 at 6:01 pm

      Hi Darcy,
      In my experience, no it's been fine for 3-4 days.

      Reply

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I'm Terri, a passionate home cook and baker, an award-winning recipe developer and a busy working mom that is trying to eat healthy and fit everything into not enough hours in a day! My mission is to share not only my recipes, cooking hacks and tips with you, but also my secrets to successful weight maintenance.

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